USA South Football: "Don't Bet On It"

October 28, 2004 – USA South football coaches will be sporting new gear this Saturday as they take the field.  Aside from the customary visors and team polo shirts, each coach will be wearing a blue wristband that states "NCAA Don't Bet On It." The wristbands, as part of National Sports Wagering Awareness Day, are intended to promote awareness of the dangers of sports wagering. 

The NCAA Sports Wagering Task Force and the American Football Coaches Association have teamed up to distribute more than 150,000 of the wristbands in the hopes of shedding light on the negative effects betting can have on the well being of student-athletes.  Wagering can also ultimately effect the integrity of college sports. 

The USA South is proud to participate in the National Sports Wagering Awareness Day on October 30.  Our head football coaches and athletic support staffs will be wearing the "NCAA Don't Bet On It" wristbands at their games.  By wearing the bands, Conference coaches aim to emphasize the importance of this issue to student-athletes and fans. 

"The need to make our student-athletes aware of the negative consequences of sports related gambling is of paramount importance," said USA South Commissioner Rita Wiggs.  "I applaud the American Football Coaches Association for its very public efforts to bring awareness to sports wagering concerns.  The USA South Athletic Conference wholeheartedly supports the National Sports Wagering Awareness Day and the associated educational issues."

For further information on the NCAA's "Don't Bet On It" program, click here.