YPF continually seeks coaches who understand the principals of football and possess experience teaching basic physical skills to young players. Participation by all players is part of YPF's philosophy, so coaches must be able to make each player feel he or she is an important part of the team.

In addition, our coaches must adhere to NFL Flag guidelines; that is, no verbal or physical abuse of players, and no extensive practices, Finally, our coaches are an integral part of our program. To this end, every coach is asked to support our efforts by officiating games.

To confirm your interest in coaching, email the following information to us at admin@youthproflag.com:

• First & Last Name
• Complete Mailing Address
• Home Phone
• Work Phone
• Mobile Phone
• Email Address
• Program Level: 6-8, 9-11, or 12-14
• Provide a summary of your previous coaching experience.
• Provide a brief statement detailing why you want to coach.

General Youth Coaching Principles

Coaching is an extremely important responsibility. A good coach always places the best interests of a player before winning.

The players and their parents have placed you in a position of leadership, and you have a responsibility to give them your best effort. Additionally, this football experience will play a significant factor in determining whether the players continue participating in football in the future.

Coaching youth sports is a difficult job because parents expect professional results from people who mostly are volunteers. High school, college, and pro coaches start as assistants and work their way up through years of intense professional training.

If you follow the coaching guidelines and general principles below, the players and their parents will be better served.

Ten Coaching Guidelines

1. A coach should be enthusiastic without being intimidating. He or she should be sensitive to the children's feelings and genuinely enjoy spending time with them. He or she should be dedicated to serving children and understand that football provides physical and emotional growth for its participants. Remember, NFL Flag is for the children.

2. A coach needs to realize that he or she is a teacher, not a drill sergeant. He or she should help children learn and work to improve their skills. Personal gains are never a consideration. The job does not depend on winning. The best interest of the child transforms into the best interests of the game.

3. The safety and welfare of the children never can be compromised. A coach will consider these factors above all others.

4. A coach needs a tremendous amount of patience. Don't push children beyond limits in regards to practice. Children have many daily pressures and the football experience should not be one of them. Playing football is supposed to be fun.

5. A coach should care more about the players as people than as athletes. The youth football program is a means to an end, not an end to itself.

6. A coach should encourage his players to dream and set lofty goals. It is important to remain positive and refrain from discouraging remarks. Negative comments are remembered far more often than positive affirmations.

7. A coach needs to remember that the rules of the game are designed to protect the participants, as well as to set a standard for competition. He or she never should circumvent or take advantage of the rules by teaching deliberate misconduct. A coach who puts his or her opponents' team at risk should not be involved with children.

8. A coach should be the first person to demonstrate good sportsmanship. He or she should take a low profile during the game and allow the kids to be the center of attention.

9. Parents and players place a lot of trust and confidence in the coach. The coach has an important role in molding the athletic experience of the child.

10. A coach can measure success by the respect he gets from his or her players, regardless of victories or defeats. Children who mature socially and physically while participating in sports are the best indication of good coaching.

Coaching tips are offered by Jerry Horowitz, retired head football coach at John F. Kennedy High School in the Bronx, New York. Horowitz guided John F. Kennedy High to the 1984, 1991, 1994, 1996, and 2000 New York City High School Football Championship. In 1984, 1996, and 2000 John F. Kennedy High won the New York State High School Football Championship.