Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long has Offense-Defense been around?
A: Offense-Defense is currently in our 39th year of hosting full-contact football camps.
Q: Does Offense-Defense have any affiliations to the NFL?
A: Offense-Defense is not affiliated in any way with the National Football League or its Member Clubs. We are, however, the official football camp of the National Football League Coaches Association
Q: Who will be coaching the campers?
A: NFL Coaches and Players as well as top college coaches will coach your kids. Your camper has the opportunity to be coached by some of the greatest minds in football.
Q: What is the advantage of a full-contact camp as opposed to a non-contact football camp?
A: With a full-contact camp, you are provided the opportunity to truly practice what you are being taught. You are not just learning the theory of football, but you are learning how to play the game. Note: The Birmingham prep camp is not full-contact due to State High School Athletic Association Rules.
Q: How old must you be to attend the camp?
A: If you are between the ages of 7-18 then you are eligible to attend Offense-Defense Football Camps.
Q: What is the O-D philosophy?
A: O-D's philosophy is known as the 4 C's of Football: Coaching, Curriculum, Contact, and Commitment. Our staff consists of some of the best and most knowledgeable college and NFL coaches. The right program taught by the best coaches equals success. The Offense-Defense football program is that very program. Our coaches teach individual techniques that develop a foundation which will benefit each player. Offense-Defense teaches real football the right way: step-by-step instruction followed by progressive contact gives you the opportunity to practice what you have been taught. If you're attending a non-contact football camp, you're learning the theory of football rather then how to play football. Offense-Defense has made a 39 year-long commitment to providing campers with the best youth football program possible. We attribute our success to a strong dedication to our athletes and the sport of football itself. We believe that in addition to superior instruction, many life skills are needed to find a winning formula. Offense-Defense provides an environment that fosters such skills as teamwork, discipline, responsibility, respect, family values and, of course, hard work. Once you commit to our prestigious football camp you become a part of an everlasting and great tradition.
Q: What is the Clinic?
A: It is a non-contact technique training session on the first day of camp running from 9am to 2:30pm with a 45-minute break for lunch. Lunch is included in the cost of the clinic. This clinic covers all of the position technique covered during the camp but with a smaller coach to player ratio and an increased emphasis on fundamentals and footwork. The clinic will give the player a good overview on how to play his or her position.
Q: How does the O-D card work?
A: The O-D card works like a debit card in the form of a wristband. Campers can have their wristband scanned at the O-D Store in order to purchase snacks, equipment, photos and other merchandise, without carrying cash to practice or to the dormitory. Parents may determine the camper's need for their camp session.
Q: How are players picked for a position?
A: The campers choose an offensive and defensive position and declare that position at the first session Sunday afternoon. They will get repetitions on both offense and defense during camp. They are not forced into positions. They play their offensive and defensive positions of choice each day. Coaches can make suggestions for campers who are unsure as to what position is best for them.
Q: How will the campers be matched up?
A: Campers will be placed in a group with others their own age, size, experience and personality (aggressiveness). Our resident NFL and college coaches will lead the campers through instruction of basic techniques and fundamental skills during progressive contact sessions. As the week advances, controlled contact and age-specific scrimmages are introduced, culminating in a full-contact "Super Bowl" at the end of the camp.
Q: Does Offense-Defense teach strictly football?
A: We believe Jevon Kearse put it best when he stated, "Offense-Defense provides you not only with exceptional football instruction but also with the skills that are necessary to succeed in life." Our camp fosters confidence both on and off the field within each child.
Q: Will NFL Players be at every camp?
A: Yes, there are NFL players scheduled to attend every camp!
Q: What NFL Players have been a part of Offense-Defense Camps?
A: This year's pros included Rosevelt Colvin, Jevon Kearse, Ray Lewis, Zach Thomas, Willis McGahee, Keith Brooking, Chad Johnson, Steve Smith, Fred Taylor, Priest Holmes, and many more NFL Stars!
Q: Why should I Attend Offense-Defense Football Camps?
A: Offense-Defense Football Camp is the premier full-contact camp in the country. Nowhere else can you be coached by NFL & top college coaches! For 39 years Offense-Defense has been committed to providing superior football instruction in a safe and productive environment. O-D focuses on the fundamentals and not just the plays or conditioning of athletes. We use a program that allows for each athlete to compete to their absolute athletic potential while providing a safe environment to insure maximum progress and safety.
Q: As a parent or guardian, can I come and watch the practices during camp?
A: Yes, we actually encourage parents/guardians to watch the practices during the week, especially for the Super Bowl on the last day of camp where a culmination of the week's work comes together for a fun time for campers, coaches, and parents. Everyone who comes to watch during the week must check in at our security tent to get an O-D field pass.
Q: What Is A Father Counselor And What Would My Duties Be?
A: Father Counselors maintain our camp schedule, insure the camp structure and the safety and well being of our boys off the field. You will supervise and assist assigned groups of campers throughout the week. This entails making sure campers are awake and on the field on time, that they are in their rooms for lights out, and that they are supervised while off the playing field. Our Head Counselor will also assign other daily duties. In order to become a Father Counselor, please call the office and request an application.
Q: How do Cancellations and Cancellation Protection Work?
- Offense-Defense will offer a full refund, less the $100.00 deposit and cancellation protection fee (if applicable), to any cancellation received in writing prior to May 1st (Camper must be paid in full).
- Campers who purchase cancellation protection (at time of registration) and submit a letter in writing 72 hours prior to camp will receive their full refund minus the $100.00 deposit and the $60 cancellation protection fee (Camper must be paid in full).
- No refunds will be made after May 1st for ANY reason.
- All Sleepover cancellations received in writing after May 1st will receive a $200.00 credit toward next year's camp (Camper must be paid in full).
- Any Day or Extended Day Camper cancellations after May 1st Will receive a $150.00 credit toward the next year of camp (Camper must be paid in full).
Q: What Is The Advantage To Being An Extended-Day Camper Rather Than Just A Day Camper?
A: A Day Camper is only at camp from 8:30am to 5:00pm daily and lunch is not included in the fee. Extended-Day Campers are at camp from 8:30am to 8:30pm. Not only are both lunch and dinner included in the fee, but Extended-Day Campers don't miss out on the evening scrimmage time.
Q: Will Roommate Requests Be Honored?
A: Sleepover campers will be roomed according to ages and weight at each camp. On average there are two campers per room. All roommate requests will be considered upon enrollment and must be given one month prior to the beginning of camp.
Q: How Long Are the Children Supervised For?
A: Offense-Defense Football Camps recognizes the importance of your child's safety. Parents relax! Your young football player will be supervised 24 hours a day. When kids are not on the field, father counselors and Offense-Defense staff members are supervising them. In addition to our staff, many of the campuses where we hold our camps have campus police and campus safety on premises for additional security. Offense-Defense Football Camps assign each camper to a counselor upon registration at camp. These counselors are teachers, youth and Pop Warner coaches, hand-chosen college students, past campers, and of course parents. The counselors live on the same floor and are responsible for the off-the-field supervision of the campers. The coaches supervise campers when they are on the field. Day Campers and Extended-Day Campers report to the day camper counselor each morning and check out with him or her when they leave with a parent or guardian at the end of each day.
Q: Are Offense-Defense Football Camps Geared Toward One Position?
A: NO! Offense-Defense prides itself on offering the most in-depth instruction in all positions. You, the camper, decide what position you would like to learn and Offense-Defense's hand-selected coaching staff will take over from there.
Q: I Have Never Played Football Before. Is This A Camp For Football Veterans Only?
A: Absolutely Not! Offense-Defense works with campers of all age and skill levels. We work with children ages 7-18 regardless of previous football knowledge. We have a very skilled and knowledgeable staff where each member on the coaching staff is hand-selected to cater to the needs of our campers. We welcome campers of all ages and skill levels to attend our camps. Offense-Defense prides itself on being able to cater to the needs of every individual camper that walks onto our fields. First-time campers will leave with better knowledge and take the grassroots skills of football home with them. Football veterans will appreciate our challenging curriculum and the one-on-one drills that will take place with the pros. No matter the situation, our camps guarantee improvement.
Q: Is There A Camp Store?
A: Yes! Offense-Defense Camps offers a fully-stocked camp store carrying T-shirts, Shorts, Loosewear, Tightwear, Hats, Accessories, and Protective Equipment. The camp store also offers snacks and beverages on a daily basis as well as the opportunity to purchase pizzas at night. You can also order authentic O-D apparel and accessories before camp on-line.
Q: How many camps and clinics does Offense-Defense Camps offer?
A: Offense-Defense will offer over 35 football camps across the country for 2008. Our camps include residential (overnight) as well as day, and extended-day camps. To learn about all of our locations, click on the "Locations" link and then the region or specific camp you are looking are interested in.
Q: How do I sign up for one of your camps?
A: There are four ways to register for our camps. The easiest way is to do it right online from our secure web site; however, you may also register with us on the phone, by fax or by US Mail.
Online: http://www.o-d.com (Immediate confirmation). Locate the camp you wish to register for and click the "REGISTER NOW" button. This will take you through the easy registration process.
Phone: Call us directly at (843) 903-1888.
Fax: To download a registration form click here and you will be find a printable application with instructions. Fill in this application and fax it back to us at (843) 903-2749
Mail: To download a registration form click here and you will be find a printable application with instructions. Fill in this application and mail it to us at:
Offense-Defense 309 Bush Drive. Myrtle Beach, SC 29579 (make checks payable to "Offense-Defense")
Q: Do I need to bring a health form to camp?
A: Yes, all campers are required to bring a health form to camp. We cannot allow campers to participate unless they have turned these in. To download a health form (.pdf format) now, click here.
Q: How do I get a job at one of your camps?
A: We are always looking for qualified instructors who share our enthusiasm for the game of football and enjoy working with young players. As we continue to grow we will have numerous coaching staff positions dependent upon experience level. We are also continually looking for potential Directors who are interested in partnering with us to start and direct a new Offense-Defense location.
Q: How can I tell if a camp still has openings?
A: There will be a "Sold Out" banner on the page of any camp that is sold out. If there is no banner, there are still openings in that camp. If the camp is sold out, please call our office at 843-903-1888 to be placed on the wait list.
Q: How can we get an Offense-Defense Football Camp in our community?
A: We are always looking for new locations where our top-notch staff can work with motivated young athletes. If your local team or league is interested in bringing an Offense-Defense Football Camp to your community, please contact us at info@o-d.com.
Q: Do I Need To Rent Equipment From Offense-Defense?
A: No, Offense-Defense only rents equipment to those who do not have their own, or cannot get it from their team or leagues. Whether you are renting from Offense-Defense or bringing your own you must provide your own chin strap, mouth guard, girdle, athletic support and cup. All of these items are available at our online store
Q: Can I bring my cell phone, iPod, Game Boy, etc to camp with me?
A: Offense-Defense prefers athletes not bring cell phones, iPods, portable gaming devices, etc. There is minimal downtime at camp and the Offense-Defense Staff nor the College campuses will be responsible for lost or stolen items. Those campers still wishing to bring these items do so at their own risk.
