Seminar unlocks secrets of football to women.

By REBECCA KLINE

Courier Staff Writer

CEDAR FALLS

Ladies, are you tired of watching a football game and being able to only offer commentary like, "I'm rooting for that team. I like their hats"?

A workshop aimed at teaching women about football may be the answer.

Joyce Barbatti, of Barbatti Communications, loves football -really.

And she's offering to teach the basics of the game to interested women.

This isn't the first time she's used her love of the gridiron to teach other women. She quarterbacked the same class a few years ago and it was a hit.

"It went really well. We had about 35 women and everyone just had a really good time and learned a lot about the game of football," Barbatti says.

Her class drew students whose football knowledge ranged from rookie to seasoned veteran, but everyone benefited.

Barbatti uses PowerPoint to make a presentation for students. Then she'll have them try on a full football uniform, complete with pads, and line up as offense and defense as if they were playing a game.

"I just love football; I love to watch football," she says. "It is a passion of mine, and I know there are women out there who would really love the game if they knew more about it."

Barbatti, of Cedar Falls, runs her public relation business out of her home.

Hers isn't the only such class. The National Football League puts on similar workshops, just for football widows.

At one such workshop, officials were expecting 25 to 30 women. Instead, 160 showed up.

Barbatti is expecting maybe 25 people to attend the class. There's no age limit; in fact, Barbatti had a woman in her 80s attend the last class she gave.

"She was actually quite knowledgeable about the game," Barbatti says.

The workshop will be Nov. 1 at Celebrations, 3555 University Ave., Waterloo. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with complimentary tail-gating appetizers.

Representatives from the University of Northern Iowa coaching staff and UNI football players will be on hand.

Each participant will receive a "play book" for future reference.

Cost is $18 per person or $13 per person if three or more people register together. UNI student cost is $10.

To register, send your name, phone number and a check to Barbatti Communications, 8021 Slap Tail Trail, Cedar Falls, IA 50613. Deadline is Monday.