EDITOR’S NOTE: The Florida High School 7v7 Association (FHS7v7A) is a recognized 3rd-party association by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) to be able to conduct 7v7 events and contests for teams around the state in conjunction with the rules of Policy 22 in the FHSAA Handbook. This press release provides information in about the Association and the benefits for each team that decides to become a member.
SAINT AUGUSTINE, FL, – The Florida High School 7v7 Association launched last week across the State of Florida to a welcoming reception from High School Football Coaches and Administrators here in the State. The FHS7v7A as it is known, aims to be the State Association for High School 7v7 in Florida.
FHS7v7A was developed by High School Football Coaches and Athletic Directors, for High School Coaches and Athletic Directors. For years, high school football players have wanted to improve their skills and have an extra opportunity to earn exposure in the sport of football and their school coaches have had to turn to “all star teams” and “all star tournaments” for these outlets. No longer is that the case.
“FHS7v7A offers High School Coaches and their athletes the opportunity to join a 3rd party association and compete in the sport of 7v7 football for the “offseason” and “summer” months as determined by FHSAA as a team. Their team. Only players from your school on your team will be allowed to participate and compete in games and at the regional and state championships. This is not an all-star event; this is for High School teams to get better at what they do,” Will Dettor, Commissioner and Founder of the Florida High School 7v7 Association said.
“As mentioned before, FHS7v7A have gotten great reception from coaches and administrators alike from around the State in regards to our organization. We want to offer High School Coaches in our State the opportunity to work with and develop their kids in the offseason in a positive manner. All Star 7v7 has taken off in our state over the last 5 years, with some positive effects, but unfortunately many negative ones too.”
Dettor and his partners in this venture Frank Beasley and Aaron Avery have 35 years of combined experience in the State of Florida coaching football, and as Athletic Directors. They have been long time members of the Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA), and proponents of 7v7 for offseason development.
“We started working on this concept of a statewide association three years ago,” Dettor said. “It has always been a goal of all three of us to make a positive impact on High School Football in the State during our careers.” “Early on in our coaching careers we have had the opportunity to work for and be exposed to some legendary coaches around the State.” One of Dettor and Beasley’s greatest influences since the beginning of their coaching careers has been FACA Hall of Fame Coach, Former FACA Board of Director, and Former longtime Florida High Head Football Coach Mike Hickman. “Coach Hickman always encouraged us to get involved in our sport, and give back to it. He always pushed us to do more, as he modeled himself.” “I don’t think we could have accomplished this vision now, without his mentoring early on in our careers.”
The Florida High School 7v7 Association facilitates its member team’s ability to compete in regular season 7v7 contests versus other member teams. Member teams from around the state have the opportunity is they choose to come together in late April and participate in a large FHS7v7A State Series Qualifier. From this qualifier, the top 8 teams will have the opportunity to move on and compete for the FHS7v7A State Championship at the end of June.
What is the cost to become a member and participate in the FHS7v7A? $25 per athlete and $30 per coach. This membership fee includes secondary accident/medical insurance for the participants including coaches. There are no other fees associated with participating in the FHS7v7A whether you choose to compete in FHS7v7A State Series Tournaments or not. Added benefits included with membership to the FHS7v7A are discounts on gear and apparel with BSN Sports, the largest distributor of team sporting goods and school sports apparel in the United States, and proud partner and sponsor of FHS7v7A. While there are other organizations out there promoting High School 7v7, the FHS7v7A looks to offer a comprehensive 7 v7 experience, easy to navigate, and pleasurable to work with.
As one high ranking Administrator put it, “The FHS7v7A is cutting edge, and it will impact High School Football in this state in such a positive way.” Dettor and his staff, certainly hope so. “Our goal is and always will be to create and sustain an Association that serves the High School Coaches, Administrators, and Student Athletes in our state.” “This is their Association, and it will flourish because, we want listen to their needs.” The FHS7v7A has “Advisory Committees” made up of High School Coaches around the State, and Athletic Directors around the State. “We may think we know what coaches and administrators want in our State, but things change over time and we want to keep a pulse on that, and in turn a strong working relationship with coaches and administrators.” Dettor said.
The Florida High School 7v7 Association kicks off its inaugural season this March. The regular season lasts thru April wrapping up with a State Series Qualifier the last weekend in April. The FHS7v7A State Championship follows in late June after taking a brief break for spring football across the state. For more information on the FHS7v7A visit www.fhs7v7a.com or email info@fhs7v7a.com
