RAISE THE BAR

REQUIREMENTS FOR RECOGNITION

Adopting these standards will set your league on a path to be recognized and celebrated for making a difference for athletes and their families.

ENROLL VIEW BENEFITS

Organizations have until September 15 of the current year to satisfy the requirements outlined in the levels. Benefit packages will be available for 6 months after the organization's achievement date.

Leagues will unlock their benefit package when their subsidiary organizations independently satisfy the identified standards and requirements.

DIG INTO THE DETAILS

As you explore the League Excellence Program to understand what is asked of your organization, you'll want to review the full verification requirements document. It includes details on criteria for all levels, including:

100% of Coaches Certified
Concussion Return to Play Protocol
Satisfy Insurance Requirements
Emergency Action Plan

View Full Requirements

Examples and more information for certain requirements can be found below.

COACH BACKGROUND CHECKS

Background checks are a critical part to running a quality league. Through our preferred background check screening partners, you'll receive best-in-class screenings that also satisfies the requirement in the League Excellence Program.

Both of our preferred background check partners, PeopleTrail and the National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI), are able to deliver a compliant check at a very attractive price point (as low as $10 per coach per year for a 2-year check).

Review the requirements to make sure you're meeting the standards for the minimum criteria and search components.

View Requirements

LEVELS OF CONTACT

Levels of Contact allows coaches to plan effective practices through a step-by-step approach to teaching the fundamentals — so players can build skills and gain confidence in limited full contact environments.

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GAME TYPE OFFERING

The Football Development Model teaches the game through a progression of skills and game types. Implementing the multiple game types and a full progression illustrates your dedication to providing options to athletes and their families, while also focusing on development and reduction of contact.

Learn more about the different Game Types and Game Categories, including why we believe it's important to offer many paths to play.

View Game Type Requirements

PRACTICE GUIDELINES

USA Football is committed to advancing player safety to protect the health and well-being of every child. The purpose of practice guidelines is to provide youth football organizations with recommendations for consistent methods designed to limit the chance for injury during structured practice sessions.

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PRACTICE PLANS

Beyond practice guidelines, using USA Football's practice plans illustrates your organization's further commitment to the proper instruction and development of athletes. Coaches can access these plans after purchasing certification, with the option of using USA Football’s new Coach Planner app, coming to iOS and Android devices soon.

View Practice Plan Example

SKILL ASSESSMENTS

Assessments are used by coaches to better understand an athlete's physical aptitude, choose appropriate drills, and track how a player is progressing. When young players are taught the right skills at the right time it makes the game fun and fulfilling, which means they are also more like to stay with football over the years.

View Skill Assessment

These assessments are also available to coaches as part of the Player Progression Guide.

PLAYER PROGRESSION GUIDE & CONTACT MANUAL

USA Football’s Player Progression Guide and Contact Manual provide step-by-step approaches to technical skills like Passing, including drill glossaries.

Coaches will also learn how to teach the new Prep for Contact curriculum, designed to help you get your athletes ready for player-to-ground or player-to-player contact.

Learn More About Coach Certification