The Largest Youth Football & Cheer Organization in the Country

Uncle Jimmy Taft can see be better than most of us.

 July 2007

Jim Taft looked at me with all those years of experience behind him and said “Joe you must learn to read volunteers, a few of these guys are thinking of only themselves” I was sure he was wrong – look at all the time they had put into their positions directing both the adults and youth.

Even though Jim had lost sight in one eye while blocking a punt as a young Washington Redskin free agent, his insight remained keen.

With over 30 years as a commissioner of a national youth football organization, Jim had seen it all. He had that sixth sense of seeing right through the familiar hyperbole of a selfish motive.

 “You see nobody knows if they will be a hero in battle. The guy who dives on a grenade to save his unit may be the one who does the least talking. Courage and selflessness are not easily detected until the battle begins”.  You must stand for action not words. As they say in “China Talk does not cook rice.” Said the Chairman of the Board.

American Youth Football has finally arrived. AYF has become a target of criticism for holding to their founding  principals. Several local organizations became quagmires of political “me first” leadership.

Selective communication was the common thread.

 Jim are you sure AYF should intervene? I asked. If you don’t you are sending a signal that you condone cowardice back stabbing. Loyalty is a two way street.  If the criticism comes at others so easily don’t you know it is damaging to AYF as well. Shortly after that conversation two new AYF Conferences replaced those quagmires.

The time and effort demanded of volunteer leadership should be rewarded with respect and loyalty.  The man for which The Taft Trophy is named thinks that both respect and loyality are lost when the leader fails to honestly communicate with his organization.  Thinking that “they cannot handle the truth”, does not ring true in youth work. Your members deserve disclosure. Members of your league or conference will understand and support decisions if there is full disclosure.  All organizations have a board of directors. That board should be called upon for direction and decisions.

The membership will honor proper reporting. The youth in your organization will be better served and what is more important than that? Take a good look at your league. What would Uncle Jimmy see?

Check out these past President's Messages articles:

• We Can Change The Game
• You can Change the World
• Winner's Never Cheat!
• It's Time for a Time Out in Youth Sports
• Privileged or Obligated?
• Thank God
• Take Responsibility
• Jumping Joe Dimaggio
• Three Cheers for Volunteers