St. Louis Mom

Things To Consider Before Signing Up For Football

• Pay attention to whether you are signing up for an instructional program (learn-to-play format with practices and scrimmages), recreational program (no tryouts, everyone guaranteed to play, no games outside of the league boundaries), or competitive program (players tryout and may not be placed on any team, and schedule often includes out of town games/tournaments)
• In St. Louis, there are flag football leagues/programs and “tackle” football programs
• Flag football involves no physical contact between players (a player is “down” when the flags velcroed to their waist are pulled off by an opposing player)
• “Tackle” football is what you watch on TV – where the players wear helmets and pads and tackle each other
• Gear/equipment involved: 
  • Flag Football
    • All that is really needed to play flag football is comfortable athletic clothing, shoes, and a water bottle!
    • Cleats may be allowed depending on whether the league is conducted indoors vs. on turf vs. outdoors (in most cases, tennis shoes are acceptable!)
    • Gloves are helpful, but optional
    • **No helmets or pads necessary
  • Tackle Football
    • Helmet*
    • Pads*
    • Football cleats 
    • Protective Cup
    • Mouthguard
    • *Typically provided by the team–you pay an equipment deposit
• Pro-Mom Tips:
  • If your kid expresses interest in “tackle” football, have them try a flag football session first – it’s a lower investment of time and money, and they’ll learn the basic fundamentals of the game without the higher injury risk associated with “tackle” football