Atavus Team, Jul. 18th 2019

In a first-of-its-kind step towards increasing safety among high school football players, the University Interscholastic League (UIL), the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) and Atavus are set to launch tackling certification for the approximately 23,000 football coaches in the association. This unprecedented move will empower coaches leading teams in the 2018-19 season and beyond to improve the performance of their teams and increase player safety.

"We're excited to be the first in the nation to launch a program designed to keep players safe while succeeding at the sport they love," said D. W. Rutledge, executive director at THSCA. "By placing an emphasis on coach education, Atavus is empowering our members to create positive change for the 164,000 football players in Texas."

This year's annual THSCA Convention & Coaching School is the most comprehensive athletic conference in Texas, hosting over 12,000 coaches, administrators and exhibitors from July 22-24 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Tx. The conference will offer a wide range of educational sessions, networking opportunities and exhibits. Atavus will be playing a major role at the conference, providing tackling certification classes and professional development lectures. The convention aims to unite coaches from across the state of Texas with guidance from Atavus to equip them with the necessary resources and skills to put players' safety and health first.

Atavus and the Texas High School Coaches Association are working toward bringing technique changes that improve the game. Their partnership will lead discussions regarding safety and injury prevention in tackling sports and promote Atavus Sports' common mission around player safety. The company is a notable authority on tackle analysis and coaching techniques, and measures performance to create individualized plans that suits a team's direct needs.  

The primary objective of this collaboration is to enhance Texas High School football by providing best practices in tackling training for all football coaches and keeping athletes who play the game safe. Atavus training serves as the cornerstone of the joint effort between UIL and THSCA to raise standards and improve safety, as the exclusive provider to oversee and administer the new certification process statewide.

This innovative partnership comes as a result of the UIL Legislative Council passing a rule requiring every Texas high school and junior high school football coach to become certified in advanced tackling technique.  It is part of the official UIL Coaches Certification Program beginning with the 2018-19 school year.

"Atavus is proud to support the mission of the UIL Legislative Council and help coaches teach tackling techniques that will benefit their players and improve their team's performance," said Karen Bryant, CEO of Atavus Sports. "We are thrilled to be a part of this landmark partnership and excited to work together to promote and teach a safer, more dominant tackling technique."

About Atavus

Headquartered in Seattle, Atavus provides a modern, impactful solution for coaches at all levels of football to improve performance and safety in tackling. Atavus has developed the first and most comprehensive system rooted in technique and fundamentals using innovative, detailed analytics. Atavus measures performance and offers consulting services to provide coaches on-site and remote assessment, coupled with specific tackle plans backed by advanced technology. Learn more at https://www.atavus.com.

About The University Interscholastic League

The University Interscholastic League was created by The University of Texas at Austin to provide leadership and guidance to public school debate and athletic teachers. Since 1910 the UIL has grown into the largest inter-school organization of its kind in the world. The UIL exists to provide educational extracurricular academic, athletic, and music contests. The initials UIL have come to represent quality educational competition administered by school people on an equitable basis.

About Texas High School Coaches Association

The Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) is the principle advocate and leadership organization for Texas high school coaches. THSCA provides the highest quality representation, education, and services to Texas high school coaches and affiliate members and enhances the professionalism of coaches and the schools they represent. Our mission statement is simply this: To help and serve our Texas high school coaches as they work to help and serve our student athletes. "HELPING COACHES TO HELP KIDS."