Gopher State Football League (GSFL) Advisory Group Meeting

April 21, 2025,

The Ballpark – Twin Cities in Blaine, MN.

1. Welcome by Dawson Blanck, GSFL Managing Director

• The meeting opened with a clear articulation of its purpose: to strengthen the GSFL by aligning around key updates, standards, and policies for the 2025 season.

2. GSFL Branding Update

• The new GSFL logo was officially launched, reinforcing the league’s refreshed identity and commitment to community-based youth football.

3. League Development Update

• Association Commitments: Updates were shared on the 30 associations committed to enrolling their teams into the GSFL for the 2025 season.
• GSFL League Representative, Adam Cook, provided operational insights.
  • Questions? football@myas.org
• GSFL Advisory Group’s role reaffirmed as a guiding body helping shape the league's community-first direction.

 4. GSFL Policy Recommendations & Discussions

A. Organizational Requirements presented by Dawson Blanck

• Organizations must demonstrate strong governance and stability:
  • Leadership must be elected democratically.
  • There should be open communication with parents and participants.
  • Programs must support multiple grade levels and operate with the intent to be around year after year.
• All associations must agree to a series of Best Practices that foster a safe, positive and productive experience for the youth football players participating in this league.
• Recognized Teams must originate from:
  • Bona fide community associations
  • School-based programs with a proven multi-year structure
• Not Eligible:
  • All-star/open teams (drawing players from multiple areas)
  • Independent teams (operating outside recognized local programs)

Player Eligibility Guidelines

Players should compete with the association tied to:

• The community where they live, or the school they attend.

• For split households, players may participate based on the location of either parent’s residence.
• If there’s no local program, or a program doesn’t have enough players to field a team, athletes may join a bordering association, and no waiver is needed in those cases.
  • Notify Managing Directors
• Waivers:
  • Required if players wish to play outside of their designated area
  • Must be initiated by the family and approved by all relevant associations
  • GSFL Managing Directors have final approval authority

B. Team Composition Guidelines presented by John Swanson, GSFL Managing Director

• Emphasis on competitive integrity and development:
  • Avoid same team compositions year over year
  • Conduct player evaluations and redistributions especially between 3rd–4th and 6th–7th grades
  • Transparency is key — associations should publicly post formation methods

C. Roster Size Guidelines

• Focused on balancing:
  • Player safety
  • Meaningful playing time
  • Development over convenience
• Max Recommended Roster Sizes:

• Teams exceeding max rosters must meet mandatory playing time standards
• No excuse for “not enough coaches” or “parent preference” — GSFL encourages splitting large teams when necessary

 Trusted GSFL Coaches Requirements presented by Kevin Johnston

• Minimum Coaching Standards include:
  • Background checks (recommended annually)
  • Concussion certification (state law)
  • Child abuse prevention training (Safe Sport compliance)
• At least two coaches per team must complete:
  • FREE GSFL Coaches Training via Trusted Coaches
• Encouragement for full staff to complete sport-specific training via:
  • USA Football
  • GSFL’s in-person July clinic
  • High school-hosted association clinics

5. Game Hosting Guidelines

• Key Dates:
  • June 1 – Game Day Survey sent to representatives
  • August 1 – Deadline to return surveys
  • August 17 – Schedule release begins
• Facility Standards: Associations are expected to ensure high-quality fields and clear, timely communication regarding availability and hosting logistics.

6. Grade-Level Breakout Sessions

• Separate discussions were held for:
  • 2nd–6th Grade representatives
  • 7th–8th Grade representatives
• Focused on grade-specific implementation of new policies, rules and sharing best practices