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Football Officiating => General Discussion => Topic started by: dammitbobby on August 14, 2024, 12:52:56 PM
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Youth football has a special place in my heart - I coached junior peewee for three years (my son only played one of those years), and unlike many, I really enjoy reffing youth ball -it's funny, crazy stuff happens, and I get to share my love for the game without the pressures of a Friday night. One question that I was just pondering, I get email from USA Football about coaching certifications etc., and I just got an email from them, and one section of it talks about 'Make sure your players' helmets fit correctly.' In Texas at least, we still follow modified NCAA rules (NFHS may be different), but if you encountered a young player - 2nd grade, let's say - whose helmet was clearly loose even when strapped tight as it can go, would you make him sit out? What rule support would there be for that, if any? I certainly understand the context of youth football, and I would obviously start by talking to the coach, and then possibly game administration, but just wondering how others would handle this, if those routes didn't fix the problem. I don't know if I'd be comfortable letting them play, tbh, but it's also not his fault, so... what would you do?
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While we are not the fashion police, at any level, are most important duty is safety of the kids. In lieu of twisting everone's facemask in pre-game, Asking the coach : "Are all your players properly equipted INCLUDING properly fitting helmets ?" could cover that.