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.

3^rd/4^th               90 lbs and under (Ball Carrying Players)
3^rd/4^th                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.