# Kids Flag Football Coach Behaviour **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 27, 2016, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-flag-football-coach-behaviour/767083 "2016-09-27T22:08:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Fotheringay-Phipps](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/d9b06d/32.png) [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-flag-football-coach-behaviour/767083/41 "2016-09-29T19:25:38Z")
That’s a fair point. Nonetheless, data seems to show that people are more susceptible to injury as they age, see e.g. [Falls in young, middle-aged and older community dwelling adults: perceived cause, environmental factors and injury - PMC](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1208908/) (no data on kids, but it compares young adults to middle aged and older ones) - this is consistent with what I wrote above. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-flag-football-coach-behaviour/767083/42 "2016-09-29T19:29:49Z")
> [@Fotheringay-Phipps](#): > > That’s a fair point. > > Nonetheless, data seems to show that people are more susceptible to injury as they age, see e.g. [Falls in young, middle-aged and older community dwelling adults: perceived cause, environmental factors and injury - PMC](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1208908/) (no data on kids, but it compares young adults to middle aged and older ones) - this is consistent with what I wrote above. So your report has no bearing whatsoever on this topic because it compares adults to older adults, both sets of which have grown to pretty much the fullest extent. ---
**Author:** ![Fotheringay-Phipps](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/d9b06d/32.png) [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-flag-football-coach-behaviour/767083/43 "2016-09-29T19:33:26Z")
It’s certainly not conclusive, but it does seem consistent with the idea that people become increasingly susceptible to injury as they age, and not just in extreme old age. I suspect it has to be with bones being softer, less brittle, and possibly better padded, which would suggest that the trendline is consistent for kids as well. But not conclusive, true. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-flag-football-coach-behaviour/767083/44 "2016-09-29T19:33:40Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Kid’s do NOT tolerate falls better than adults, and having soft bones is nothing like having some sort of padding-it doesn’t work like memory foam. They may seem to heal faster, but deformities set in easier during the healing because the bones haven’t got their “final form” so to speak. As far as concussions are concerned, you should check out [this link](http://www.protectthebrain.org/Brain-Injury-Research/What-is-CTE-.aspx), which explains how easily concussive damage can accumulate and lead to CTE(Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy). BTW, a kid(or an adult) doesn’t even have to get hit in the head to get a concussion-a sudden hit to the body which causes to head to jerk suddenly can cause one too. It’s just much easier to get one when you’re a kid. for example, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has suffered multiple concussions, all w/o any actual hit to the head. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-flag-football-coach-behaviour/767083/45 "2016-09-29T19:40:19Z")
> [@jz78817](#): > > for example, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has suffered multiple concussions, all w/o any actual hit to the head. Exactly. While **Fotheringay-Phipps** link didn’t have much to do with the subject, [these](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27610427) [three](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27556918) [links](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27439027) _do_. edited to add: And they are from his source, wonder of wonders. ---
**Author:** ![sitchensis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sitchensis/32/4892_2.png) [@sitchensis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sitchensis)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-flag-football-coach-behaviour/767083/46 "2016-09-29T19:57:04Z")
A lot of boys like the intensity and the yelling, it makes them feel like they are part of something. It can make it feel more serious and less kid like. They don’t want to be coddled. That’s what attracted me to football. All the other sports at that age are just goof off sessions. I liked the instant feedback and that it gave me a way to get it fixed and not make the same mistake again. I’d monitor the situation just to make sure it’s not being directed at just your kid and I’d watch your kids body language to make sure he’s not internalizing it too much but he sounds like he likes it. I don’t know why you would take the advice of a bunch of dopers over your own son. ---
**Author:** ![Fotheringay-Phipps](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/d9b06d/32.png) [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-flag-football-coach-behaviour/767083/47 "2016-09-29T19:58:54Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Exactly. > While **Fotheringay-Phipps** link didn’t have much to do with the subject, [these](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27610427) [three](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27556918) [links](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27439027) _do_. > edited to add: And they are from his source, wonder of wonders. The first two of those links have no apparent connection to the issue and just say in general that a lot of kids get injured while playing sports. But the third does say that injuries decline with age. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-flag-football-coach-behaviour/767083/48 "2016-09-29T20:00:16Z")
> [@sitchensis](#): > > I don’t know why you would take the advice of a bunch of dopers over your own son. Because adults know more than 7 year old children, perhaps? ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-flag-football-coach-behaviour/767083/49 "2016-09-29T20:01:26Z")
> [@Fotheringay-Phipps](#): > > The first two of those links have no apparent connection to the issue and just say in general that a lot of kids get injured while playing sports. But the third does say that injuries decline with age. I don’t suppose you took a peek at the first link I provided about concussions, and their cumulative effect? ---
**Author:** ![Fotheringay-Phipps](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/d9b06d/32.png) [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-flag-football-coach-behaviour/767083/50 "2016-09-29T20:06:37Z")
I already explained why that’s irrelevant in post #39. Reread if necessary. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-flag-football-coach-behaviour/767083/51 "2016-09-29T20:10:22Z")
> [@Fotheringay-Phipps](#): > > I already explained why that’s irrelevant in post #39. Reread if necessary. You don’t bring it up at all in post #39. _You_ re-read it. ---
**Author:** ![sitchensis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sitchensis/32/4892_2.png) [@sitchensis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sitchensis)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-flag-football-coach-behaviour/767083/52 "2016-09-29T20:12:12Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Because adults know more than 7 year old children, perhaps? > [@](#): > > loves the intensity of the sessions > [@](#): > > His eyes do light up when gameday comes near > [@](#): > > Meanwhile my son emphatically said “you are NOT going to make me quit the team”. Maybe you’re just projecting your own issues onto some kid on the internet. ---
**Author:** ![Fotheringay-Phipps](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/d9b06d/32.png) [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-flag-football-coach-behaviour/767083/53 "2016-09-29T20:16:08Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > You don’t bring it up at all in post #39. _You_ re-read it. I explained the difference between the likelihood of injury and the consequences of injury - these are separate concepts. Now reread again. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-flag-football-coach-behaviour/767083/54 "2016-09-29T20:19:02Z")
> [@sitchensis](#): > > Maybe you’re just projecting your own issues onto some kid on the internet. Maybe…or maybe you just don’t want to hear anything that smacks of being “anti” football. When I raised my child, I tried to let him have new experiences, but I never forgot that I was the one that was ultimately responsible for his health and safety so, no matter how much his eyes glowed or how intensely he said “You can’t make me…!”, I fulfilled my role as a parent and said “no” when I thought it was necessary. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-flag-football-coach-behaviour/767083/55 "2016-09-29T20:24:06Z")
> [@Fotheringay-Phipps](#): > > The first two of those links have no apparent connection to the issue and just say in general that a lot of kids get injured while playing sports. But the third does say that injuries decline with age. The third link also is talking about soccer, not American rules football, either tackle or flag. I’ve spent a good deal of my adult life teaching people both to fall, and to apply force to make someone else fall. Falling _per se_ is generally safer for children than for adults for a variety of reasons. - Children don’t have as far to fall. Judo involves being thrown down from a variety of heights ranging from knee level to shoulder level or above. Shoulder level for a ten year old is significantly lower than for an adult. - Children don’t have the strength, or (usually) the technique, to generate enough power to make a fall dangerous. A nineteen year old brown belt correctly using hip drive to bring off a _harai-goshi_ is going to be causing a greater impact than his ten year old brother, both because the ten year old is smaller and weaker and because he also has not (usually) developed the correct technique. - Force equals mass times velocity - aka “the bigger they are, the harder they fall”. A two hundred pounder lands harder than a one hundred pounder. Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![sitchensis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sitchensis/32/4892_2.png) [@sitchensis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sitchensis)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-flag-football-coach-behaviour/767083/56 "2016-09-29T20:28:25Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Maybe…or maybe you just don’t want to hear anything that smacks of being “anti” football. When I raised my child, I tried to let him have new experiences, but I never forgot that I was the one that was ultimately responsible for his health and safety so, no matter how much his eyes glowed or how intensely he said “You can’t make me…!”, I fulfilled my role as a parent and said “no” when I thought it was necessary. What health and safety issues are we taking about here? ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-flag-football-coach-behaviour/767083/57 "2016-09-29T20:32:49Z")
> [@sitchensis](#): > > What health and safety issues are we taking about here? The ones mentioned in this thread already? ---
**Author:** ![slash2k](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/439d5e/32.png) [@slash2k](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slash2k)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-flag-football-coach-behaviour/767083/58 "2016-09-29T20:41:39Z")
> [@sitchensis](#): > > What health and safety issues are we taking about here? In my experience, people who aren’t very concerned about mental/psychological effects on other people tend not to be very concerned about physical effects either. (“Oh, just shake it off! Get back in the game! You’re not hurt; don’t be a baby!”) Particularly with younger kids who may not be as aware of, e.g., the symptoms of concussion, that’s not good. YMMV. ---
**Author:** ![sitchensis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sitchensis/32/4892_2.png) [@sitchensis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sitchensis)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-flag-football-coach-behaviour/767083/59 "2016-09-29T20:41:52Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Maybe…or maybe you just don’t want to hear anything that smacks of being “anti” football. Oh the irony. You do realize that this thread has an actual OP. You should read it. The kid is playing flag football not tackle. All the health and safety stuff is crap you brought to this thread to derail it so you could get on your soap box. The kid was not seriously bothered by the stuff the coach said. This kid like loves the intensity and wants to keep playing. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2016, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-flag-football-coach-behaviour/767083/60 "2016-09-29T20:50:47Z")
> [@sitchensis](#): > > Oh the irony. > > You do realize that this thread has an actual OP. You should read it. > > The kid is playing flag football not tackle. All the health and safety stuff is crap you brought to this thread to derail it so you could get on your soap box. > > The kid was not seriously bothered by the stuff the coach said. This kid like loves the intensity and wants to keep playing. That’s not how adults, especially adults that aren’t even the parents, should speak to seven year olds, and that seven year old should not have the final say over the _parent_. That isn’t “intensity”-that is verbal abuse. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-flag-football-coach-behaviour/767083.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-flag-football-coach-behaviour/767083.md?page=4)