SAFETY PHILOSOPHY

When football is taught the right way, it’s a safe sport. Starting young helps athletes build good habits and proper technique that sticks with them for life, true muscle memory.

While every activity carries some level of risk, just like biking or skateboarding, learning the fundamentals early makes the game safer, smarter, and more enjoyable for every player.

HYDRATION POLICY

PRACTICE POLICY

Water breaks every 15 minutes (min.)
10 gallons of water (min.)
Gatorade (3 gal. optional)
Water bottles at every station
Never refuse - water within 1 minute upon athlete request

DEHYDRATION PROCEDURE

If ANY signs of dehydration, player stops play for 10 minutes, is immediately given water and evaluated by coach or EMT/doctor (if available)
If deemed serious, seek medical attention immediately
If at all in doubt, player sits out the remainder of the practice or game

WEATHER POLICY

HEAT PRECAUTIONS:

Under the direction of the HC, we will be monitoring the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT). WBGT tells us how hot it is based on the temperature, humidity, wind speed, and sunlight.

90.1 - 91.9:

Max practice time is one hour, no protective equipment/pads are allowed

92.1 or Above:

No outdoor workouts until wet bulb indicator is below 92.1

Storms/Lightning:

If lightning was detected within 10 miles, players, coaches, and parents to take shelter in vehicles until the all clear is announced.
Once lightning is detected, all play must be stopped until 30 minutes as elapsed after the last lighting strike or sound of thunder.

youth football team at line of scrimmage

BASELINE TESTING

Baseline testing is a tool used by doctors to better diagnose a possible concussion. It establishes a baseline for cognitive function before the season begins and to monitor changes in cognitive function over time.

ImPACT Testing: Pre-injury (impactconcussion.com)

Cognitive
Only available for kids ages 10+
Included in FPPW fees

**Note: this is not mandatory but highly encouraged for each player

ON-FIELD SAFETY

AEDs

FPPW provides every team with an automated external defibrillator unit
AED units are required to follow teams to every practice and game (home and away)

CERTIFIED TRAINERS

FPPW provides onsite trainers for all home games at Monroe Stadium
Hosting associations typically provide onsite trainers for away games
All teams must have at least one CPR certified adult at all practices and games

PLAYER INJURIES (GAME DAY OR PRACTICE)

Certified trainer has the final say on whether a player must sit out or is able to return to game play
Each team maintains a medical kit for cuts, scrapes, and minor injuries
In the event a player must see a doctor from an injury, a release form to practice/play must be obtained prior to returning to the field of play
When in doubt, coaches err on the side of caution and contact the player's parents or legal guardian accordingly

SERIOUS ALLERGIES & MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Coaches are made aware of players with serious allergies or pre-existing medical conditions relevant to athletic play through the required medical history form. If there are specific accommodations or concerns, coaches are happy to coordinate with parents and athletes privately.

BOTTOM LINE FOR PARENTS

Addressing common

football safety concerns

CONCERN: "FOOTBALL IS DANGEROUS FOR KIDS"

Youth athletes have a much lower-magnitude of impacts than older players, this is influenced greatly by their age, size, speed, and coordination which improves with age. (NOCASE.org)

CONCERN: "TACKLING CAUSES HEAD INJURIES"

Rugby-style tackling (what we are trained on and teach in FPPW) reduces head impacts by ~30% and removes the head from contact. (tacklesmartsports.com)
Teaching low, shoulder‑led, head‑out tackling is the safest, most modern evidence‑based method.

CONCERN: "EQUIPMENT ISN'T GOOD ENOUGH"

The 2025 youth-specific helmet standard is built on years of biomechanical research. (NOCASE.org)
Helmet manufacturers use real youth impact data to show which helmets best reduce concussion‑related forces. (Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings)
Youth helmets are no longer "downsized adult helmets"