The game of football receives as much press and following as about any sport available through the media today. The Super Bowl, the College National Championship, State High School Championship, local junior tackle football leagues, and youth tackle football are all exciting and fun to watch. Football offers a good team-teaching experience for all players and coaches involved. Unfortunately, the element of contact and potential injury to these young participants looms high on most parents’ and coaches’ concern list–and rightfully so.
With that being recognized, the Morrison Recreation League is offering Flag Football for those in the first through fourth grades, male and female. They have joined with the NFL Flag organization to offer a new, competitive football league that is safer and less combative, but still as competitive, as tackle football.
The league is a 7-on-7, competitive flag football format, to be played in two age groups. One league would be for youth in first and second grades; another league is for third and fourth graders.
The playing field is only 50 yards long. Flag Football features running and passing action, without the contact of blocking in the line. Play starts when the quarterback removes the ball from a time-sensitive standard. Play ends when the offensive flag is separated from the belt of the ball carrier. Attention is focused on grabbing the flag to stop the play–instead of the contact necessary to stop the ball carrier, as in tackle football.
Unlike junior tackle, there are no weight concerns. Each player can play any position to improve hand-eye coordination, agility, and conditioning. That is so necessary to the youth to maintain a healthy growth pattern, while learning the game of football and the positive elements that accompany all team sports.
The Rec League is looking for teams from throughout the Northwest Illinois area to register for a six-game season. All games will be played at the Morrison Sports Complex on Saturday nights, under the lights, and Sunday afternoon. Teams may have up to 14 players. Individual registration is $60. Each coach will receive a complete set of rules, coaching instructions, and play selection diagrams with practice drills. Each player will receive a reversible jersey, player belt with flags, and insurance. Games will be officiated by IHSA referees in a format of four quarters of ten minutes each.
This competitive flag football league will operate similar to any travel league. A coach may recruit his players from wherever he/she wishes. Coaches will have full responsibility of maintaining the team, scheduling practices, and fulfilling the commitment of the six-game schedule.
Practices may not be scheduled before Monday, August 8, 2016. Games begin on Sunday, August 21, and will be played weekly through Sunday, September 25, on assigned fields at the Morrison Sports Complex.
This 7-on-7 flag format is played throughout the United States. It has been part of the Morrison Mustangs and surrounding high school summer training programs for several years.
Any questions or requests for additional information should be forwarded to Jim DuBois at 815-535-1105 or jdubois@morriosnil.org.