Much
consideration has gone into making this change including consulting
with
several coaches,
other youth football programs and the USA Football
Regional Manager.
Our goal
is improve our youth football program and fundamental skills
of the
players.
Introducing tackle and teaching proper tackle techniques
tends to be less intimidating
when players are relatively similar in size.
The size disparity between
kids in the 3rd/4th grade levels is typically 50-110lbs.
In the
5th/6th grade age group, the disparity is much greater (typically
60-175lbs.)
Teaching proper
tackling techniques is actually safer for players
than getting tackled
incorrectly or being unprepared to be tackled.
3rd grade
is in fact the
most common grade to start tackle.
To name a few programs that start tackle
at 3rd grade - Ellsworth, Oakdale, Woodbury, Cottage Grove, Hastings,
Eden
Prairie, Roseville, Mahtomedi, North St. Paul, East St. Paul (UES),
Rosemount, Apple Valley, Eagan and many others.
As we have done
with the 5th/6th grade levels in the past we will enforce weight limit
rules
to keep the games fair and safe.
3rd/4th
90 lbs and under (Ball Carrying Players)
3rd/4th
91
lbs and greater (Designated Players)
Ball Carrying
Players (no stripes):
Any player who weighs less than or equal to these weights will be
called “Ball Carrying” players which can line up in an
offensive position to carry or receive the football (running backs, quarterbacks,
flankers and ends). They can also play ANY position on defense.
Designated
Players (single stripe):
Players within these weight limits will be called “Designated
Players”. These players may not carry the ball or line up in
a backfield position, e.g., as a blocking back, at any time during the
game. These players can line up as tight end and
receive a pass and then advance the ball from that received
pass. They can play ANY position on defense.