To say youth football organizations across the nation would practically be self-sufficient if they received a quarter for every inquiry as to why a certain offense or defense is being used really isn't such a 'tongue-in-cheek' observation. Parents, new coaches, and even long-time organization members often focus on style rather than substance.

Base Organization Success on Fundamentals

Whether your child's team is running the Flexbone or the Spread offense may seem the priority discussion in the stands, but the real youth football focus is for coaches to be teaching sound fundamentals.

Once learned, proper tackling, blocking, passing, receiving, and ball carrying techniques are transferable to any type of offense or defense.

Keep Children Interested

A child signs up to play football because of an initial interest in the sport. Youth football organizations should never forget this. Organizations are in place to provide a safe learning environment for the young football player, with a continued focus on fundamentals and providing ways to increase player interest in the game. Successful organizations, and the coaches, are able to accomplish this task. Maintaining an organizational philosophy of simplifying all aspects of football as much as possible also lends to success.

Research Youth Football Program

1. Choosing the right football organization is a parental priority.
2. Look into league rules. Some leagues have adopted minimum-play regulations to assure each player participates in each game.
3. See what the qualifications are required of an organization's coaches (criminal background check, e.g.).

1. Seek input from the parents of players whom have participated in the football program.