John Gallagher, Aug. 19th 2019

Seattle, WA – August 20, 2019 – Atavus, the leader in football coach education and tackling assessment, announced today that it has signed a contract extension with the University Interscholastic League (UIL) and the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) to continue as the official and exclusive provider of tackling certification to every middle school and high school football coach in Texas. The new agreement takes the existing partnership to August 2024.

The primary objectives of the partnership between Atavus, UIL, and THSCA were to enhance Texas high school football through best practices in tackling education for all football coaches, and to keep 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. Under the mandate by UIL, all coaches had to be certified in Atavus technique by August 1, 2019.

“We are serious about the safety of football and view the addition of a mandatory tackling certification for football coaches as a positive educational extension that will ultimately improve the game and the welfare of our students,” said Dr. Charles Breithaupt, Ed.D. executive director of the University Interscholastic League. “UIL’s partnership with Atavus has been a huge success. The tackling expertise shared with Texas coaches by Atavus is playing a central role in our mission to make football safer.”

Atavus began providing certification in shoulder-led tackling technique at THSCA’s Coaching School in San Antonio in July 2018. Since then, through in-person clinics and online presentations, Atavus has certified more than 18,000 Texas coaches in a technique that is both dominant and reduces the likelihood of player injury.

“Extending our partnership with Atavus is based on feedback received from our members who are enthusiastic in sharing with us that Atavus technique is making a difference in their programs ,” said Joe Martin, executive director of the Texas High School Coaches Association. “Atavus delivered a comprehensive and engaging tackling curriculum that both educated our members and provided them with ongoing tools to implement the technique with their players.”

 “Our partnership with UIL and THSCA has been everything we hoped,” said Karen Bryant, CEO at Atavus. “Texas coaches have shown unflinching commitment to improving player safety, and a strong desire to keep the game of football strong and healthy. Atavus is equally committed to that goal and we see our partnership as not only with UIL and THSCA, but also with every coach in Texas. We look forward to building on certification, helping coaches take what they’ve learned onto the field.”

Organizations looking to learn more about Atavus tackling certification, or coaches wanting to understand how Atavus can help them win more games and improve player safety, can visit Atavus.com or call 1-877-4ATAVUS.

About Atavus

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 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 continues to operate as part of the University of Texas, under the auspices of the Vice President for Diversity & Community Engagement. 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 principal 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."