All who play family football love the game. It is played outdoors in good weather so that all who participate enjoy football for family fun! These games are normally played in the afternoon and traditionally followed by a family picnic. A key question is often, “how long should the game last?” Normally it’s about an hour. But game duration can be extended or shortened. This article looks at game duration and suggests four ways it may be shortened: (1) injuries, (2) time, (3) tempers, and (4) score.
1 – Injuries. The primary reason to stop any family game prematurely is injuries. Play can continue if one player has a minor hurt. But for a serious injury or for multiplayer injuries stop all play. Family football should not cause injuries. If someone is seriously hurt stop family football play and assess what’s happening. Anyone injured should receive immediate medical treatment.
2 – Time. Before beginning a family football fun game set a time limit. This is normally one hour to give the game realism and to forestall indeterminate play. Family football is part of a family outing that also includes a meal. Therefore, know how long football fun will continue so that other family activities can begin. Football for family fun should not be the only reason for a family get together.
3 – Tempers. During a family game player tempers can run high. This is unacceptable since family football is supposed to be played for football fun. So when one or more players gets angry during a family game it’s time to stop play. Bad temper should not be permitted. Family football is meant to be football for family fun. So there is no place for anger. When tempers run high quit the game immediately.
4 – Score. When two family football teams are evenly matched the score will normally reflect this. All the points are hard won and each side tries to stop opponent scoring. Sometimes the scoring by one team can be excessive due to a clear team inequity. When this happens it’s best to terminate play since there is a mismatch. Games like this are not fun for either side and should stop. Always remember that having football fun is the key reason to play family football.
Family football games are not meant to go on indefinitely. So it’s good practice to establish a time limit for the game. Also, stop the game if any of the above circumstances occur. Keep this game as it’s meant to be - football for family fun.
Family football is a fun game! As such it appeals to players of all types and skill levels. Also, it discourages any kind of rough play and so attempts to avoid any injuries. This suits most players who play football for family fun. However, there are other players who seek football fun in a more aggressive game. This more kind of family football game differs substantially from the typical family game in three areas: (1) tackling, (2) blocking, and (3) dress.
1 – Tackling. Tackling is not allowed in the normal family football game. It can lead to injuries and so is avoided. However, in the more aggressive game tackling is allowed and adds realism to the family game. There are few rules to govern tackling since it is a rough process. However, the best tackles are cleanly done and no attempt is made to injury the ball carrier. Tackling should stop the official football carrier without injury.
2 – Blocking. In the typical family football game, blocking is allowed only at the line of scrimmage. Its purpose here is twofold: (1) slow down defensive players who rush the quarterback, or (2) assist a running play to be progress successfully. There is no other blocking on the playing field.
The more aggressive family game allows blocking anywhere on the field. This is normal in a regular football game. Play like this in a family game means that offensive players assist the ball carrier to gain yardage by blocking defensive players anywhere on the field. Again it mirrors a regular football game and so is more realistic. However, it can be quite dangerous and produce nasty injuries if not done properly.
3 – Dress. Dress in a normal family football game features comfortable sneakers, pants and jerseys. This is similar in the more aggressive family game but there are differences. In this type of game cleated football shoes are substituted for sneakers and heavier clothing, often football padding, replaces light weight jerseys. More aggressive play increases injuries. Therefore, heavier clothing and regular football shoes offer some increased player protection. But make no mistake the more aggressive game produces injuries.
Football is an aggressive game. Even in normal family football games injuries can occur. So, to have the maximum of family football fun, tougher play is discouraged. However, for those who desire a more aggressive game they should follow simple safety rules to minimize injuries.
Playing family football to maximize family fun doesn’t just happen. Of course, football for family fun can be played with little preparation. All that’s basically needed are players, a rubber football and a place to play. But to have the most football fun advance preparation should occur in five areas: (1) place, (2) rules, (3) equipment, (4) condition, and (5) players. This article reviews these areas.
1 – Place. The ideal place to play family football is a grassy level field in a public park. Also, it is preferable if the field is used for touch football and is conveniently equipped with goal posts and field markings. But if this is not possible, any open area will do. Avoid a hard surface to play on since this invites injuries. However, since the game is played for family football fun, just playing is preferred.
2 – Rules. In advance of playing family football decide on the game rules. These cover such areas as player types and selection, field size, scoring, tackling, blocking, penalties and general play. Family football is best played with rules. There need not be many. But a family football game proceeds much smoother if there are specific rules that are well understood and followed by all participants.
3 – Equipment. Family football equipment need not be extensive. But, a family football game plays better if there is at least minimum equipment. This includes three official footballs, a ball pump, a ball repair kit and a tote bag. All this equipment should be in good condition. Any less equipment puts playing the family football game and having football fun at jeopardy.
4 – Condition. Family football properly requires that all participants are in the proper condition to play. This excludes anyone who has been drinking (or will drink) alcohol. Also, anyone with an injury or those who are too young or too infirm to play should also be excluded. Lastly, exclude anyone who is not in proper physical condition. This includes those who are seriously overweight or have serious health conditions. Ensuring proper condition for all players avoids potentially serious incidents.
5 – Players. Family football is a game for most people. Except for the condition exclusions described above all players are welcome. Experience, while helpful, does not matter. Nor is sex important. When choosing sides ensure that each team is well balanced with experienced and inexperienced players and girls, if interested. The family game is meant to be football for family fun for all players.
The most fun is had in family football when proper advance preparation takes place. However, getting ready to play should never be onerous. But, with thoughtful advance planning everyone involved in the family game can maximize their football fun.
An important activity before any family football game is choosing the teams. Each team should be well balanced in skill, age, sex and experience in order for the ensuing football game to be well played and fun for all. Imbalance in team selection shows up later on the playing field with dramatically one-sided play. This is not the purpose of family football. It is meant to be fun for all concerned. So, this article looks at team selection from three viewpoints: (1) experienced players, (2) inexperienced players, and (3) girls.
1 – Experienced Players. There are always experienced players ready to play football for family fun. These are typically the boys and men who now play in high school and college. It is doubtful that an active professional player will play just for football fun in order to avoid injury. But a retired professional player could participate. In any event, identify the experienced players and ensure that they are placed equally on each family football team.
Experienced players are the backbone of the game. They understand football and know how to play it well. As such, they are the leaders of their team.Further, they can coach the inexperienced players. Family football can be well played if experienced players participate with an official NFL football.
2 – Inexperienced Players. Family football is a game for all players – regardless of skill. Therefore, there is an obvious place on the family football team for inexperienced players. These are typically boys (and a few men) who have not played football anywhere but would like to learn how to play and participate actively in the game. They should be given every opportunity to have family football fun.
Identify the inexperienced players during the team selection process. Then ensure that they are placed evenly on each team. This makes for a balanced contest with experienced and inexperienced players on each team. Inexperienced players should be coached by the experienced players and be allowed to pass and run the ball. Only by playing can they learn the game.
3 – Girls. A point of controversy can be the participation of girls in a game of family football. However, if they wish to play they should not be excluded. Many girls know how to play football well and are valuable additions to any family football team. Do not exclude them from the game and let them actively participate.
Identify the female players who wish to play and then place them evenly on each team. Do not discriminate against them in any way. Also, provide them with coaching, as and when needed. Ensure that they too can enjoy the family football fun.
Team selection in family football should never be a problem. If each team includes experienced and inexperienced players and girls, if available, then all participants will have fun. After all, this is the main purpose of family football!
Is there a best time to play family football? Previously, we reviewed the right venue for the game. But what is the right time to play? Are weekends best? Are mornings better than afternoons or evenings? How long should the game last? This article addresses these issues and looks at three play decisions: (1) the best day to play, (2) the best time to play, and (3) how to time the game.
1 – Best Day. The best day to play family football is Sunday – after church! Few people are working or busy with other activities and, therefore, can go out to enjoy playing or watching family football. If the weather is good and the location satisfactory few activities can equal the fun and camaraderie of family football fun. The players can enjoy the physical aspect of the game while the spectators can relish the fun of watching football for family fun and just being outdoors.
So consider carefully the best day to play. But make it a day when as many people as possible can come out to play or just watch family football.
2 – Best Time. If Sunday is the selected day then the afternoon is the best time to play. Church is over and if the weather cooperates then nothing is more satisfying than enjoying a game of family football with an official football in a grassy park on a mild Sunday afternoon. The game occupies some part of the afternoon and the physically adept can play while others can watch the action on the field.
Invariably the family football game is followed by a meal for all present. This adds to the fun and camaraderie that a pleasant day outdoors gives to each participant. Yes, playing the game is a lot of fun. But for many older or infirm people just like being at the game and enjoying the spectacle and the food to follow.
3 - Timing. A regulation football game lasts sixty minutes and consists of four quarters. The teams switch sides at the end of each quarter. If desired, the family football game can mimic the timing of the regulation game. But this is not necessary. Many family games last for as long as players wish to keep playing. This can be more or less than an hour.
It is suggested that a family football game should last for about one hour. This provides ample time for all participants to enjoy the game and still get plenty of exercise. It also leaves time for other activities such as a family meal and just enjoying the company of family and friends. After all, family football should be an outdoor event for the whole family!
Yes, there is a best time to play family football. But any time is fine for family football provided that all participants enjoy themselves. In the end, this is the purpose of the game!
For the family football player, the professional football season is now over half completed. Two teams – the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants – are emerging as the leaders in their respective conferences. What about all the other teams? Who seems to be a contender or will the Titans and the Giants meet in the Super Bowl? This article looks at the professional league today and then suggests why the leaders are doing so well.
1 – The Professional League. The professional football consists of 32 teams in two conferences. There are 16 teams in the National Football Conference (NFC) and a second 16 teams in the American Football Conference (AFC). Every major American city is represented in the two conferences. And one city, New York, even has two professional football teams – the Giants and the Jets. So there is plenty of football fun.
The football competition in both conferences is brutal. But two teams, the Tennessee Titans and New Giants are emerging as the best. The Titans are now unbeaten in 10 games and the Giants have lost only one game. In the NFC, the Giants are closely pursued by the Carolina Panthers with eight wins. While in the AFC, the Titans are alone at the top with the Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers well behind with 7 wins apiece. Last year’s favored Super Bowl team, the New England Patriots, are nowhere at 6 wins and 4 defeats. Regardless of winners and losers the professional game is very alive and well. There is plenty of family football fun for all.
2 – Why Are The Leaders Doing Well? The conference leaders – Giants and Titans – are playing extremely well. And they have dramatically different styles. The Titans are more of a finesse team that wins games on excellent overall play. The Giants, on the other hand, tend to be a dominant team on both offense and defense. They give their opponents no quarter at any time. But these varying playing styles do not inhibit either team from playing very well and winning consistently.
What both teams do have in common is balanced play. They show their dominant skill on both offense and defense. This is what identifies a great football team. They do not let down on any play. As an example, the Giants dominate their opponents, whoever has the ball. This is a good object lesson for family football. To win in any football game there can be no letup on either offense or defense. When next you watch either the Titans or the Giants on television, see how they take charge of the game. It’s clear why they are both winning.
It is always helpful to the family football player to observe the professional teams. And this season is no exception. The best teams play well whenever they have the ball. They make few mistakes and force the action. This is a good example of football for family fun.
Eating properly is an important way to develop a strong healthy body. And family football is an excellent place to encourage proper eating. It is easy to define. Proper eating focuses on consuming low fat and high energy foods. It contrasts directly with the high fat and low energy food characteristic of many fast food restaurants. Items like hamburgers, French fries, chips and sugary drinks contribute little but fat and cholesterol to the typical American diet. Any family can have more complete football fun by stressing the eating of proper healthy food to its many enthusiasts.
This article addresses the healthy food issue by looking at four foods: (1) meat, (2) vegetables, (3) deserts, and (4) drinks. What is considered good and bad about each?
1 – Meat. It is prudent to avoid most meat. Unless it is very lean and served in small quantities, such meat as beef, pork and lamb, produce high amounts of cholesterol. It is better to avoid them entirely and stick to skinless chicken and fish, if meat is desired. These low fat items do not contain the artery clogging cholesterol that is characteristic of most animal meats.
2 – Vegetables. As a general rule, Americans tend to ignore most vegetables. Yes, they do consume salads.But many of these feature lettuce that has little food value and are served with excessive amounts of high fat dressings. Also, the vegetable of choice is the baked potato. With limited dressing it is an excellent food. However, most people eat baked potatoes loaded with a variety of high fat condiments like butter and sour cream. It is much healthier to eat colored vegetables like broccoli, carrots and corn - hot and in salads.
3 – Deserts. Few deserts offer any real food value. They are typically very sweet, with large amounts of cream and sugary icing. Whenever possible, the high fat pastry desert should be ignored. It is better to substitute fresh fruit for any pastry or just by pass desert altogether. Deserts add nothing but fat calories to a meal and the diner is better off without them.
4 – Drinks. The drinks category can add many calories and little food value to a meal. Hard liquor should be avoided. But, it is not unwise and, even healthy, to have a glass of wine with dinner. Also, fresh water is always acceptable. Coffee, high in caffeine, should be avoided and tea, if it is decaffeinated and green, makes a delightful end of meal beverage. At all times, high calorie, sugar-rich carbonated beverages should be avoided.
In planning a family football fun meal follow the simple food guidelines outlined above. Avoid high fat meats; stress colored vegetables; skip heavy dressings and limit drinks to water and decaffeinated green iced tea. In this way players and spectators alike will benefit from a healthy meal, served outdoors while they enjoy football for family fun.
Getting injured is not customary in family football. However, it can happen. The types of injuries that typically occur are bruises, sprains, scrapes and contusions. But, once in a while a more serious injury, like a fracture, can occur. Any injury, however, minor it may seem, should be treated right away. This article looks at family football injuries and describes how each should be handled to minimize patient discomfort and avoid infection.
1 – What Injuries? Family football injuries can be classified into two categories – minor and serious. Minor injuries include scrapes, minor bruises, small cuts and grass burns. Serious injuries include all sprains, fractures, large bruises and cuts and all contusions.
In the case of any reported injury, the affected player should not be permitted to play any longer and be treated immediately. Some players may object to not being permitted to continue play football for family fun. However, if a player is injured and continues to play the injury may become infected or get more serious. Further, the play of the injured player will also be diminished. Therefore, injuries of any kind must be regarded seriously and injured players must not continue playing for football fun.
2 – How Treated? As noted above there are two injury categories – minor and serious. Minor and major injuries should be: (1) classified as such by a knowledgeable person, and (2) treated on the spot. For minor cuts, scrapes and contusions, the treatment will likely include: (1) cleaning the wound, (2) applying an antibiotic, and (3) covering the wound with an antiseptic bandage. If the wound does not get better in a day or two, then the patient should consult a physician.
For minor bruises and grass burns, the treatment is simple. Clean the affected area and leave it uncovered. Once again, if there is no improvement in a day or two, then consult a physician.
For any major injury, like a sprain, fracture or deep cut, there should be little local first aid. Keep the patient warm and leave the affected area alone except to stop any bleeding by means of a pressure pack. The affected player should be taken at once to a hospital emergency facility. There should be no other attempt to treat the patient or the injury other that keeping both warm and covered. Serious complications can occur if an untrained person attempts any kind of first aid. At no time should family football be played in a remote location where hospital care is not readily available. Serious injuries are rare in family football but they cannot be overlooked.
Family football is meant to be injury free. However, injuries can and do occur. So be sure to: (1) keep a first aid kit handy, (2) treat any injury at once, (3) go to a hospital if required, and (3) don’t permit injured players to continue playing. Following these simple rules will ensure that injuries in family football are minimal.
Little is ever said about keeping family football equipment in prime condition. It is just assumed that game equipment will be properly maintained. But is this always true? For example, are the official footballs used for games serviceable and inflated? Are all players wearing unworn sneakers? Is anybody wearing ragged clothing? Is there an ample supply of inflating needles, air pumps and ball repair kits? Is the equipment properly stored? These questions should be answered so that the family football game is played under the best conditions. This article addresses these questions by looking at family football equipment – footballs, air pumps, inflating needles and ball repair kits, tote bags and clothing – and how to maintain them properly.
1 – Footballs. It is easy to assume that family footballs need no care. After all they are well made and used only for games. Nothing could be further from the truth. Game footballs used for family football fun need special care since they are so well used. They must be kept clear of any surface or interior imperfections and always be properly inflated at 13.5 to 15 psi. Doing less means a game not played.
2 – Air Pumps. To keep game footballs properly inflated it is also important to regularly service the air pumps. These must work consistently and be able to inflate footballs to the proper level quickly and easily. Inspect them regularly and replace or repair any that do not work properly.
3 – Inflating Needles and Ball Repair Kits . There must always be on hand an ample supply of inflating needles in good condition. Without these footballs cannot be properly inflated. Equally important is the ball repair kit. It must be ready always to complete any kind of football repair. Without one the family football game can be halted if a football repair is needed.
4 – Tote Bags. A properly working tote bag is required to ensure that all family football equipment is properly housed. If the tote bag is worn or torn then valuable football equipment can be lost or stolen. Ensure that the tote bag is in good repair and replace any one that is in poor condition.
5 – Clothing. There are no formal uniforms in family football. However, it is important for proper play and to avoid unneeded injury to keep sneakers, jerseys and pants in good condition. Playing family football with poorly maintained clothing can be hazardous to players and spectators alike. So keep football clothing looking and playing well.
Family football is played for football fun. And the most fun occurs when the football equipment used is in excellent repair. Don’t overlook the importance of proper equipment maintenance. It pays off at game time.
Family football is a football fun game. Therefore, no one should get hurt playing or watching. It’s the responsibility of both players and spectators to respect the game and keep it safe. Obeying good safety rules has two responsibilities: (1) play the game safely, and (2) watch the game safely. What does this mean? This article looks at how to set and then follow good safety practices for family football players and spectators.
1 – Players’ Safety. A family football player’s safety depends primarily on three actions. These are: (1) no rough play, (2) no injuries, and (3) no play when hurt. How do these actions affect player safety?
Rough play in family football is the most likely way to affect a player’s safety. When a player on either team resorts to rough play someone will get hurt. Remember family football has players of all ages and both sexes. So, rough play of any kind should never be permitted.
There should be a similar ban on inflicting injuries. Nothing is gained if a player gets injured. Rough play and inflicting injuries go together. A rough player can hurt someone. So, family play should do all possible to avoid injuries by banning rough play.
But if injuries do occur, the affected player should never be permitted to continue or even allowed to participate.It’s too easy to assume that an injury is minor when it is not. Therefore, injuries of any kind should be treated properly before affected players can resume play.
2 – Spectators’ Safety. A family football spectator can cause or sustain injuries by their actions. These are: (1) no alcohol, (2) no litter, and (3) no expletives. How do these actions jeopardize spectator safety?
Allowing alcohol consumption at a family football game is dangerous. Any kind of overindulgence in alcohol inflates tempers and often leads to aggressive behavior. Family football is meant to be family football fun and an enjoyment for all. So it is no place for alcohol.
Another bad practice in family football is disregard for litter. It is expected that family football outings will include picnic meals. But these should be conducted so that all refuse is collected and properly disposed of. Litter allowed to accumulate on the playing field and sidelines is a safety hazard to both players and spectators.
In family football spectator enthusiasm can run high. However, it should never run so high that foul language is permitted. Family football is meant to be football for family fun and so swearing of any kind hurts all listeners. Don’t permit foul language of any kind.
Safety for players and spectators in family football depends on common sense. Play the game to have family football fun and avoid injury and watch it to enjoy the sport. There are no other reasons to be involved.
