Local Football Coaches Hope NFL Helmet Rules will Slow Participation Decrease

CHARLOTTE, NC – Hard hits are a part of football no matter the level.

“We tackle safely and try and minimize the helmet to helmet aspect,” said David Anciso, the head of the South Charlotte Rec Football League.

He says the number of participants in youth football for their league are down this year. Fewer kids are parents opting for football.

“Parents are a little scared of football,” said Anciso.

Safety is the main concern for parents and youth football officials alike. Lessening the chances for head trauma and concussions is a main focus from Pop Warner to the NFL.

New rules with the professionals were implemented this season to take the head out of the game.

The penalties called in the first preseason game of the year for the Ravens and Bears illustrate what’s now an illegal hit. Players leading with their head.
The rollout of the rule is causing some confusion.
“I’m not sure anybody even in the NFL is totally sure what the rule is,” said Meyers Park Head Football Coach Scott Chadwick.

He says he understands why the NFL made the change.

“Obviously, they are doing everything they can to take the head out of the game. You can not use your head at all basically in tackling,” said Chadwick.

He says the rule will become easier to define as the season continues. It will likely be implemented in high school and youth football next season.
Although Chadwick says the training has already begun. Coaches from each CMS football program attended a “Heads Up Football” academy this spring.

“That’s the biggest emphasis, which is on shoulder talking or what they call rugby tackling, which is trying to grab around the waist and twist,” said Chadwick.

The goal is to keep kids safe on the field.
“It takes out the highlight reel hits, but it’s effective,” said Chadwick.

Participation nationally among kids ages 6-12 has fallen by nearly 30 percent between 2008 and 2016, according to data from the Sports and Fitness Industry Association.

Coaches say they hope rule changes will encourage more parents to give football a try.

“It’s certainly something that we take seriously. we monitor. I haven’t seen anything personally with my son,” said parent Jeremiah Jones.