[Reginald Rutledge]

One of the great things about what we do in the Dallas-Fort Worth League is trying to cater to the needs of our "Road Warriors". Our "Road Warriors" are out-of-state/region guys who invest their time and money into coming here and being a part of the league.

Initially, our interest is to replinish the "local" contingent of EFLers and then to offer franchises to out-state coaches. The reason being is that "Road Warrior" coaches main interest is to come here and play their games and then go home. Not much has been asked of the "Road Warriors" in the past but that needs to change to some respect.

With local coaches, the pool of available officials (with experience) has to be replinished. We are considering a "cap" on out-of-state coaches because the tremendous burden on local guys to do the work is sometimes overwhelming.

One thing I know that will come into play this year is a greater commitment level from the "Road Warrior" package. For instance, when we put the 2007-2008 schedule together, we are firm in having 24 coaches. What we may do is create a "minor league" where we can bring coaches up if other coaches do not fulfill their obligation. Although I know we could easily do the 32 teams, it just creates great headaches even when one coach goes "astray".

A part of the commitment of the "Road Warriors" is flight arrangements confirmation. In the past, Road Warriors wait until the last possible second to make their flight reservations which at that time, the flight cost becomes enormous! The "Road Warrior" then uses excuses (too many to quote) saying he is not able to come. Well, that alone causes huge problems in a league which allows this type of format. You can imagine the scheduling difficulties if you were scheduled to face a coach who lives in L.A.? You've got to either forfeit the game or hope to do some re-shuffling.

I had that type of thing happen for the Shootout and that turns your stomach to even wanting to try to give guys the type of passion that you try to bring to the game.

So this year, we will definitely be looking at requiring "Road Warriors" to fax us their confirmation of plane arrival for the upcoming season. I know some may think they have to wait until the final days but its less stress knowing you've got that covered.

There are possible ways to help defray the cost for out-of-staters but that means out-of-staters need to work just as hard as in-staters to benefit from things I know about "creative financing" through EFL.

We are about to have a league meeting to create applications and profiles. We definitely are at a point of trying to create a better model for our league. We definitely welcome guys with bright ideas, guys who are committed, and guys who want to try to run a league like the NFL.

If you can handle being apart of a league where you are going to loose and still come to play and be professional, this will be the league for you. If you want to be a part of a league where stadiums, pagentry, media hype, injuries, penalties, and fumbles sway the outcomes, and creativity is encouraged, this is definitely one to consider.

However, because of the number of out-of-state coaches ( 15) wanting to be a part of the DFW, we've got to know the commitment level is real. Robert Don (Coach "The Don") is handling the recruiting coordination for the league as a whole. I think you have his number here. LeRon King (Cell-phone stadium coach) is handling the "Road Warriror" package. You can reach him at (817) 719-0991 and he can inform you of what to expect.

I probably will stay out of this part of the deal but many things come through me. But the committees will make the final decision and Robert and LeRon head the recruiting committee.

Reg