Question on Weight Limits - Malcolm?

JB:
As you may remember, I did a weight survey on two separate occaisions. I had a good deal of participation and was a bit surprised at the number of unlimited leagues around the country. Now, of course, "unlimited" means different things to different people.

There are the absolutely no weight restriction leagues on any player, and those with restrictions only on ball carriers.

My opinion has changed on this issue over the years. Assuming the kids are in a tight age grouping - no more than a 2 year span - the weight of the players doesn't mean that much. I have gradually developed this approach after years of coaching both a park team and a school team (freshmen - 9th grade).

I think the weight differences mean less for the younger the age groups. While we have all seen real studs - mature very athletic kids - in the small kids groups 6/7/8 & 9/10 - the chances of those occuring in large numbers or all on one squad are very limited.

When you add to that the fact that large kids at young ages are not usually very skilled or athletically developed, the big kid is far less a factor than anyone realizes.

Now, that's easy for you and I to say, I'm not a young mother with a 7 year-old who weighs 55 pounds facing an 8 year-old who tops out at 120. There, of course, is where the tough sell comes in.

Further, league admministrators are worried about liability issues; drops in registrations; public attitude and reputation, etc., etc.

I'll give you an example not at all related to football. Our rec dept instituted the use of RIF (reduced injury factor) baseballs in the age groups of 10 & U. While the ball IS safer, it changes the game. The ball bounces funny; it does not travel as far; and it catches criticism from die-hard babseball people. Registrations have fallen off some because these die-hards take their kids and find other "real baseball" leagues that suit their liking. So, the administrator was going to change back to the real ball for the "A" group of 10s, but couldn't find anything at all to base the decision upon. He made the change initially as a safety factor and basically was stuck there because he couldn't justify the switch back considering the safety considerations.

This type decision - the "safety issue" keeps coming up and league directors and administrators pass or retain "CYA" rules. They might agree with you in a one-on-one conversation, but find it hard to justify when faced with parental opposition. And, once the genie is out of the bottle, it's awfully tough to get back inside - like the example I cited above.

Hey, a very long-winded way around your question, but personally I see great size and weight disparity in the school program and there is really not much at all in the injury category to consider. Injuries do happen, but more often than not the reason is not related to weight differences.

Ask Steve Calande to chime in here. He coaches middle schoolers and there are little guys on his teams slugging it out with the big boys on a daily basis. I don't think he has any problem at all.

What you might do is get in contact with some of the programs who have no weight limits for testimonials from them. Get this from the people who have made the move and let this help sell your position.