The danger of high-speed collisions and head injuries are at the crux of longtime organization's decision. Could high school football follow suit?
Video: Freshman goes sideline to sideline on kick return TD
See freshman Eric Bradley pull off an epic touchdown return Pop Warner announced Thursday it will be doing away with kickoffs for its three youngest divisions starting in the fall.
The ball will be placed at the 35-yard line at the start of each half and after each score in divisions with kids ages 5-10.
The rule change, the nation's oldest youth football organization stated, was aimed to reduce injuries, specifically head injuries. It is also restricting contact time during practice. According to
CNN, almost a quarter-million kids currently play Pop Warner football annually.
"We are constantly working to make the game safer and better for our young athletes, and we think this move is an important step in that direction," Pop Warner Executive Director Jon Butler said in a statement. "Eliminating kickoffs at this level adds another layer of safety without changing the nature of this great game. We are excited to look at the results at the end of the year as we explore additional measures."
Contact sports, especially football at every level, have come under heavy scrutiny with growing concerns over concussions and brain injuries, both short- and long-term.
A growing number of NFL players have either contemplated or made early retirements, including Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Ricardo Lockette, who Thursday made his announcement the same day as the Pop Warner rule change. Lockette, 29, suffered a severe neck injury during a punt return in a Nov. 1 game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Talk of banning kickoffs has been bantered about at all levels, but Pop Warner is the first organization to take such action. It will be interesting to see if any others, including high school football, will follow suit or at least engage in discussions.
Pop Warner said it will evaluate the rule change after the season and consider implementing it to older divisions as well.
