Middle School Football?

[Mickey'snewestfan]

My almost 12 year old has decided he wants to play football, and I'm having mixed feelings. I'd love some thoughts from both experienced football parents, and from parents who have decided not to let their kids play.

Here are things I like about the idea:

My kid's "big" and sometimes struggles with self esteem relative to that, playing a sport where "big" is a strength might help with that.

He could use more exercise, and our local team has 3 2 hour practices a week. In contrast he has done (and would still do, this would be an addition) soccer which is once or twice a week.

Right now he's got lots of unsupervised down time after school. At this point I think that's OK, but I feel as though once adolescence hits more structure would be a good thing.

I'm a single mom, he's got no grandfathers and his only uncle is far away and uninterested in him. We're also in a new community. So I see football as a great way for him to form a relationship with a strong male coach.

Here are my concerns:

Safety -- I worry about concussions, and about heat exhaustion, especially since they practice in August, we live where it's HOT in the summer, and he's got asthma.

Culture -- I worry that there's an emphasis on aggressiveness in football that runs counter to our family's values. On the other hand, my kid is the opposite of aggressive, to the point that it's problematic. So, maybe this will bring him a little closer to the "middle" if that makes sense.

Money -- I like soccer, you pay for one pair of cleats and a $60 registration a season. Nothing else happens. Seems like football will cost a lot more than that. What expenses should I expect?

And here are my questions:

Safety? -- are there specific things I should look for to make sure a program is safe for his age? I know to look for teams with weight limits. In soccer they play with no heading up until a certain age. In hockey there's no checking until a certain age. Are there rules I should be asking about. I am more worried about the heat.

Joining at this stage? -- He'd be joining a program that starts at 6, and going straight into their oldest age group. They say on their website that that's fine and that they have a no cut policy, but how realistic is it that he won't be totally overwhelmed. If he does this he'll probably go to some camps that play "no pads" (I assume this means touch?) football over the summer and will at least know the rules.

What did you decide? -- If you struggled with this decision, what did you decide, and why?

 

[golfgal]

I disagree that football promotes aggression, parts of the game are aggressive but some of the nicest, sweetest kids I know are football players. Injuries at that level are not all that common, mainly because the kids just aren't strong enough to hit that hard. I know in our state the state high school league has instituted pretty strict equipment guidelines to help prevent concussions as well as training practices in the heat (and cold). It isn't uncommon to have 95 degrees with 70%+ humidity here during the first weeks of football.

Let him join if he wants, great way to meet other kids and be a part of something.

Our oldest played one year of football but when he was standing in the huddle and only came up to the waist of many of the players he decided it wasn't for him .

 

[DrCavin]

I echo what golfgal stated. I would talk to his Dr about the asthma & if the Dr says he is good to play then I would let him. I would personally alert the coach about his asthma, do not rely on them reading any form you fill out stating health issues.

 

[luvsJack]

Both of my sons played football in middle school. The older one was not agressive when he started and wasn't when he quit, so didn't seem to have any bearing on it. The younger one was very agressive when he started and it actually became an outlet for him and it helped that problem.

Older son was quarterback from 5th grade (community league) through 8th grade (jr. high school team). He was about average in size to the other guys on the team. Younger ds played defence, he was smaller than the other players but knew how to tackle and was able to bring down boys bigger than he.

I would not say that kids this age cannot hit hard enough to hurt. But from our experience there were less injuries on the football field than on the basketball court. (and this was really true through high school too)

I won't tell you that injuries don't happen, we have seen the ambulance have to come in and we have taken the boys to the ER after a game. Luckily none were ever serious, but it CAN happen. Injuries can happen in any sport, IMHO, football isn't any more accident prone than the other sports.

It can get VERY hot here (south MS) and VERY humid. Most of the school here do a week of summer practice in June and then not again until August (when school starts). The coaches tend to be careful to practice during the cooler part of the day, take lots of water breaks and watch the boys to make sure they aren't being effected too much by the heat. That is really going to be a coach thing.

As for money, for us, football was the least expensive sport. We only had to buy cleats. Pads, helmets, pants and jerseys were all provided by the school. In community league we bought the jersey and the cleats. That is going to vary by school, I would imagine.

We loved it and as long as they played they did too. I would suggest that you let him try it and see how he likes it. And talk to the coach about some of your worries, he can probably put your mind at ease.

 

[brockash]

My son is still in elementary school, so a good amount younger than yours, but he's played tackle football for 2 years now. Honestly, I always say that once he gets older and has to commit more to just one sport (he basically plays all sports now,) that I really hope football is one he drops. My DH on the other hand would probably say that's the one he hopes he keeps (my DH has been the coach for the last 2 years as well.)
My reasoning is mainly because of the injury thing, and while it isn't very common that a kid gets seriously injured, it does happen, and I personally feel the risk of serious injury are higher with football than the other sports he plays.
I will say that in our experience so far, the parents/coaches ect. with football are much more aggressive than with the other sports we do, and to me, too much so, but I try to just use them as learning experiences.
My ds plays football and soccer at the same time as well, and while it is very busy; it's good structure, my ds really enjoys it, and honestly soccer seems like such a relief to go to during the football season. Having said all of that, I'll still let my ds play football as long as he wants to for now.
I will say that I wouldn't rely on your school to provide the best equipment. If you can afford it, I'd highly recommend you do some research on the best youth football equipment (especially helmets) and purchase your own. It can be expensive, but completely worth it.

ETA: ITA with the pp that said to talk to the coach about any medical conditions that your ds has. There's a good chance that the coach may not even get the medical histories of the players (just the ppl. running the program may get that info.)

 

[Mkrop]

DS13 has been playing football through a CYO(Church) league since 5th grade.

He has asthma, his doctor said with the right meds he should be able to play any sport, if not he was not doing his job. DS13 does his resuce inhaler before every practice and game. He has had one attack in the 3 years he was playing. It was a 90 degree day, first day of helmet and pads, he was running BUT he forgot to do his inhaler BEFORE. The only time he forgot and he never forgot again. His coach knew immediately what to do. During the season, we keep an inhaler in the med bag and all the coached know the drill.

DS is also the most mild mannered kid you will ever meet. He is not aggressive at all BUT he is super competitive. So that is the side that the coaches found they needed to work on with him. In 6th grade, one of the coaches was all about making my son "mean". My son cried everyday after practice and hated football. After much convincing from the other coaches, he went back, the other guy was gone, they knew how to motivate my kid and he loved it again.

DS has gotten more injuries in basketball and baseball then he ever has in football.

Are you sure he is allowed to play soccer AND football? Around here you can not do that, the time commitment for football is a lot. We have to sign a contract saying that he will not play for any other team esp another football team during the season. But quite frankly there is no time.

The workouts are very intense but DS was in great shape. Our coaches were very concerned about safety and kept them well hydrated, but they also worked them hard. But they need that type of conditioning to so the injuries are less during the season.

Hope this helps

 

[golfgal]

I should also add that my kids also have asthma and have never had issues playing any sport, including running cross country and track. If he is properly medicated and has his asthma under control you shouldn't have any issues-just make sure he uses his inhaler properly.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I would really take a close look at why he, right now, wants to play.

Is it because he likes the sport and wants to play himself, or could he simply want to be part of the "in crowd"?

If it's the former, then the risks will probably be worth it.

If it's the latter, then there might be a less risky way to make friends and become popluar.

I'd probably sit down and have a chat about it before making any further committments.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

Just a few things to clarify.

We don't have school football until 9th grade here, which is why I worry about costs. The program that we're looking at includes equipment, but is still many hundreds of dollars between fees, and equipment rental.

As far as the asthma, he's never had problems with sports before, but I worry about the combination of heat, the extra clothing, and the fact that they play outdoors during an asthma season for him. In the past he's played some pretty intense sports like hockey and snowboarding, but of course there are no issues with heat or outdoor allergens with hockey.

 

[Mkrop]

Just a few things to clarify.

We don't have school football until 9th grade here, which is why I worry about costs. The program that we're looking at includes equipment, but is still many hundreds of dollars between fees, and equipment rental.

As far as the asthma, he's never had problems with sports before, but I worry about the combination of heat, the extra clothing, and the fact that they play outdoors during an asthma season for him. In the past he's played some pretty intense sports like hockey and snowboarding, but of course there are no issues with heat or outdoor allergens with hockey.

Once again if you have the asthma under control, there should be no issues. DS's asthma is due to his being allergic to EVERYTHING outdoors, I mean everything. He plays both football and baseball during the worst time of years for him btw the pollen and the heat. Once again, he has had one attack and that was when he forgot to do his inhaler before.

 

[Allison]

If he is interested in it, I would let him give it a try. I've had sons playing football for years and it's been a great activity for them. They makes friends, get to be part of a team, it keeps them in shape and gives them something to spend their time on.

 

[EdiePA]

Honestly, I always say that once he gets older and has to commit more to just one sport (he basically plays all sports now,) that I really hope football is one he drops.
My reasoning is mainly because of the injury thing, and while it isn't very common that a kid gets seriously injured, it does happen, and I personally feel the risk of serious injury are higher with football than the other sports he plays.
My ds plays football and soccer

Sorry, but this is a serious misconception. Soccer carries just as much risk for serious injury as football. Think about it -- football players have a lot of protective pads and helmets. Soccer players have shin guards. Especially with concussions, soccer is a dangerous sport.

OP - One of my sons played soccer and one played football. The football player was larger and cut from a travel soccer team. Rather than have that as a negative, his soccer coach talked him into playing center on the football team and he loved it! His self esteem was so boosted by his football experience.

Edie

 

[Mkrop]

Sorry, but this is a serious misconception. Soccer carries just as much risk for serious injury as football. Think about it -- football players have a lot of protective pads and helmets. Soccer players have shin guards. Especially with concussions, soccer is a dangerous sport.OP - One of my sons played soccer and one played football. The football player was larger and cut from a travel soccer team. Rather than have that as a negative, his soccer coach talked him into playing center on the football team and he loved it! His self esteem was so boosted by his football experience.

Edie

I agree, I know a girl in 9th grade who plays soccer, basketball and lacrosse, she has suffered 3 concussions so far, one in basketball, the other 2 in soccer.

Dont get me wrong, I have seen injuries on the football field, a broken wrist, and one boy got what is called a stinger. So at the time, we thought that was super serious and possibly his neck was injured. The entire field was absolute silence as we waited to hear if he was ok. He was ok, more just stunned, he went to the ER and had to sit out I think 2 weeks.

I think many injuries are hyped by the media as well.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Sports Injury statistics, from the National Center for Sports Safety: http://www.sportssafety.org/sports-injury-facts/

According to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System All Injury Program:

In 2001, the number of sport-related injuries for each sport are as follows:

◦Track & Field — 15,113
◦Volleyball — 55,860
◦Hockey — 63,945
◦Gymnastics — 99,722
◦Softball — 118,354
◦Soccer — 163,003
◦Baseball — 170,902
◦Football — 413,620
◦Basketball — 680,307

From 1982-2002, the total numbers of direct and indirect fatalities among high school athletes were:

◦Cross Country — 14
◦Wrestling — 16
◦Baseball — 17
◦Cheerleading — 21
◦Football — 22
◦Soccer — 31
◦Track & Field — 47
◦Basketball — 88

 

[Pea-n-Me]

There is a lot more known now about concussions then there has been in the past: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/o...rents-Take-concussion-seriously#axzz1G26bVm6n

I'm not going to link it here, but I just came across a very interesting article as it relates to concussion and football on espn. If anyone wants to read it, it's called Coming to a head Scientists are competing with one another for concussion cures and treatments

 

[njmom47]

Or he could wind up like my ds...he played 5 downs all year (freshman football, ds plays baseball almost all yr round but had never played football, but same as your ds, is a mellow kid, athletic, physically a beast in size). He was very committed to the team and felt like he was part of something cool...of course, our varsity team is pretty good, and being associated with the "big guys" in HS was cool to him (the recognition by upperclassmen, wearing the jersey to school on game days, etc). I wasn't overly concerned with concussions, as I didn't expect my ds to play that much. But if the trainers, coaches, and players are educated about concussions, that would help me a (very) little bit. I say go for it, who knows what he might get out of the experience.

 

[Debbie7452]

My DS started Football last year at age 11. He was joining a kind of "Little League" football and was in the Senior age group. It was great and he loved it. He is one of the smallest but still became a major tackler. He is still little and playing Junior High ball. He plays noseguard and is 6 inches smaller than the rest of the defensive line. It has been very positive for his self esteem.

As far as injuries go...He didn't get hurt playing football in the fall. The next Spring he got a baseball in the face on the baseball field and ended up in the ER (he's fine now). So...goes to show how ironic all my efforts were to push baseball over football!

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

I would really take a close look at why he, right now, wants to play.

Is it because he likes the sport and wants to play himself, or could he simply want to be part of the "in crowd"?

If it's the former, then the risks will probably be worth it.

If it's the latter, then there might be a less risky way to make friends and become popluar.

I'd probably sit down and have a chat about it before making any further committments.

I think it's a combination. I definitely see an increased interest in football for all the boys in his age group. I think it fits in with where they are developmentally.

At the same time, given that there's no football at school, and that lots of parents in my neighborhood don't have their kids play I wouldn't say it's the "in crowd" thing to do. I see kids in soccer uniforms all weekend. I see many cars with hockey bumper stickers. My son talks about how his friends are on this swim team, or that hockey team, but I don't hear much about football at all. It took a fair amount of searching to even find a team.

So, I do think it's a genuine interest. At the same time we're new in our neighborhood and I know he's looking to make new friends, so playing a local sport makes sense.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

Sports Injury statistics, from the National Center for Sports Safety: http://www.sportssafety.org/sports-injury-facts/

Those statistics are pretty meaninless without looking at the number of kids playing, and the kinds of injuries.

I looked for concussions in particular, and one set of stats I found are pretty alarming. Athletic Trainers report 5% of high school football players suffer a concussion each season -- so if he plays from now until graduation there's a 30% chance. On the other hand, something like half of all players self report concussion symptoms each year -- that would make a concussion almost a sure thing if he plays 6 years. Football players are also 3 times as likely to suffer concussion as soccer players, on a per game/practice basis. Those are pretty dramatic differences.

On the other hand, like I said, there are risks associated with not getting enough exercise, not getting enough positive role models, not having enough structure after school . . . Football might be a solution to those things.

 

[debster812]

DS is a soccer kid, not American Football, but he has a friend who started playing football as a 7th grader, and actually played on the Freshman team as an 8th grader. So 'late bloomers' can be OK.

As far as the asthma goes, my DS suffers from slight asthma, and has had his own inhaler in his soccer bag since he was 8 or so. He knows when he needs to use it. For him, winter is actually the worst, because he's going from the cold, dry air outside, to the warm, moist, dusty air at the indoor soccer complexes he plays at. Of course, when it is super hot and humid, we practice a preventative strategy, and he'll use his inhaler before games and practices.

It sounds like you've done a lot of research, and really have the pros and cons laid out well. I would say give it a try. Worst case, he does not like it, and he only does 1 year. Best case, he loves it, has fun, makes new friends, and it's a great experience all the way around!

Good Luck