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Key points
- Touch football is a safer option for families with children and older adults, and rules should be clearly explained to all players.
- Participants should wear warm, sturdy clothing without embellishments or strings that could cause accidents.
- The playing area should be free of debris and not too close to the street; if the yard is unsuitable, consider a local park.
- Alternative activities should be planned for those who cannot or do not wish to participate in the football game. Q: Should families with children and older adults play full contact football? A: No, touch football is a safer option for families with a range of ages and abilities. Q: What kind of clothing is appropriate for a family football game? A: Participants should wear warm, sturdy clothing without any embellishments or strings that could catch on something and cause an accident. Q: What should be considered when choosing a location for the game? A: The area should be large enough for play, free of debris, and not too close to the street. If the yard is unsuitable, a local park could be a better option. Q: What can be done for family members who can't or don't want to play football? A: Alternative activities can be planned, such as being a sideline cheerleader, official scorer, making crafts, or collecting leaves. Q: Why is it important to discuss the rules before starting the game? A: Discussing the rules ensures everyone understands how to play safely and helps prevent injuries.
- The article also suggests discussing the rules of the game prior to play and considering alternative activities for those who cannot participate in the game.
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Consider Playing Touch Football
Families with tweens should avoid full contact football and play touch football instead. Kids also want to be involved in this family game. Some adjustments to play include no snapping the football to the quarterback and just allowing the tween quarterback to toss it. Make sure everyone understands a "touch" means the play is over. Set a count on how long a defensive player must wait until they can touch the rusher holding the football, the quarterback, or the wide receiver.
Wear the Right Clothing
Children may be dressed in their very best for the holiday, but are those tights and dress really the right clothing to wear during football play? If you plan on holding a family football rally in the yard this year make sure everyone, including adults wear warm and sturdy clothing.
If you're playing in cooler weather, gloves and layers are also recommended, however avoid items of clothing that have embellishments or strings (hoodies, hats, sweaters) that can catch on trees, twigs, or other players and cause a fall. Trips and falls can cause scrapes, cuts, and sprains even through durable clothing. Make sure you have a first-aid kit on hand and fully clean wounds. If cuts are severe or a person can't put weight on a limb, head to an urgent care center for proper medical treatment.
Pick the Right Space to Play
Before the family game, consider your yard. Is it large enough for family play? Do trees, plants, or other adornments block a clear area for play? Is your fall yard free of debris which can cause scrapes, cuts, or falls? Is your yard too near the street where players could come in contact with automobiles? If so, you may want to consider heading to the local park to play the holiday bowl. Community parks are maintained throughout the year, making it safer for family game time.
Consider Older Adults
Your teens may be eagerly waiting to tackle Grandpa but may be unaware of his fragile condition. Older adults may suffer from arthritis in the knees and arms making pulling, falling, tackling, and tugging more dangerous. Talk to your kids about how bones aren't as strong as we age. Assure them that playing by the rules will prevent injuries to elderly relatives. Let them know how easily a broken hip or bone can happen resulting in end of play and a trip to a walk-in clinic for senior emergency medical care.
Discuss the Rules Prior to Play
Livestrong.com offers basic rules for touch football. Review these rules with the entire family and make sure everyone understands what's allowed and what's not. Hold a question and answer session after the discussion so the young understand how the rules work and be sure to discuss how easily injuries can occur. Demonstrate correct play prior to beginning the game.
Consider Alternative Activities
For the very young and old, or those with a medical condition that prevents football play, find other activities they can do while the family game is played. This can be anything from being a sideline cheerleader, official scorer, making crafts inside the home, or collecting colorful fall leaves. Use your imagination to come up with "non-football" activities.
Holiday family football can be fun for all if everyone understand the rules and a clean area of play is chosen. Be sure to keep an eye on the very young and old and do talk to kids about injuries and how they may happen.
FAQs
What type of football is recommended for families with tweens?
Touch football is recommended for families with tweens. This includes adjustments such as no snapping the football to the quarterback and setting a count on how long a defensive player must wait until they can touch the rusher holding the football.
What kind of clothing should be worn for a family football game?
It is recommended to wear warm and sturdy clothing for a family football game. If playing in cooler weather, gloves and layers are also advised. However, avoid clothes with embellishments or strings that can catch on trees or other players and cause a fall.
What should be considered when choosing a space to play family football?
When choosing a space to play, consider if your yard is large enough and free of debris that could cause injuries. Also, ensure that it is not too close to the street where players could come into contact with automobiles. If these conditions are not met, consider going to a local park.
How should older adults be considered in a family football game?
It's important to be aware of the physical conditions of older adults. They may suffer from conditions like arthritis which make certain actions more dangerous. It's crucial to discuss with younger players the importance of playing by the rules to prevent injuries to elderly relatives.
What should be done before starting the family football game?
Before starting the game, review the rules with the entire family and ensure everyone understands them. Hold a question and answer session after the discussion to clarify any misunderstandings. It's also important to discuss the potential for injuries and demonstrate correct play.
Are there alternative activities for those who can't participate in the football game?
Yes, for those who can't participate in the football game, there are alternative activities. These can range from being a sideline cheerleader, official scorer, making crafts inside the home, or collecting colorful fall leaves.
What precautions should be taken to prevent injuries during the family football game?
To prevent injuries, ensure everyone is wearing appropriate clothing and the playing area is clear of debris. Also, make sure everyone understands the rules of the game and the importance of playing safely, especially when older adults are involved.
What should be done if someone gets injured during the family football game?
If someone gets injured, make sure you have a first-aid kit on hand and fully clean wounds. If cuts are severe or a person can't put weight on a limb, head to an urgent care center for proper medical treatment.
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