A glimpse behind the football curtain

Football is a complex sport. The better you understand the complexities, the deeper your appreciation for the game. And when your child is playing in a rough sport, concerns over safety also come into play.

The mothers of Sisters Outlaws football athletes got a good hard look at the workings of the game last month in The Outlaw Ladies Football Clinic, inspired by Lynne Fendall, the wife of Outlaws Head Coach Neil Fendall.

"I have been married to a high school/collegiate coach for nearly 17 years and recognize that as a woman, I have an above-average understanding of the game and therefore a great appreciation for the sport," Fendall told The Nugget. "Football is much more enjoyable when you understand what's going on, and we wanted to offer this to moms of players and anyone who simply wanted to learn about the game."

The event included a bit of history on the game; a Football 101 session with Coach Fendall; a series of drills led by Outlaws football players; and a session on concussions with Sisters neurologist Bob Collins (see story, page 19). The Bend Rugby Club provided a demonstration of refined tackling technique, which is being used to minimize the risk of injury.

The participants then got to put their newfound understanding into practice on the field.

"We divided into two teams for a flag football game where football players coached us in a jamboree-style scrimmage where each team had 10 plays on offense and defense," Lynne Fendall said. "Overall, it was received very well, there were a lot of laughs, no injuries to report and left everyone with real good sense of community."

Reactions for participants indicated that the clinic hit the mark.

"What a great idea this clinic was!" said Mary Morgan, whose son Ethan is a running back for the Outlaws. "I learned more about the game and have a new appreciation for those you play. My favorite part, however, was interacting with the young men who were trying to 'coach' the moms during our scrimmage. I think we were their entertainment for the event!"

Jillian Frankl, who is the mother of an eighth-grade footballer said, "The agenda was filled with fun activities and informative speakers, including great information on concussions from Doctor Bob and wonderful demonstrations from the Bend Rugby Team and the high school football players themselves. The event gave moms the opportunity to learn more while becoming a closer-knit community of football fans for their Outlaw players."