Health and Safety

The Junior Wildcats Tackle Football program at USM utilizes the same safety precautions established by USM's varsity head football coach Brian Sommers in 2011. Since then, Sommers and his assistant coaches have been teaching players rugby-style tackling.

What is Rugby-Style Tackling?

This specific form of tackling, modeled after rugby players, involves leading with the shoulder instead of the hand. Players are taught to aim for a specific spot on their opponent's hip using their shoulders. The player's head goes behind their opponent's body, and their shoulder goes on their opponent's hip. Shoulders are much more durable to take the force of the tackle, and they can be strengthened through weight training.

Since Sommers has adopted this style of tackling for football at USM, recorded concussions have plummeted to less than one per year. Sommers and his assistant coaches are often invited to present to other area coaches about the drills they use and how they promote safety.

Football players practice their tackling technique in a safe setting with extra padding and a coach providing feedback.

On-Site Athletic Trainer

The Jr. Wildcats football program prioritizes player safety by providing an on-site athletic trainer at every practice and game. Having a dedicated professional available ensures that injuries are promptly evaluated, proper care is administered, and players can receive guidance on safe warm-ups, conditioning, and recovery techniques. This commitment to immediate medical support not only helps prevent serious injuries but also gives families peace of mind, knowing their young athletes are protected while they learn, grow, and enjoy the game.

Other Safety Precautions

In addition to safe tackling and an on-site athletic trainer, the Jr. Wildcats program takes the following steps to increase player safety:

  • Guardian Caps: All players are issued a Guardian Cap, which will be worn for all practices and games.
  • Equipment Certification: Each offseason, all helmets are reconditioned and recertified to ensure player safety.
  • Turf Field: Jr. Wildcats practice and play home games on state-of-the-art turf fields, ensuring a consistent, safe, and durable playing surface.
  • First Aid and CPR: All Jr. Wildcat coaches are first aid and CPR certified.
  • Allergy Aware: USM is an allergy-aware, nut-free campus.