Football moms increase gridiron IQ 

Black hats vs. white hats, working on the chain gang, long hours in the hot sun.  It’s not a scene from a wild west movie; it’s football! And it’s what more than 200 moms learned about at the “SunCom Wireless Football Mom 101” clinic at Bank of America Stadium.

For the fourth year, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools teamed up with the Carolina Panthers to teach 225 moms of youth, middle and high school football players the rules of the game, sportsmanship and safety. 

Vickey Cook teaches marketing and small business at Independence; she also has a ninth-grade son on the football team, and she jumped at the chance to learn more about the game.

“He and my husband are having these discussions, and I’m clueless.  They’re arranging stuff on the kitchen table, and I’m just clueless! I just wanted to be able to watch my kid play,” she said. 

Saturday morning’s clinic started with moms learning handclaps and cheers, then moved into the hard stuff -- the rules of the game.

“After a football game, half the crowd loves these guys, and half hate them,” said Vicki Hamilton, director of CMS athletics, as she introduced two referees who explained the game -- and their jobs. 

Perry Clark and Howard Neumann told the moms how referees are trained. They have to register with the state, attend at least six clinics and three scrimmages, pass an annual test and yes, pass a physical. Clark and Neumann explained each ref’s role on the field, and even put the moms on a “chain gang”.

Butler High football coach Mike Newsome brought two of his top players to the clinic. Quarterback Jacob Charest and defensive back Robert Blanton dressed a mom in their equipment to show just how hot and heavy it is. 

Coach Newsome also explained what each position does on the field and showed some of the complicated plays players have to know.

“Football is about more than the game,” Newsome said. “It teaches you to go on when it’s tough. It teaches you about life.” 

Hamilton wrapped up the clinic with lessons on sportsmanship. She reminded moms to respect players, coaches and parents from both teams.  Newsome agreed.

“Coaches want their kids to go on the field and compete, but on top of competing, they have to be respectful. Respect the players on the other team and respect the players on your own team,” he said. 

The Panthers donated $500 to the team with the most moms at the clinic. For the second year in a row, the Myers Park Mustangs took the oversized check home. The money will go toward pre-game meals for the players. Myers Park had 29 moms at the stadium; Independence, West Charlotte and Butler were right behind them.