Suggestion for no weight limit in Suburban Youth Football

[Yappi]

I've been thinking of a fair way to have a no weight limit football organization that wouldn't penalize smaller players -or- larger players. I feel it's not fair to let an unusually large kid go up and play against kids 2-4 years older than they are just because they happen to be the same size. I also feel that it is not fair to let an unusaully large kid play against his age group when his size presents a danger to average size kids his age. So here is my suggestion:

Level Age Weight Limit Unlimited Eligible
C-squad: 7/8 year olds 88 pounds
B-squad: 9 year olds 102 pounds (8 year old unlimited)
A-squad: 10 year olds 116 pounds (9 year old unlimited)
JV-squad: 11 year olds 132 pounds (10 year old unlimited)
V-squad: 12/13 year olds 148 pounds (11 year old unlimited)


Basically, each level has a weight limit based on the CDC Growth Charts: United States (http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhanes/growthcharts/set1/chart03.pdf) using the 97th percentile. If a kid does not make weight, he is automatically moved up to the next level and is eligible with unlimited weight. The 12 and 13 year olds who are too big would have to move on to the middle school program.

The advantages to this system is that every kid from 2nd-6th grade is able to play while the smaller kids in 7th and 8th grade still have an option other than middle school, especially for the districts that do not field middle school teams. We wouldn't have issues of having kids moving up several levels and playing kids significantly older. This also allows bigger kids to play skill positions.

I would add allowing a kid to play down one level if they fall in the bottom 3% of weight. No other kids would be allowed to play down anymore.

[Yappi]

As a quick example, Tallmadge had a kid that was 8 years old on c-squad that was 125 pounds. To play JV against kids 3 years older, he would have had to lose two pounds. Without losing that weight, he would have had to move all the way up to varsity and compete with kids 4-5 years older.

Knowing the c-squads and b-squads in Tallmadge, he was a danger to the other c-squad players because there were a number that were less than half his size and just falling on them could have been a serious injury. At the B-level, he would have been facing much larger, stronger kids who have developed and would be able to protect themselves.

[headhunter34]

I've been thinking of a fair way to have a no weight limit football organization that wouldn't penalize smaller players -or- larger players. I feel it's not fair to let an unusually large kid go up and play against kids 2-4 years older than they are just because they happen to be the same size. I also feel that it is not fair to let an unusaully large kid play against his age group when his size presents a danger to average size kids his age. So here is my suggestion:

Level Age Weight Limit Unlimited Eligible
C-squad: 7/8 year olds 88 pounds
B-squad: 9 year olds 102 pounds (8 year old unlimited)
A-squad: 10 year olds 116 pounds (9 year old unlimited)
JV-squad: 11 year olds 132 pounds (10 year old unlimited)
V-squad: 12/13 year olds 148 pounds (11 year old unlimited)


Basically, each level has a weight limit based on the CDC Growth Charts: United States (http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhanes/growthcharts/set1/chart03.pdf) using the 97th percentile. If a kid does not make weight, he is automatically moved up to the next level and is eligible with unlimited weight. The 12 and 13 year olds who are too big would have to move on to the middle school program.

The advantages to this system is that every kid from 2nd-6th grade is able to play while the smaller kids in 7th and 8th grade still have an option other than middle school, especially for the districts that do not field middle school teams. We wouldn't have issues of having kids moving up several levels and playing kids significantly older. This also allows bigger kids to play skill positions.

I would add allowing a kid to play down one level if they fall in the bottom 3% of weight. No other kids would be allowed to play down anymore. I like the limits but varsity. Keep varsity @135 and I like the idea of 11 year olds unlimited. This is the best case scenario for our district.

[Irish87]

This is actually a decent proposal, but I think C Squad max could be increased a little.

Problem is, in Springfield,
the High School is dead set on having all 7th and 8th graders play for the Middle School. SSYF has proposed a compromise, that would allow the same scenario for the 7th and 8th graders, but they did not seem too receptive to it. They want SYF gone in Springfield, bottom line.

But, to stay on the topic, the proposal looks good.

[Yappi]

I think C Squad max could be increased a little.

Keep varsity @135

I know that the numbers aren't going to be perfect for everyone but if you tie them to a neutral source like the CDC, then it will avoid future problems where the numbers are skewed for individual reasons.

[Irish87]

My only concern about the 88 lb max for C, is for first time kids, who weigh 90 lbs or even a little more, playing with 9 year olds with possibly 2 years experience already. I think you may have some concerned parents regarding this issue. I'd like to see C weights more around 98ish and B move up to around 110ish. But again, this is a minor concern.

I still think what you have is good.

[spartan71]

i must agree very nice work up yappi maybey syf could look into moving this direction ultimately...the changes proposed this year are a good start..
lets face it, if syf changes weight limits to what i think they are going to it will be hands down the best league (blackstripe or weightlimit) in N.E. Ohio.

1- best competition
2- schools all fairly close to each other
3- changed weight limits would open up oppertunities to almost all kids
4- great tradition and rivalries within league
5- solid coaching
6- league leadership capiable of evolving to help meet members needs

[Smashmouth#1]

I think that it's a fair proposal.....as far as the lower ages go......I wouldn't actually reduce them.....I understand your point using a scientific basis for your figures though......why not use the 110th percentile so it would include 10% more than all of the kids. I admit, I didnt check the weights. It would then take the possibility of a discrimination lawsuit..(the thought is BS, but in today's society, plausible.)

[Smashmouth#1]

i must agree very nice work up yappi maybey syf could look into moving this direction ultimately...the changes proposed this year are a good start..
lets face it, if syf changes weight limits to what i think they are going to it will be hands down the best league (blackstripe or weightlimit) in N.E. Ohio.

1- best competition
2- schools all fairly close to each other
3- changed weight limits would open up oppertunities to almost all kids
4- great tradition and rivalries within league
5- solid coaching
6- league leadership capiable of evolving to help meet members needs

I actually think we are already the best league, but why not seperate ourselves from the competition some more???? Good Point!!!

[headhunter34]

This is actually a decent proposal, but I think C Squad max could be increased a little.

Problem is, in Springfield,
the High School is dead set on having all 7th and 8th graders play for the Middle School. SSYF has proposed a compromise, that would allow the same scenario for the 7th and 8th graders, but they did not seem too receptive to it. They want SYF gone in Springfield, bottom line.

But, to stay on the topic, the proposal looks good. I think if you have a weight restriction like I have proposed then I see it going that way. Let these kids grow for us but still have a option for a small 7th grader to play one more year at youth level.

[Smashmouth#1]

I'm still an advocate for adding say 1/2 a pound a week to allow the kids to grow naturally.....it's adds all of 4 pounds a year....say 6 if you include the playoffs.....that's merely for the health of the boys.

[headhunter34]

I think that it's a fair proposal.....as far as the lower ages go......I wouldn't actually reduce them.....I understand your point using a scientific basis for your figures though......why not use the 110th percentile so it would include 10% more than all of the kids. I admit, I didnt check the weights. It would then take the possibility of a discrimination lawsuit..(the thought is BS, but in today's society, plausible.)

I have been notified of a lawsuit being drafted. Every member of our board and coaching staff will resolve the issue before it gets filed.

[Smashmouth#1]

It's really a sad thing when victimization replaces common sense.

[Irish87]

I have been notified of a lawsuit being drafted. Every member of our board and coaching staff will resolve the issue before it gets filed.

Headhunter34,

don't take this the wrong way, but, what Board or Coaching Staff are you a member of?

I'm just curious. If you don't want to respond on here, send me a PM. Thanx.

[headhunter34]

Level Age Weight Limit Unlimited Eligible
C-squad: 7/8 year olds 88 pounds
B-squad: 9 year olds 102 pounds (8 year old unlimited)
A-squad: 10 year olds 116 pounds (9 year old unlimited)
JV-squad: 11 year olds 132 pounds (10 year old unlimited)
V-squad: 12 year olds 133 pounds (11 year old unlimited)

No kids 13 before aug.1.

kids 13 before aug.1 125 pounds can elect to stay down.

This does not have to reflect the whole league, only spartans. Weigh in syf coaches and parents.

[Smashmouth#1]

Level Age Weight Limit Unlimited Eligible
C-squad: 7/8 year olds 88 pounds
B-squad: 9 year olds 102 pounds (8 year old unlimited)
A-squad: 10 year olds 116 pounds (9 year old unlimited)
JV-squad: 11 year olds 132 pounds (10 year old unlimited)
V-squad: 12 year olds 133 pounds (11 year old unlimited)

No kids 13 before aug.1.

kids 13 before aug.1 125 pounds can elect to stay down.

This does not have to reflect the whole league, only spartans. Weigh in syf coaches and parents.


I know that you are expanding on Yappi's original idea but, If the push is for RAISING the weight limit, wouldn't this proposal be somewhat of a slap in the face????????
I really don't think that lowering the current weight limits is the answer by any means.

-So you are saying that you would have this criteria internally at Springfield?

Furthermore, if the rest of the league has a weight higher than this, you are just asking for complaints, and a boot.

[headhunter34]

I know that you are expanding on Yappi's original idea but, If the push is for RAISING the weight limit, wouldn't this proposal be somewhat of a slap in the face????????
I really don't think that lowering the current weight limits is the answer by any means.

-So you are saying that you would have this criteria internally at Springfield?

Furthermore, if the rest of the league has a weight higher than this, you are just asking for complaints, and a boot.

Yes, springfield only.

Please, I asked Springfield only to reply.

[Smashmouth#1]

Yes, springfield only.

Please, I asked Springfield only to reply.

That doesnt make a whole lot of sense.....

mustve missed where you only asked springfield to reply, but whatever. The points are still valid whether I live in springfield or timbuktu.

[Irish87]

Headhunter,

not sure I really agree with your proposal, if it is meant for Springfield only. I think we need to be on the same structure as the League we participate in, regulates. What your proposing is a large dis-advantage to the C, B and A Teams in Springfield Suburban Youth. I'd like to see a more "level field" as far as the weight restrictions are concerned.

Referring to the JV limits, currently, the weight limit is much lower than what you have, at 133. Changes are coming, hopefully, but I don't think any of us know what that change will be yet. Same goes for your Varsity reccomendation.