Thank you, SSFL Business Associates: Wilson Sports - Josten's Ring Co - Midwest Trophy Cafe Press - Orlando Centroplex - Quick Tick - Football America - VSM.NET - T Shirt Express Office City - Global Sports - Katy Insurance Agencey - Crown Awards - All Sports Photography City of Orlando City ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE SOUTHERN STATES FOOTBALL LEAGUE Professional Minor League Football P ** "One of America's Premier Leagues" Our 10th Consecutive Season Begins TAMPA BAY - REGULATORS / SARASOTA - MILLIONAIRES - ORLANDO - PUNISHERS / ST. PETERSBURG - SHARKS / TAMPA - PIRANHAS / NORTH PORT - SEMINOLES / JACKSONVILLE - RUSH / KEY WEST - PIRATES / TAMPA - COMETS - DELAND / WEST VOLUSIA BULLS - JACKSONVILLE - NORTH FLORIDA HURRICANES New Teams are invited up until September SSFL Games Begin February 2010
**************************************************************************** *PorPortrait Paintings of Players Now Available for Order - Scroll Down for Details ******* 7070 Items Available With Your Team Logo Log On to: www.cafepress.com/ssflfootball - For Easy Ordering at Reasonable Prices ******* Photographs by Don Montague - All Sports Photography **************************************************************************t
Summer SSFL Meeting, Sun. Aug. 2 Our meetings are informative and instructional for the sole purpose of insuring everyone is familiar with and prepared for the upcoming season. Professional run football organizations first must be organized with full knowledge of policies, procedures standards and rules. The SSFL web site is by far the most comprehensive and information friendly of most league.The menu bar provides information on a myriad of subjects. MOST ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS can be found on the web site.
The SSFL limits meetings during the year to three - Summer, Fall and Pre Season. Special meetings may be called on specific matters upon request of membership or in conjunction with special events such as Bowl Games, Championships, Jamborees etc. The Summer and Fall meetings are open to all team owners, coaches and staffs. Non league team representatives are welcome if they simply wish to explore the opportunities of the SSFL. Most teams , are practicing or having tryouts on Saturdays and to that end, the Summer meeting is scheduled for Sunday, August 2nd with a luncheon (12 Noon) followed by the meeting (1 PM) ending no later that 4 PM. By having the time as mentioned, there is time for an early church service leaving ample time for travel. By starting with the luncheon, late arrivals will not miss the meeting if they get delayed in transit. The luncheon is paid for by the SSFL and reservations are required for planning purpose. Hotel accommodations are being offered by Supervisor of SSFL Officials, John Walters, in his role as Manager of the Holiday Inn Express at a reduced price of $69.95. The rate includes from 1-4 persons in a room and a hot breakfast buffet each morning from 6:30 to 9:30 AM. Call John at his personal Number at 813-928-8441 and he will personally handle your reservation.
12 NOON Luncheon & 1 PM Meeting Ozzies Restaurant, 3074 College Ave. East (State Rd. 674) - 813-641-1300 Accomodations if needed: Hotel: Holiday Inn Express, 3113 College Ave. East, Ruskin Fl, 33570 - Front Desk - 813-641-3437 Directions: Restaurant and Hotel are across the street from each other. Coming South - Exit #240 B - 3074 College Ave. (Luncheon & Meeting) Coming North - Exit #240, - 3113 College Ave. (Hotel Accomodations) Meeting Locations: Summer Meeting: Ruskin, Fl, 30 minutes south of Tampa and 30 minutes north of Bradenton Fall Meeting: October, Orlando, Fl Pre Season Meeting - January, Site of National Bowl Weekend - City To Be Announced Owners, Coaches, Staffs and Players are encouraged to contact Commissioner Rice at their earliest with any suggestions, proposals or changes they wish considered for the 2010 season. After the meeting, the Commissioner will be available along with select owners and coaches to answer and advise on specific subjects. All members are encouraged to wear team shirts for photos for the web site and publications. Any questions, call Dave Rice at 239-250-2175 or email at: commissionerssfl@aol.com.
Benefits of Membership* The Focus is on players and teams in the SSFL. Promotion of individulal players who exhibit exceptional athletic ability and teams who win with class, are distinguished on the SSFL web site and to national football organizations, college programs and professional teams. Past success in efforts to promote players, coaches and officials is well documented. * No membership applications fee for new teams. * The only Minor League Championship played in a nationally known venue...the Florida Citrus Bowl. Amenities: U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard, 7 NFL trained SSFL officials on the field, 2 SSFL officials as game clock operator and recorder, SSFL officials as chain crew, professional game announcer, half time awards presentations to All Star players, officials, ball boys, Hall of Fame inductees and past members, Commissioners Cup Award, entertainment, professionally operated snack bar, security and ticket personnel, field access for fans post game for photo ops. *SSFL Store - 70 gift items available featuring the logos of all teams, league and Rice Bowl. * Annual invitation to select SSFL team(s) to particiapte in National Bowl Weekend. * Professional officals crews are trained and scheduled by the SSFL Officials Association under the direction of the SSFLOA Supervisor of Officials. NFL identification numbered shirts required for all officials. * Weekly officials reports for each owner and head coach, complete with game details inlcuding: list of officials by position, name and number, score by quarters, penalties by quarters, penalties listed by time remaining, team, foul called, player #, official calling the penalty, disciplinary actions listed, general information such as game time start/finish, field conditions, weather, estimted attendance, chain crew competency, game ball quality, required field set up evalution, host and administration performance, ball persons evaluation and secure officials room provided. * Reasonable payment plan for dues available in (6) installments to insure that all benefits are guaranteed throughout the season. * All benefits will be provided annually as listed below for all teams in league compliance. * Cost saving opportunities availble to reduce annual team fees. $500.00 Rebate for teams that meet all dues payment deadlines on time. $354.00 Reduction if Official SSFL Wilson Game Balls are not needed. * Exclusive to the SSFL - SSFL Hall of Fame honoring excellence in performance for players, coaches, staff, and executives. Ceremony is held prior to the championship game in the Citrus Bowl and includes: induction ceremony, awards presentation, comments by each inductee, champagne toast, luncheon, individual photographs, class photograph, complimentary game ticket, reserved seating for the game in the air conditioned press box and individual introductions of all attending Hall of Fame members to the fans at half time. *Comp tickets to the Hall of Fame Ceremony as league guests to all previous Hall of Fame class members, present SSFL team owners and Head Coaches. * Comp Game Tickets to: All Star players and their guest, 10 tickets to each organization for their staffs and guests. * Six Custom made SSFL Game Balls by Wilson, created to NFL Standards. * At no cost for SSFL teams and no cost to the viewer: team game videos may be placed on the SSFL web site and archived for free viewing simply by clicking onto the game of choice. Available to anyone world wide. * The most comprehensive league information web site available in Florida. * Discount prices for football equipment is available from companies and obtained by contacting the League Office * Provides experienced league leadership through the position of Commissioner and staff with extensive NCAA athletic coaching and administrative backgrounds and 48 years in football and athletic administration. * Provides and maintains SSFL Standards and Rules. A no tolernce policy is in affect and enforcement is maintained. * The number of teams as members is deemed less important that the quality of organizations and the ethical conduct of team leadership. * Provides an administrative staff of professionals including administrative assistant to the Commissioner, accountant, legal advisor and staffing for the Rice Bowl. * Provides training to new member owners and staffs. Present team owners and staffs along with legue administrators provide information to make the transition into the SSFL seamless. * Provides advance agendas prior to all meetings listing all items for discussion and decision. * Provides Press releases. * Provides updated communications to all SSFL members, staffs, officials and Hall of Fame members regarding league news and information. * Provides communications to colleges, universities and professional football organizations regarding recruiting opportunities for SSFL players. * Provides meeting rooms for league meetings. * Provides beverages and food for league meetings. * Provides a regular season schedule of a maximum of 10 regular season games with opponents with similar interests and resources plus a post season elimination tournment. * Provides a post season single elimination tournament of the top 8 teams, ultimately defining the top two team for the Championship. * Provides all costs for the Championship Rice Bowl played annually in the Florida Citrus Bowl. * Provides all league related administrative expenses to include: office rental, liability insurance for league staff, dedicated telephone, fax and internet access, cellular service, travel costs for attendance by league staff at games, meetings, recruitment of new teams and professional meetings, corporate fees, legal fees, accountant fees, tax prep aration, post office box, fax machine, postage, telephone service, internet service, web site maintenance, rental of office copier, fax machine and office supplies. * Provides Sideline Control hat to all teams. * Provides SSFL All Star Helmet Decals to all All Stars on each team indicating the number of years achieved as an All Star * Provides the Commissioners Cup to the organization demonstrating excellence in professional and administrative management. * Provides SSFL Championship Rice Bowl trophy. * Provides SSFL Championship Runner Up trophy. * Provides Coach of the Year Award * Provides MVP Awards for the Offensive and Defensive Players of the Game in the Rice Bowl. * Provides 4 All Star Ball Boy Awards * Provides All Star Award plaques to SSFL Players selected from each team who are honored at the Rice Bowl. All Stars are selected by their coaches and owners. All teams are represented on the All Star Team. * Provides 7 awards to the All Star Crew officiating the Rice Bowl. * Provides plaques to Hall of Fame inductees. * Provides 10 Comp Tickets to each SSFL teams for their staffs to the Rice Bowl. * Provides affiliations with the American Football Association, Minor Legue Football News, NFL Alumni Association and National Football Events.
Quality Stadiums - A Feature of the SSFL The Citrus Bowl & the SSFL Since 2004
The relationship between the Citrus Bowl and the SSFL began in 2004. Team owners adopted the concept that the championship game be the leagues premier event of the year. Providing the opportunity for players and coaches to experience participating in a major stadium with all of the amenities that major college and professional teams experience, was deemed to be a great way to end the season. Many players have indicated that being a part of that experience has been one of the highlights in their Minor League careers. Playing in the Championship, honoring league All Star players, officials, ball boys, coaches and teams, is a great motivator for all to set goals for the next season. For the ATTENDANCE RECORD BREAKING 2008 game, honoring the first class of SSFL Hall of Fame was an added attraction and provided the opportunity for Hall of Famers to renew old aquintances. They are the "Role Models" for this, and future generations of the SSFL. The operational costs for the game are included in team dues as ticket sales in Minor League football would not provide adequate support.
PLAY & COACH IN THE SSFL - WHERE "TALENT" IS RECOGNIZED Rashod Moulton Signs with the Denver Broncoso
Rashod Moulton StStory Line: Rashod Moulton, former St. Petersburg Shark was signed by the Denver Broncos as a defensive corner back. Rashod attended Lakewood HighSchool in St. Petersburg. A standout performer with Sharks under the guidance of SSFL Hall of Fame team owner, Derrick Pollock, Rashod was enshrined in the SSFL Hall of Fame Class of 2008. Prior to going to the Broncos, Rashod was was a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars organization. Rashod Moulton fits the bill as the "Poster Player" for the SSFL. He represents the qualities all team owners and coaches hope to bring to the attention of the college and professional recruiters. Spike Lee & Dallas Cowboy's Michael Irvin Sports Reality SELECT SSFL'S PRESTON McGANN
The Only Minor League Player Selected st It started with 1000's, cut to 39 semi finalists and 12 finalists were chosen. A Sports Reality Show, "Fourth and Long", headed by Spike Lee and former Dallas Cowboy Michael Irvin, featuring receivers and defensive backs in a competition similar to "American Idol", made its premier on May 18 with the selection of the top 12 contestants from 1000's of America's top football talent. The show, is aired on Spike TV on Mondays at 10:00 PM. The winner of the competition will earn the oportunity to be a Dallas Cowboy for the coming season. Stated Commissioner Rice, " When contacted by the shows representative, I was told that based on the leagues reputation they would reserve up to 5 spots for SSFL players to be interviewed of the 1000's who applied if they were recommended by the players coach, owner and myself. Alan Kaz, VP of casting for 3 Ball Productions said, "we're looking for legitimate players who have the physical ability and talent to play in the NFL, we found it in the SSFL with Preston McCann". The SSFL Family is proud that he made the CASTING CALL AND ENJOYED SEEING HIM PERFORM ON NATIONAL TV
SSFL Hall of Famer to Coach in France
Story Line: Skip Poole, SSFL Hall of Fame Class of 2008 announced that he has been selected as the Head Coach of the French Fontenay Meteores, which replaced the French National Team. Skip Poole was an original player in the SSFL under HOF Coach, Denny Randolph and also with the Vinice Vikings, where upon his retirement as a player, became the teams owner and coach. He has been the Head Coach of the Chatanooga Steam and this year won their league championship and were highly ranked nationally. Coach Poole is a Hall of Fame member of the American Football Association, the Chatanooga Steam as well as the SSFL. Said Poole, "the SSFL has opened many doors for me and I am proud to be one of the many SSFL alums who have mde it to another level. My experience in the SSFL has been the foundation for whatever succes I have achieved". The SSFL wishes Skip much success in his new assignment.
o will make their second straight appea in the Rice Bowl Championship game held at the Citrus do n Some SSFL Firsts in Florida Minor League Football INNOVATION - THE "KEY" TO PROGRESS First to place players, coaches and officials advancement to college and pro teams a League Priority First to have a player sign an NFL contract First to form an Officials Association First to have Publcized Standards and Rules First to Institute a League Hall of Fame First to Have Live TV & Radio Broadcasts of Games First to Have Internet Radio & TV Broadcast of Games First to Institute a League Web Site First To Institute a Cash Reward for League Champions First to Provide Monogramed League Footballs First to Introduce Scheduling by Geographic Location to Minimize Travel Costs First to Feature Championship & All Star Games in a Major Stadium First to Require Team Liability Insurance First to Require Sideline Control Staff ID to Insure the Safety of Officials First to Provide a League Gift Store for Income to All Teams First to run radio commercials advertising Minor League Football Games First to provide weekly officials game reports First to provide an NFL style post season playoff First league to train, organize and assign officials crews First to require security at games to insure control and safety First to require emergency medical plans at games in case of injury or accident
SSFL Proposes to Sponsor State Championship Tournament for 2010 Copy of Letter to Select League Commissioners June 18, 2009
To: Presidents & League Commissioners – Anthony Smith, Sr., SEFL: Eddie Starling, FFA: John Walters, NIFLGentlemen,
The SSFL is planing on sponsoring a Florida State Championship Single Elimination Tournament to be held at the conclusion of the 2010 season. We are inviting four leagues to participate, namely; SSFL, FFA, NIFL and the SEFL. Should any decline, another Florida league would be invited. Additional details will follow, but initially I am contacting the four league presidents and commissioners to first see if their respective leagues would be interested in having their teams participate. Some basic information: (subject to change by recommendations of League Commissioners)
$250.00 each from which awards will be selected and purchased by the four commissioners. Suggested awards may include: State Championship Award, Runner Up Team Award, Championship Game Offense and Defense MVP and an All Tournament Teams to include: full offensive and defensive teams, kicker and special team player. Unused funds will be refunded to each league in equal amounts.
Minor League Football has come a long way in the last 10 years and with the various leagues in existence today, and with the success that each league has obtained, I firmly believe it is time to pursue a true State Championship by playing each other. A leagues focus should be on promotion of their teams, players, coaches and administrators. If we truly believe in this focus, what better way than to have our teams meet in tournament play. Results of such a tournament can only mean greater notoriety for our teams nationally. It matters not which league a team comes from in the minds of the National pollsters. What matters is the team’s success.
I am sure you might agree that this type of tournament is certainly more justifiable that the some 12 or more mythical National Championships that are in existence through out the country. We may start a trend on the national level, who knows.
If you are interested in this concept for 2010, and I hope you are, please contact me and we will set up a meeting for the four of us to discuss. Respectfully, Dave Rice, SSFL Commissioner Email: commissionerssfl@aol.co,Cellular: 239-250-2175
SSFL Hall of Fame Player Retires
Pee Jay Jack Story Line: Pee Jay Jack, SSFL Hall of Fame member of the Class of 2008 announced his retirement from Minor League Fooball in an email to Commissioner Rice on June 22. A 9 year veteran in the SSFL, his recent accomplishments include: 2009 Rice Bowl Offensive MVP, 2008 and 2009 Rice Bowl team Championships, 2009 National Football Events, Inc., Winter/Spring National Championship and game MVP, and 2009 SSFL All Star. Statistically in 2009, Pee Jay had 28 passing TD's, 7 rushing TD's, 1,934 passing yards and 417 rushing yards. Pee Jay is hoping to get an opportunity to play in either a European or Canadian Professional League and is working with Commissioner Rice to explore possible opportunities. aid Rice, "PJ has been a dedicated and talented player as well as a leader onS and off the field. He exemplifies loyalty to the SSFL and I join opponent players, coaches and owners in expressing our respect for his accomplishments".
Coaching Staff Information Information pertaining to coaches, such as rules, game procedures, officials procedures, etc. are sent out consistently during the off season. Knowledge of NFL and SSFL procedures play an important role for our coaching staffs. Knowledge going into the season of "how things are done, what is expected and what are the procedures.....enables coaches to concentrate on their love - COACHING. Coaches that wish to be included in receiving these information only communications are to forward their name, team affiliation, coaching title and email address to Commissioner Rice at CommissionerSSFL@aol.com. The Chain of Command: Coaches deal with owners and owners deal with the Commissioner.
Teams Added to the SSFL for 2010 Season Florida Regulators Florida Punishers Jacksonville Rush Bone Island Pirates North Florida Hurricanes West Volusia Bulls Florida Regulators
Rob Smith, Co-Owner & Head Coach Having coaching expereince in the SSFL and the military, Rob Smith knows the expectations of the SSFL and the requirements for success. The team comes on board fully prepared to make an impact and has been accepted for membership with all their i's dotted and t's crossed. Coach Smith has experience in coaching as an assistant in college at the Citadel as has coached US Marine teams.n
Florida Punishers
Robert Spoonhour, Owner & Head Coach The Punishers offer former SSFL players the opportunity to continue their careers in the SSFL iIn Orlando and maintain their eligibility for SSFL Hall of Fame Consideration to meet the 4 year league particiption requirement. IMark your calendar!!!! Punisher tryouts scheduled for June 13 &14 at 1 PM. Tryout site is Barber Park, 3701 Gatllin Ave., Orlando Florida, 32812. Tryout fees are $60 for new players and$50 for returning players to the SSFL. The Florida Punishers are based in the Orlando area. The team is owned by Robert Spoonhour, a former star player with the Orlando Rage and the 2007 Minor League Football News National Offensive Lineman of the Year. Said Spoonhour,eThe SSFL has been my home in Minor League Football and now that I am retired as a player, I want to continue competing at a National level as an owner and coach. My goal is to provide Punishers players opportunities for advancemet and recognition of their talents and the SSFL is where that happens".Commented Commissioner Rice, "A team owner emerging from an SSFL playing experience is a tribute to all the teams in the league. Robert has acheived playing success, knows the level of competition and aepts the challenge. Bone Island Pirates
Angel Torres, O
wner & HeAngel Torres, Owner ad Coach Angel Torres, is no stranger to Minor League Football as he owned the Hudson Valley Highlanders in Rhinebeck, New York. Said Coach Torres, "we have obtained a first class game stadium, have been holding tryouts and practices and look forward to successfully competing in the SSFL for the 2010 season". Said Commissioner Rice, "An experienced owner/coach can make a seamless transition into the SSFL and Angel Torres has a wealth of knowledge in how to develop a successful team". Jacksonville Rush
Kenneth Bailey, Owner Kenneth Bailey, team owner of the Jacksonville Rush joined the SSFL on December 12, 2008 in order to organize the team and organization to compete in the 2010 season. If the team accelerated development, tentative plans were made to compete in 3 games at the end of the 2009 season. It was decided that it was too soon for SSFL competition and the Rush would "get their feet wet" in Minor League Competition in a Spring/Summer league.This advance preparation should prove valuable experience as they enter the 2010 SSFL season.
North Florida Hurricanes
The month of June begins Hurricane season in Florida and the prevailing winds bring the North Florida Hurricanes to the SSFL for 2010. The team is owned by Shawnta Cobb and Sean O'Neal and makes the city of Jacksonville its base of operation. For informtion on this and future sign ups, ontact Mr.Cobb at 904-343-5245 or Mr. O'Neal at 904-534-4241 West Volusia Bulls Deland, Fl
Team owner, Jim Baker, has a record of many years involvement in Minor League Football in New York State. Moving to Florida has not deterred his interest. Developing the Bulls organization with the potential of playing in Speck Martin Stadium in Deland (site of the movie, The Waterboy) has been a 2 year project and is expected to be a reality for the 2010 season. Jim is an AFA Hall of Fame member and was named Man of the Year by National Football Events in 2007. New - Game Videos Added To the SSFL List of Benefits AN SSFL EXCLUSIVE Bringing SSFL Talent to the Attention of Pro and College Scouts
NO COST - NO PAY FOR VIEW WITH LIMITED VIEWING TIME NO SPECIAL CODES, JUST CLICK ON SELECTED GAME SSFL teams will be provided, without cost to teams, game video and highlight video oportunities to be available on the SSFL web site. Technical set up is presently being accomplished for immediate display of SSFL games. In addition to the broadcast of a highlighted game of the week on the SSFL Home Page, all games will be available for view simply by clicking onto the game of choice. Games will be archived and stored and availble for team scouting, viewing by collegege and professional team scouts as well as family and friends world wide. Video's are being collected presently to be formatted onto the web site. Details to follow.
Standards and Rules SSFL STANDARDS and RULES were developed and approved in 2000 by the Charter Members of the League and reviewed annually by the membership. The American Football Association publicized SSFL Standards and Rules and the establishment of the SSFL Officials Associaton to the 65 leagues nationwide and presently many have adopted these administrative guidelines. Combining the best of the NCAA with the best in the NFL is the goal of the SSFL. The SSFL is proud to have contributed to the positive aspects of Minor League Football by providing leagues with a basis to operate. Annually, the Standards and Rules are reviewed by the members at the request of the Commissioner and any recommended changes are discussed and voted on by team owners. A majority vote is required for change and the addition of new rules and standards. Maintaining publicized Standards and Rules guarantees that every team can expect similarities in facilities and game conduct. However, rules and standards in writing are not the answer, rather, enforcement is the foundation in maintaining a professionally run league. Stated the SSFL League Commissioner, "Quality stadiums meeting SSFL Minimum Standards and Enforcement of Rules, attract quality players and fans. Safe playing fields, excellent field lights, well lit and secure parking facilities, uniformed security, press box, PA system, play by play announcers, on field microphone for the referee, family oriented music and well equipped snack bars all contribute to the enjoyment of attending SSFL games. SSFL rules provide options, approved by the membershp to address particular facility issues encounterd by present and future league members. Seven on field game officials, one official clock operator and professional coaching staffs insure that conduct on the field is maintained.
P 2010 SSFL Hall of Fame
Hall of Fame Ring CLICK ON TO THE HALL OF FAME PAGE ON THE MENU BAR TO SEE RECENT NOMINATIONS LIC N Nominations for the Hall of Fame Class of 2010 has begun. Candidates have to be nominated by a third party to be included in the selection process. An entire list of all nominees is circulated to the voting committee which include former Hall of Fame Members, SSFL owners and coaches and select former SSFL team owners and coaches. That list is adjusted and a second list is circulated in August. The final candidates list is forwarded to the committee in November with a deadline of February for any further adjustments. Nominations to the Hall of Fame are accepted in the following categories: player, coach, owner, staff, executive, officials association, and combination-where the candidate has served in more than one capacity. Nominations and credentials are to be sent to Commissioner, Dave Rice, PO Box 1384, Marco Island Fl, 34146 or by email to www.commissionerssfl@aol.com.
A Player Portraits Available
SSFL Players, Hall of Fame Members, Coaches and Owners Action portraits or stills - have your photo made into a painting for a lasting memory. You supply the photo you want copied. Order yours now: Send your photo, size and check or money order to Commissioner, Dave Rice, 184 Stillwater Court, Marco Island, Fl, 34145. Make check or money order payable to SSFl. Price List Size Painting Only Postage Total-------------Painting With Frame Postage Total 8 X 10 $ 75 $6 $ 81 $104 $10 $114 9 X 12 $ 92 $6 $ 98 $120 $10 $130 11 X 14 $110 $6 $ 116 $138 $10 $148
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