Football Safety & Prevention
Is football safe to play? It's the #1 question parents ask. Football is evolving. Player protection and injury prevention are now front and center, causing a major culture shift within the sport. Leagues are adopting new regulations to reduce risk, while researchers continue to focus on the impact of contact.
Advancing Safety in Football
To help parents better understand what’s changed, here are the key developments in football safety:
Limiting Contact
Studies found that concussions were more likely to occur during practice than games. In response, leagues have drastically decreased the amount of person-to-person contact allowed during practice hours.
Proper Technique
The "head-first" tackle is gone. Today, from youth to the NFL (like the Seattle Seahawks' "Hawk Tackling"), coaches teach rugby-style methods using the shoulder for leverage to reduce head injuries.
Rule Changes
Risky behaviors like blindside blocks and targeting are banned. Coaches and players now receive mandatory training in concussion recognition and management.
"Flag is where I developed my love and passion for the game. Maybe some will pursue tackle. If they don’t, I hope they had a great time playing flag and appreciate the game."
- Drew Brees, NFL Quarterback
Tackle vs. Flag: What's the Difference?
Every family’s situation is unique. The best way to make your decision is to look at the data. For many, flag football is the perfect on-ramp to test the waters without the intimidation of physical contact.
The Flag Football Difference
The most notable difference is, well, tackling. In flag, contact is not permitted. Defenders pull flags to stop a play. Here is how that changes the game:
- No Heavy Equipment: No helmets or pads required.
- Fewer Players: Usually 5-on-5, meaning the field is smaller and players get more touches.
- Faster Pace: Without tackling, kick-offs, or long stoppages, kids are flying around the field.
- Safety Rules: QBs can't run directly (in most leagues), and there is absolutely no diving, blocking, or screening allowed.
When should my child start?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. NFL FLAG offers programs for ages 5 through 17. Here are three signs your child might be ready:
1. Physical Development
Does your child have the coordination to run up and down the field while holding a ball? In flag, 5-7 year olds learn basics, while older kids focus on position skills.
2. Teamwork
Football has many moving parts. If your child is ready to understand that every player’s contribution counts towards the team's success, they will thrive here.
3. Discipline
Can they listen to coaches and participate in drills? Making a commitment to show up and work hard is the foundation of the sport.
"My experience with flag football has been amazingly positive. I have seen it change lives for scholar athletes. Flag football offers diversity in life and builds character."
- Edwin Cook, NFL FLAG Parent
The Rise of Flag: The number of 6-to-12-year-olds playing flag has increased by 38% since 2015. It teaches value, leadership, and improves cardiovascular endurance—without the collisions.