Falcon Youth Football Association puts the safety of our youth first and foremost!

Youth Football Safety

Every parent/coach should check their child’s football equipment before all practices and games. Below is a checklist for checking youth football equipment.

Credit Image: morganhillraiders.com

Here is a list of thing to keep an eye out for. If anything seems wrong, or you have a question, ask the coach and or the equipment commissioner. Youth football safety is a priority.

• Helmet fits the child’s head. To adjust the helmet you can pump or release air.
• Chin strap buttons lock into the helmet securely.
• Chin strap is adjusted to fit firmly on child’s chin.
• Mouthpiece is connected to the face mask. Keep in mind the mouthpiece needs to be molded to the child’s mouth and not be chewed up.
• Shoulder pads fit firmly on the child. Shoulder pad straps and clips must fit into the chest of the shoulder pad. Shoulder pad’s lace strings must be solid; the laces cannot be coming undone.
• Rib guard fits firmly on the child. Not too tight not too loose.
• Hip and butt pads fit into pants and are secure. They should not shift while running.
• Pants must have no rips. Thigh and knee pads must fit into pockets securely. The thigh and knee pads need to cover the thigh and knees, no sagging!
• Belt fits, loosens and tightens easily.
• Cleats laces should be tied. Laces need to be solid, not coming undone.

It is important that the athletes have equipment that is fitted properly and securely. Make sure you check with the child’s coach to make sure the equipment is fitted properly.

YOUTH FOOTBALL SAFETY RESOURCES

Click on the links below to open .pdf  materials on safety promotion

Overview of the Heads Up Football Program

Heads Up Concussion Fact Sheet for Parents

Dehydration Prevention

NFL Back to Sports Parent Handbook

Pediatric Overuse Injury

Sports Safety Myth Buster

Football Helmet Safety

Concussion Facts

YOUTH FOOTBALL SAFETY VIDEOS

Watch the following videos that describe how to fit your child's equipment,  football safety promotion, and the "Heads Up" program followed by FYFA coaches.

YOUTH FOOTBALL SAFETY SITES

Click on the links below to be directed to additional web sites about

 football safety promotion

http://youthfootballonline.com/how-to-tackle-with-proper-tackling-technique

https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/parents/index.html

https://web.usafootball.com/parent

http://www.popwarner.com/football/footballsafety.htm

http://www.nflfoundation.org/health-safety

"HEADS UP" CONCUSSION AND

HELMET SAFETY APP 

The CDC HEADS UP Concussion and Helmet Safety app will help you learn how to spot a possible concussion and what to do if you think your child or teen has a concussion or other serious brain injury.

The application also includes a 3D helmet fit feature that teaches about proper helmet fit, safety and care.

Download for Free

CONCUSSION SAFETY APP

CDC HEADS UP Rocket Blades!

3-2-1 Blast Off! CDC’s Injury Center has developed our first-ever mobile game app on concussion safety for children aged 6 to 8. Through a futuristic world of galactic racing adventures children can learn the benefits of playing it safe and smart!

The app aims to teach children:

• the different ways the brain can get hurt during sports activities.
• how important it is to tell a coach, parent, or other adult when an injury occurs.
• the importance of taking time to rest and recover if they have a concussion.

Download for Free 

(The app is currently only available in the Apple App Store. An Android version of the app is coming soon.)