Football, Really?? About This Page:

[JoanneS]

I'm looking for some football parents.

Friday my DS13 came home from school with a permission slip for me to sign. It was from the High School Football coach. They are beginning training for freshman football and the coach talked DS into signing up! I can't believe this. First of all, DS is about 5' 2" and 100 lbs soaking wet. Second of all, he has mild spina bifida, so he has limited sensation in his lower extremities.

I spoke to the coach yesterday and he told me that size didn't matter and that football was a good team sport that would help him learn valuable skills he could put to use later in life. According to him, DS is a fast runner and has good upper body strength. I see football as a way to get your bones broken, but I signed the form and I'm letting DS attend the first training session this afternoon. I'm hoping he decides on his own that he doesn't want to be a football player.

But, what I really want to do is talk him out of it. Would you let him play football?

[Huntermom]

Neither of my boys played contact football and I never encouraged them. I had a similar attitude to you.

However, my older son got into touch and flag football in college and his law school "college" had a team and all eight sections played in a tournament. I know he wished he had played some when he was younger instead of learning the game at an older age. Neither of my sons were big in high school but DS1 got into weight lifting in college and is very well built now (and just under 6 feet). Also he was late going into puberty but overtook lots of kids by the end of high school.

[mfirst]

My husband is a football coach...so my opinion may be biased. If your son wants to try, the coach is correct in stating that it is a team sport and it's more than just playing football. That said, my first grader brought home a paper for pee-wee football (they start them in 2nd grade with tackle football ) I wasn't thrilled - my little guy is 40 pounds and 40 inches...he'd be playing with/against other 2nd graders but the cutoff weight is 100 pounds! Nolan also wears bi-focals with prisms ground in. I just couldn't see letting him play - he'd get squashed by the other kids! We're still debating this in our house. DH thinks I'm being over-protective and keeps spouting the benefits of football. Finally, Nolan said that he'd rather play soccer again this year, so I'm able to put the "great football" debate off for another year.

[krisk11]

Well I'm not a football mom but my dd has played ice hockey since the age of 4 and has played full contact hockey on boys team. That being said though my dd is larger and has always been larger in comparison than your son. Team sports are great for kids and as a freshman he would play with other small kids. And if he gets hit by big kids too many times I think your son is smart enough to pull himself off the team.

[CynandRob]

I am glad you are letting him try. We, Moms, can be a little overprotective of our boys. I haven't had to cross this bridge yet, my DS is only 11. But I know I will have to bite my lip and let him try, if he wants too. It can be a great experience and your coach sounds like he has a really good attitude toward the game and his players.

[renbugs]

My Dkid's are 14 (going to be a sophomore) and 11 (gonna be in 7th grade)..And they both play..I say if he want's to play than let him play. I think sport's and the boy's being active are a good idea. Who know's maybe he will decide he doesn't like it or doesn't want to play and than your worry will have been for nothing.

[Tonichelle]

he'll only get squashed if he's good enough for the coach to put him in the game. there's no guaruntee that he'll do anything but warm the bench...

[B.M.]

My ds has been encouraged to play football within the school/family.... but I've always had the same feelings as you- broken bones/too rough.... But my ds is built like a football player; and that is where all the encouragement comes from.... At 14, he is around 6ft tall and 160pnds- and a muscular/bulk build.... But, I know him and no he is not super strong physically depsite his appearance, nor is he tough.... But anyhow, I also signed the permission slip this past fall for him to try out.... Well, it worked out the way you are hoping it does for your ds- after a few try outs, my ds decided football was not for him..... While I never encouraged him from football, I didn't want to DIScourage him either...

[JoJayMom]

Football Mom here If you are concerned about your DS playing, why not take him for a physical (he'll have to get one anyway, if he does play) Let the doctor confirm if it's safe for him to play or not, especially due to the mild spina bifida. My DS has been playing since 5th grade (per his request) I was very worried, scared at first but we have been very blessed with only a few ligaments torn in his ankle due to his shoelaces not being tied and the shoe coming off during a play . Now, we when football season rolls around!!
for you and your DS!