Countdown to 2014 USAFL Nationals

The 2014 USAFL National Championships will hit Dublin, Ohio in 30 days and clubs across the country are intently making their final preparations. Will this be the year the Calgary Kangaroos finally break through and capture the Division 1 title or will the Austin Crows make it two in a row? Will the Columbus Jackaroos defend their home turf with another Division 2 crown? Will anyone be able to put a stop to the Denver Bulldogs dynasty in the women's division? These questions will be answered on the field, below are details for other events taking place during the weekend.

Coaches Course

The Manly Warringah Giants of the Sydney AFL will be special guests of the USAFL on the weekend and have agreed to conduct a coaching course. Manly have enjoyed great success in the Sydney AFL competition over the past several years with premierships in 2011, 2012 & 2013. They finished top of the ladder again this season and are back in the Grand Final to be played September 20. This year's course will be a great opportunity to learn from this highly successful club about building and sustaining a winning culture. The course is free to all USAFL coaches and will be held on Friday, October 10 from noon - 5pm at the Dublin Community Rec Center. To sign up complete the registration form.

Members of the AFL Coaches Association will also be in attendance and will provide valuable feedback by observing coaches in action on the weekend. An online portion of the course will need to be completed post Nationals for coaches to earn AFL Level 1 accreditation. Note, next year all USAFL coaches will be required to complete Level 1 accreditation by the end of the season.

Administrator's Conference

The 2014 Administrator's Conference will be held all day Friday, October 10 at the Dublin Community Rec Center from 8am - 4pm. The focus will be on the future direction of the league and include a review and proposed changes to the USAFL constitution. All clubs are encouraged to attend and provide their feedback. The league will cover the cost for one representative per club in a shared hotel room at the Embassy Suites Dublin on Thursday night October 9. To reserve your hotel room and spot at the conference complete the registration form.

Umpires Clinic

This year's umpire clinic will be held on Friday (tentatively scheduled for 10am) at the Dublin Community Rec Center. Umpires looking to start or continue the accreditation process are strongly encouraged to attend. The clinic is open to all interested in umpiring. The USAFL Umpires Association meeting is scheduled to begin at 8:30pm at Embassy Suites, Dublin. At this meeting we will discuss association matters, tournament rules and procedures, and distribute umpiring schedules. For further information contact Nationals Umpire Coordinator, Seth McElvaney at s_h_mc@yahoo.com.

Alumni Match

The popular Masters vs Legends match will return for its third consecutive year. If you would like to participate in the 2014 Alumni Match, please complete the registration form. If you participated in the 2012 or 2013 match, please bring your Masters or Legends jumper with you. Players should be over 40, however younger players will be considered if numbers are required. All participants MUST also be registered with the USAFL: https://usafl.com (registration dues not required if this is your only match to be played). For more information contact Rich Mann at richmann6010@gmail.com.

Call for Volunteers

Calling all volunteers, we are looking for several individuals to assist with photography, filming and live streaming of matches this year. Experience is not required, but preferred. A small remuneration for your time is possible. Please contact National Tournament Director, Doren James at doren.james@usafl.com if interested.

Weekend Schedule

Visit the 2014 Nationals Schedule for a complete schedule of events for the weekend.