BECOME A RECOGNIZED LEAGUE
USA Football's League Excellence Program is a way for youth football organizations to earn recognition for their commitment to raising operational standards and providing a great environment for athletes and their families.
You can engage in the program and bring success to your organization by meeting or exceeding the requirements established in each level. Based on your achievement, you will unlock benefits of increased recognition and support from USA Football.
PUT ATHLETES FIRST
Young football players deserve the best environment to learn, thrive and mature into better athletes and people. This program puts emphasis on providing this experience through operational standards, including coach certification and game type offerings
ESTABLISH CREDIBILITY
Parents are the play-callers when it comes to what sport and where their athletes play. Becoming a USA Football Recognized League illustrates the quality of your organization and the commitment you're making for their family.
SET THE STANDARD
Be the league that others strive to be. By proving your dedication to the sport and nurturing whole athletes, you're helping raise the youth football landscape across the country and serving as a model for others.
BENEFITS AND REQUIREMENTS
Earn recognition and support for showing your dedication to growing the sport the right way.
The first step towards becoming a Recognized League is enrolling your organization with USA Football.
Bronze Level
Requirements
- League Enrollment Data & Organization Services and Recognition Agreement
- 100% Coaches Certified
Click here to invite coaches to certify. - Satisfy Insurance Requirement
Benefits
- Use of Bronze Seal
- Marketing Templates and Tools
- Field Banner with Seal
- Opportunity for USA Football Discounts*
- Finder Service Placement
*Discounts are based on seasonal availability and are not guaranteed to occur.
Silver Level
Requirements
Bronze Level Requirements plus...
- Game Type Offerings - at least 1 Game Type from a minimum of 2 Game Categories (Non-Contact, Limited Contact, Contact)
- Concussion Return to Play Protocol
- Coach Background Checks
- Emergency Action Plan
- USA Football's Levels of Contact
- USA Football's Practice Guidelines
Benefits
Bronze Level Benefits Plus...
- Use of Silver Seal
- Reward Kit
- Finder Service Placement
- Opportunity to write for USA Football's Blog
Gold Level
Requirements
Bronze and Silver Level Requirements plus...
- USA Football's Game Type Progression
- USA Football's Practice Plans
- USA Football's Skills Assessment
- USA Football's Player Progression Guide and Contact Manual
Benefits
Bronze and Silver Level Benefits Plus...
- Use of Gold Seal
- Customized Marketing Materials
- Targeted Paid Social Media Ads
- Finder Service Placement
- Written feature on organization showcased on usafootball.com
- Social Media Shout Out
- Expert Hours
VIEW MORE WAYS TO GET GOLD
Find additional ways to increase your League Excellence Program Level through Inclusive Opportunities and USA Football Sponsored Game Types.
DIVE INTO THE DETAILS
Raising operations standards is what your athletes deserve and parents expect.
Take the next step toward bringing success to your organization by becoming a USA Football Recognized League.
View Requirement Details
BENEFITS
The more you achieve, the more you receive. Earn your designation and receive increased support and recognition.
REQUIREMENTS
Understand what it takes to adopt the standards and best practices that make a difference for athletes and their families.
GET YOUR COACHES CERTIFIED
After enrolling with USA Football, the next step in the League Excellence Program
is to get all of your coaches certified.
This year, the new and revamped coach resources will help your coaches develop
the whole athlete based on their age and stage of development.