WELCOME TO
THE SOUTHERN STATES FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Professional Minor League Football
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Entering our 9th Consecutive Season
STEP UP TO THE SSFL !
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September 15th - Final Date for Membership for the 2009 Season
Game Schedules to be distributed the week of
Sept. 18 to team owners am New
CALL 239-250-2175 or Commissionerssfl@aol.com
(Scroll down for overview & click onto the membership page on the menubar for details)
RECENT NEWS
Septemter 5, 2008
New SSFL Team
WELCOME PIRANHAS TO THE SSFL
3RD TEAM TRYOUT
Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008
Largo Sports Complex, Largo, Fl
12-4 PM
Contact: Head Coach/Co-Owner Steven Effler
Telephone: 813-506-4443
Email: steve@piranhasfootball.com
Story Line: The Piranhas football team has completed the stringent membership process of the SSFL and has been accepted for competition for the 2009 season. Said Head Coach and Co-Owner, Steven Effler, "Our Board had researched Minor League Football for several months and to meet our goals of playing at a high level of competition in a stable environment of teams, the SSFL was our choice. We are extremely excited in being a member of the SSFL with it's reputation of high standards and leadership".
September 2, 2008
Fabrizio Scaccia Named National Minor League Player for 2008

Fabrizio Scaccia of the 2008 Fort Pierce Fire has been seleced by the National Sports Achievement Committee as the Minor League Player of 2008. The award will be presented to Fabrizio at the National Sports Gala on November 15. He will be honored along with 20 past and present sports personalities representing all facets of sports including recent 2008 Olympians, NFL & NBA players, coaches, equestrians, golf and track and field stars, to name a few of the categories.
Fabrizio joins previous football award winners NFL greats, Don McNeal, Miami Dolphin and NCAA All American, Herman Weaver, NFL Detroit Lions and NFL Punter of the Year, Steve Grant, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Don Healy, Dallas Cowboys and Javaris James, RB Miami Hurricanes honored as the 2007 HS Athlete of the Year. The last SSFL player receiving national recognition was Steve Mott, QB from the First Coast Generals.
The selection of Fabrizio was based on his potential in his position as a place kicker and punter to achieve success at the next level, albeit the collegiate or professoinal level. Details of the Gala and ticket information will be announced shortly.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Millionaires, Chris Lucido, Contacted by the University of Miami
Chis Lucido, #75 of the Sarasota Millionaires received a personal telephone call from Miami Hurricane Head Coach Mario Cristobal requesting transcripts and game video and an invititatin to visit the university as a potential Hurricane football recruit. Said Chris, " this would never have been possible without the opportunity given me by the Sarasota Millionaires and the reputation of the SSFL."
Monday, August 25, 2008
Rage Invited to National Bowl Weekend
Vs.
Minnesota Stampede
Pictured Above -The Duluth Minnesota "Superior Stampede"
Pictress-
The Orlando Rage, 2008 Champions of the SSFL and the Superior Stampede, 2008 Champions of the Northern Elite Football League (NEFL) will play one-another in January, 2009. The game will ake place during the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day weekend of January 17 and 18, 2009. Specifics as to game location and time are still being finalized but the teams intend to compete in the National Football Events, National Bowl Weekend.
The Stampede, who come out of Duluth, Minnesota, swept through their competition amassing 10 wins and no losses culminating in an Elite Bowl victory on August 2, thereby becoming NEFL Champs. The Rage, however, struggled through the 2008 season before coming on strong and putting up an average of almost 40 points per game, while giving up an average of less than 14 points in their last four games.
For Release, August 18, 2008
Former San Diego Charger, Named Tampa Comets
Head Coach
Pictured Above - Neal Calip
Neal Calip, who finished his playing career with the San Diego Chargers of the NFL was recently named Head Coach of the Tampa Comets by co owners Vincent Noble and Rex Sano. Coach Calip was a 1980 Oklahoma All State High School tight end and was a College All American from East Central University in 1984, where he is enshrined in the Universities Hall of Fame. Said owners Noble and Sano, "Comet players will reap the benefits of Coach Calip's experience as a College All American and a Professional. We look to his coaching and teaching abilities to bring together this new team as an SSFL Championship
Welcome Neal Calip to the SSFL coaching fraternity.
For Release, August 15, 2008
SSFL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2009 SELECTED

Nominations for the Hall of Fame Class of 2009 began in May. Candidates had to be nominated by a third party to be included in the selection process. An entire list of all nominees was circulated to the voting committee which included former Hall of Fame Members, SSFL owners and coaches and select former SSFL team owners and coaches. That list was adjusted and a second list was circulated and adjusted on June 3. The final candidates list was forwarded to the committee on August 3 with a deadline of August 15th 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.
I The Class of 2008 included 8 players, 1 owner, 8 combination, 1 executive, 5 officials association and 1 staff.2
The Class of 2009 included 12 players, 1 owner, 2 combination, 4 executive, *4 officials association* and 2 staff.
*Note-Two officials will be selected by the SSFL Officials Association at their fall meeting.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SSFL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2009
Hall of Fame Class of 2009
PLAYER CATEGORY
Johnny Newsome, LB, St. Pete Sharks, All Star-2002,3,4,5,6,7,8; four SSFL Championships
Rob Lancaster, LB, St. Pete Sharks, All Star-2002,3,4,5,6,7,8; four SSFL Championships
Nick Kirby, QB, St. Pete Sharks, All Star-2003,6,8, two SSFL Championships
Adolphus Barnes - DL, St. Pete Sharks, All Star-2006,7,8
Willie Boston - LB, Fort Pierce Fire, All Star-2005,6,7,8
Shaun Forte - DB, Fort Pierce Fire, All Star-2005,6,7,8
Johnny Johnson - WR, Miami Bulls, All Star-2004,5,6,7
Izzy Leguerre - LB, Vikings & Millionaires, All Star-2004,5,8J.B. Ballom - WR, Lions & Generals, All
Star-2002,3,4
Fabrizio Scaccia - K, Fort Pierce Fire, All Star-2007,8, SSFL Record Holder, National Sports Gala
selection as the National Minor League Player of the Year
Leon Kirkland - DE/LB, Lions, All Star-2002,3
Deon Screen - TE, Lions, Generals, All Star-2003,4,5
Darryl Jaghai - Knights,Titans, Bulls, All Star-2002,4,5,7
Combination Category
Robert Horton - Owner/Player, Barracudas, All Star-2004
Don Graham - Owner/Ass't Coach, Sharks, four SSFL Championships
Coach Category
Steve Casteel - Coach, Orlando Rage
Staff Category
Dr. Rick Berthiaume - Team Physician, Orlando Rage
Carol Klein - First Female Ass't Coach/Trainer/Player, Chargers, Titans, Bulls
Executive Category
Dr. Barbara Gandy - Rice Bowl Administrator
Jeanne Taylor Rice - League Schedule Administrator
I. Thomas Smith - League Standards/Rules Administrator
Dave Rice - Commissioner
Officials Category
Dave Price - SSFL Referee
Roy Getzoff - SSFL Refereeree
NFL Rule Changes for 2008-09
August 11, 2008ers
To: SSFL Owners, Coaches, Players & Offficials Association Members- The significaant NFL Rule
Changes for this season are noted below. As practices are beginning, it is important that all
team personnel are familiar with the new playing rules. It is recommended that the rules be
placed on team web sites and reviewed at practices.

John Walters
Supervisor, SSFL Officials Association
- The "force-out" rule on catches made near the sidelines has been eliminated. A receiver now must come down with the ball and both feet in bounds for a pass to be ruled complete; previously, passes would be ruled complete if the receiver was pushed by a defender while in the air and the official judged that he would have come down in bounds had he not been pushed. However, if a receiver is wrapped up in mid-air by a defender and carried out of bounds before both feet touch the ground, the official can still rule the play a completion.
- The 5-yard incidental grabbing of the face mask penalty has been eliminated; incidental contact will not result in a penalty, though intentional grabbing of the face mask will remain a 15-yard personal foul.
- Teams that win the opening coin toss now have the option to defer the decision until the start of the second half, the same as in college football.
- Legal forward hand offs that touch the ground and attempted snaps when the ball hits the ground before the quarterback touches it are now considered fumbles; previously, forward hand offs were treated as incomplete passes, while a snap that hit the ground before the quarterback touched it was a 5-yard illegal procedure penalty.

SSFL Hall of Fame Coach Returns to the SSFL With New SSFL Team - WELCOME
SSFL Hall of Fame Coach Returns and Brings New Team to the League SSFL
Head Coach, Denny Randolph

Story Line: Denny Randolph, SSFL Hall of Fame Coach and former SSFL Coach of the Year with the Florida Barracudas, brings the Tampa Bay Sentinels to the SSFL for the 2009 season.
The Sentinels, entering their second year, played in the National Public Safety Football League. Combining the coaching leadership of Denny Randolph with the experience the team obtained by playing a National schedule against some of the most competitive teams in the country, the Sentinels fit the charcteristics required in the SSFL; stability, leadership, organization, discipline and competitiveness. In addition to the SSFL season, the Sentinels will play a game on March 21 against a team in the National Public Safety League as a non SSFL league game.
For Immediate Release July 28, 2008
DEREK SCOTT
The SSFL's First Professional Champion
PROFESSIONAL CHAMPION

Derek Scott, (right above) with another SSFL Pro Kicker,Derek Mintzer
Veteran SSFL kicker, Derek Scott, became the first SSFL player to play on a professional championship football team. As the kicker for the Florence, South Carolina Phantoms, the team
became the 2008 Champions of the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) by defeating the Wyoming Calvary 48 - 12. Look for Derek on an SSFL team roster for 2009.
CONGRATULATIONS DEREK IN ACHIEVING ANOTHER FIRST IN SSFL HISTORY
For Immediate Release July 1, 2008
NEW SSFL TEAM


Comet Head Coach
Neal Calip, Former San Diego Chargers
The SSFL "GALAXY" Grows as The COMETS Join League
Story Line: The newly formed "COMETS" have joined the SSFL "GALAXY" for the 2009 season.
"The ownerships administrative experience in business, marketing, advertising and media, combined with their community and NFL associations bring to the SSFL
a high expectation for success, on and off the field", states the Commissioner.
Interested players and coaches in the Tampa area are encouraged to contact Mr. Vince Noble, co-owner, at 727-776-6371 or via email at vincen61@verizon.net
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SSFL "Partners" with ESPN Radio, 1470 WHBO &
the "Sports Explosion Show"
For Immediate Release
June 6, 2008
Hosts Vince Noble, Jeremy Miller and the "Sports Explosion Show" Team
Heard WEEKLY all year from noon to 1 PM
Story Line:
Vince Noble, host for the Sports Explosion Show stated, "It will be great
to partner with your league. The show will feature interviews with sports
personalities and will include interviews with SSFL owners, coaches, players,
administrators and Hall of Fame members.
Said Commissioner Rice, "In addition to live interviews with SSFL personel, we
are looking into opportunities for game night remote broadcasts as well as team
advertising. This is not an SSFL Show, rather, we are participants in a diverse
sports program with a diverse listening audience. In considering radio partnership,
our goal is to attract new fans. Many sports fans have never heard of minor league
football and our particiation hopefully may entice listeners to attend a game in their
area.
An Internet broadcast attracts league players and team fans, but in our evaluation
will not be the main focus to obtaining new fans to fill seats. A live broadcast to
potentially new fans is for us the way to accomplish this goal.
We look forward to working with Vince, Jeremy and the professional and
experienced Sports Explosion team".
Tune in to the SPORTS EXPLOSION SHOW - A must for all sports fans!
2009 Membership Opportunity:
Procedure: Log on to the MEMBERSHIP page on the menubar........View procedure and BENEFIT list. Contact Commissioner FOR DETAILS.
When all information is compiled, Commissioner and present SSFL team representatives visit with each new organization, provide details and a training session for owners, field managesrs and coaches, inspect the facilities and finalize the appllication procedure. Compatibility and similar interest in providing professionally operated programs are the key ingredients in league affiliation. Team commitment, ethical behavior, dedicated to the principles of good character, community service and the promotion of the high ideals of Minor League Football are required.
Highlights of 2009 Benefits
(Click onto the menubar for the entire list of benefits)
"NO ATHLETE LEFT BEHIND"
Players aspiring to professional & educational advancement made known through personal contact with agents, coaches and marketing personnel.
NO Application fee for new teams.
SSFL All Star Game Reinstituted
(All Star Games began in 2000 but had been suspended after the 2004 game.)
A rebate of $500 for teams maintaining the dues payment schedule.
Sports Talk Radio Partnership
Unlimited Championship Game Tickets provided to ALL teams to sell andutilize funds for team expenses.
SSFL Store provides over 70 gift items with team logos with all net sales received distributed to teams equally.
Internet TV "DEAL" featuring archived, unlimited viewing of SSFL games available.
2nd Annual SSFL Hall of Fame Induction
6th Annual Appearance in the Florida Citrus Bowl
Automatic Selection of SSFL Representaton in National Bowl Weekend
Did You Know?
SSFL teams are rated as AAA, the highest level of competition
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The SSFL, entering its 9th Year is the longest continous playing league in Florida
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The SSFL maintains contact with NCAA and NFL Recruiters to assist exceptionally talented and qualified players in reaching their goals.
Sharks, Rashod Moulton Signs with NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars for 2008-09 - scroll down for details

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The SSFL Championship Game, The Rice Bowl, has been played annually in the
75,000 seat Florida Citrus Bowl
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The SSFL recruits and trains in NFL Rules over 100 Officials who are members of theSSFL Officials Association
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Some SSFL Firsts in Florida Minor League Football
INNOVATION
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 Provide Unlimited Championship Game Tickets to All Teams To Increase Team Income
First to run radio commercials advertising Minor League Football Games
First to have live Radio Coaches Shows
First to provide weekly officials game reports
First to provide an NFL style post season playoff
First league 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
First SSFL Player to Play on a Championship Professional Team - Derek Scott
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. Instead, it was decided that the game may be a good way to provide each league team the opportunity to earn income and increase fan attendance at the same time. To that goal, in 2008, each team was provided unlimited game tickets which, if sold by the team all funds from the sale reamined with the team. At $10 per ticket, teams had the opportunity to significantly supplement their income for the year. Motivated owners not only sold tickets but offered them to sponsors as a thanks for their support or raffled them off at home games.
Standards and Rules
SSFL STANDARDS and RULES were developed and approved in 2000 by the Charter Members of the League.
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, including the SEFL and the FFA in Florida, have adopted these administrative guidelines. Bringing the best of the NCAA in combination with the best in the NFL was the goal when the SSFL came into existence. 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. 7 on field game officials, one official clock operator and professional coaching staffs insure that conduct on the field is maintained.

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2008 SSFL Action Revisited
2208
It's History
(Scroll Down to Review 2008 Season Happenings)
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