I saw a post on Facebook today where a very young parent was inquiring about getting her 4 yrs old son signed up for football. My comment was a very sarcystic "They let 4 yrs Olds play Football? "

 

This may be the most idiotic thing I have ever read. With all of the studies out there regarding head trauma why in the hell would someone subject their child, whose brain is still in early development, to full contact football?

We had flag football for little kids...never heard of tackle football for kids close to that small.

Someone else commented that it is flag but if the child wants to play full contact they can. I think it should be flag until 3rd grade IMO.

While four is young for football, I've seen way more injuries with flag than I have for tackle in 1st and 2nd grade. Not moving fast enough in pads for major collisions. In reality we should probably wait until 4th grade or so before kids play but I don't agree that flag is safer. That's like saying soccer is safer when it's really not.

No chance at that age.

While four is young for football, I've seen way more injuries with flag than I have for tackle in 1st and 2nd grade. Not moving fast enough in pads for major collisions. In reality we should probably wait until 4th grade or so before kids play but I don't agree that flag is safer. That's like saying soccer is safer when it's really not.

 

The worst concussion I ever had, I got playing flag football in gym class.

Nope, didn't allow it until 5th grade.

The worst concussion I ever had, I got playing flag football in gym class.

 

Gym class is the most dangerous thing a young athlete can do. Have you ever watch some of the stuff they do in gym class.

Gym class is the most dangerous thing a young athlete can do. Have you ever watch some of the stuff they do in gym class.

 

This can sometimes be true. I have to deal with kids getting hurt in gym class and missing games/matches. My brother shredded his knee (dislocation, torn ACL) playing a stupid game in gym class.

No and will not even later.

Flag football is more dangerous than full pad football at that age.

 

Idk if I'd let my kid play that young, but realistically, the kids at that age have trouble generating enough speed and force to do significant damage.

While four is young for football, I've seen way more injuries with flag than I have for tackle in 1st and 2nd grade. Not moving fast enough in pads for major collisions. In reality we should probably wait until 4th grade or so before kids play but I don't agree that flag is safer. That's like saying soccer is safer when it's really not.

 

Bolded -- true.

 

But i wouldn't let my kid play at 4 yrs old. He did start to play in 4th grade. I love the sport.

Somebody in Ky is suggesting this? This sounds like Florida.

It's an absolute huge game of bumper cars.....and, not NEAR as bad as it may seem. Now...I say that only having seen 5-6 year old tackle football, but if 5-6 is as comical (on the positive side) as it is...I can only imagine what 4 year olds would be like.

 

With that said....no...I wouldn't sign mine up just because a large part of me is kind of like "WTH"? As a father of daughter's, I've also not signed them up for soccer, softball, basketball, etc as 4 year olds.

 

...comes a point in time when..."they are just way too young." I didnt' want to worry about having to take my 4 year old to a practice or a game. She/they have the rest of their life for that...and, one that I will strongly encourage for both (whatever they choose to do) when the time(s) come.

Someone else commented that it is flag but if the child wants to play full contact they can. I think it should be flag until 3rd grade IMO.

 

I'll see that and raise it even three grades higher. It wouldn't bother me one bit to see tackle football moved back to 6th grade...HOWEVER...football is in a HUGE competition with soccer. Both, at least in our state, played in the fall. Also, not sure about NKY...but, here in CKY...there are also FALL and SPRING soccer leagues.

 

One has a ball where everybody can touch (err, kick) and score, plus only wear shorts, t-shirts and also happen to PLAY MORE GAMES.

 

One has a ball where only a few can touch and score, yet several that have to sacrifice for the team (nothing you don't already know already, just making a statement) all while wearing a crap load of gear that only make the elements outside worse than they already are, all while PLAYING LESS GAMES.

 

It's becoming a rat race of getting them hooked on one over the other.