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4 Steps I’m Taking Before Letting My Kids Join a Football Team
Just the other night, I lost track of time and stayed up too late watching the kickoff of another NFL season. My older kids were pleading to stay up and watch alongside me, and I compromised their bedtime so we could enjoy the game together — they promised to hit the hay without any fuss after halftime. It’s become a cherished ritual in our household, and I love cheering for our favorite teams together, regardless of the outcome.
However, as my kids grow up, I find myself caught in a whirlwind of excitement and apprehension about the possibility of them wanting to play football. Right now, they aren’t involved in the sport, but I know that day will come when my son confidently says, “Dad, I want to play football.” My instinct will be to encourage him with a hearty, “Go for it, buddy!” But I can’t shake the anxiety that comes with that decision.
It’s a tough spot to be in, especially since opinions on youth football are all over the map. Some former pros, like Alex Johnson, suggest that kids should play as long as parents are aware of the risks. Meanwhile, current players like Sam Roberts have vowed that their kids won’t step onto the field due to the dangers involved. The conflicting perspectives leave me in a quandary, trying to weigh the concerns of medical evidence against my kids’ eagerness to try something new.
As a parent, I often encourage my kids to chase their passions, and I worry that forbidding them from football might only fuel their desire to rebel. There are no definitive answers in this parenting dilemma, and the outcomes will only be clear in hindsight—a thought that makes me uneasy.
As I prepare for the day my son expresses interest in playing, I’ve decided on a few key precautions:
- We’ll Watch “Concussion” Together
If the story of Mike Smith doesn’t send chills down my son’s spine, then I might have bigger problems! This film has fundamentally changed how I view the game. - No Tackle Until Middle School
Flag football is perfectly fine until sixth grade. I honestly can’t grasp why kids under ten need to engage in tackle football. - A Preseason Chat with the Coach
I know that coaches undergo mandatory concussion training, but I want to dig deeper. I’m eager to understand their approach to teaching safe tackling techniques and any past experiences they have had dealing with injuries. - Discuss with Our Pediatrician
I’ll make sure to have a dedicated portion of my child’s yearly check-up to discuss signs of concussions, symptoms to watch for, and any new medical insights on the subject.
I realize that these steps won’t ultimately shield my kids from all harm or ease my worries. But they do signal to my son, his coach, his teammates, and our family doctor that I’m involved and aware of the risks associated with this sport. When he eventually takes the field, we’ll be a united front — a team working together to support him when I can’t be there.
As a dad, I’m committed to principles that sometimes clash with my instinct to protect my children. But I also believe in allowing them to explore their interests and passions. I’ll be cheering loudly from the sidelines at every game, all while secretly hoping for a quick, healthy failure that leads them to discover a new passion.
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Summary:
Navigating the decision of whether to let kids play football can be challenging for parents. With differing opinions from former players and current athletes, it’s essential to weigh the risks against the benefits. Implementing precautions such as discussing the sport’s dangers, setting age limits, and communicating with coaches and doctors can help parents feel more comfortable with their decisions.