As the world of tackle football deals with the crisis of conscience that is the long-term debilitating effects of concussions, two competing views have emerged. 1) Tackle football can protect players better through rule changes and equipment improvements or 2) tackle football is inherently risky, and there is no way to effectively remove that risk.
I’d like to explore (for as long as you’ll allow me) the possible efficacy of flag football as a suitable alternative for early football skill development. I recently discovered that Archie Manning, former Ole Miss and New Orleans Saints Quarterback, prohibited his three sons from playing tackle football as pre-teens (they began playing in 7th grade, I believe). Two of them are now NFL QB’s with Super Bowl rings. Pedigree aside, it suggests that playing football at a very young age is not a necessary training ground or a predictor of future ability.
What is the advantage of having pre-teens play tackle football? I suggest there is not enough benefit to offset the significant level of risk of injury. Below are my top 5 distinct advantages for schools and playgrounds to consider:
In my opinion, JV high school football should be the first introduction to tackle football in a boy’s life. But what limits flag football as a viable alternative is that it’s not a great spectator experience. If flag football were more fun to watch, flag football would give pre-teen tackle a run for its money.
It would be simple to make flag football “watchable” – just put the same investment into the playing fields, referees, uniforms, concessions, equipment, and emotional capital that we already sink into middle school and playground tackle. Keep stats. Tape the games and break down game film. Most importantly, tell the players that flag football the way we learn how to play tackle football. This way we can make it safer to enjoy the game we all love.
I’d like to explore (for as long as you’ll allow me) the possible efficacy of flag football as a suitable alternative for early football skill development. I recently discovered that Archie Manning, former Ole Miss and New Orleans Saints Quarterback, prohibited his three sons from playing tackle football as pre-teens (they began playing in 7th grade, I believe). Two of them are now NFL QB’s with Super Bowl rings. Pedigree aside, it suggests that playing football at a very young age is not a necessary training ground or a predictor of future ability.
What is the advantage of having pre-teens play tackle football? I suggest there is not enough benefit to offset the significant level of risk of injury. Below are my top 5 distinct advantages for schools and playgrounds to consider:
- It’s Still Football: Flag football embodies many of the most compelling aspects of tackle football – passing acumen, wide open play-calling, electric runs from elusive speedsters. Players still learn valuable football skills for later careers, should they choose to play in high school and beyond, without the risk of significant head injury.
- Builds Character: Players gain the values of teamwork, sacrifice, endurance, and the importance of practice without the risk of significant head injury.
- Less Liability: Flag football has significantly less contact that tackle football, resulting in fewer injuries, especially head injuries.
- Lower Cost: The investment of equipment and (I can only assume) insurance on the program is far lower. More schools or playgrounds can participate since the up-front cost is lower, while also avoiding the risk of significant head injury.
- More meaningful participation: With smaller team sizes (5-man, 6-man, 7-man teams are smaller than 11-on-11 tackle), coaches can better instruct the players. Like basketball, players have more opportunity to impact the flow of the game. Also, smaller team sizes lead to the formation of more teams to service the total population, resulting in more opportunity for participation in local or regional play.
In my opinion, JV high school football should be the first introduction to tackle football in a boy’s life. But what limits flag football as a viable alternative is that it’s not a great spectator experience. If flag football were more fun to watch, flag football would give pre-teen tackle a run for its money.
It would be simple to make flag football “watchable” – just put the same investment into the playing fields, referees, uniforms, concessions, equipment, and emotional capital that we already sink into middle school and playground tackle. Keep stats. Tape the games and break down game film. Most importantly, tell the players that flag football the way we learn how to play tackle football. This way we can make it safer to enjoy the game we all love.
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