Family football should not be controversial. The game is played for football fun and so controversy is unnecessary. But what if controversy arises? Where can it happen and how is it best handled? This article looks at controversy and recommends how best to handle it in the three places where it could occur in family football. These are: (1) play, (2) people, and (3) place.
1 – Play. The main controversy about play is how rough? The older, bigger and more experienced players prefer a game that features downfield blocking and even tackling. While this type of game suits older players it is unacceptable for family play. It is too rough and does not appeal to the wide variety of players in a family game. Family football is should be fun for all players regardless of age, sex or skill.
Play controversy can be avoided by the players themselves. If they are all experienced they may opt for a rougher game with an official NFL football and this is acceptable. However, if there is a mix of ages, sexes, sizes and skills wishing to play then the resulting family game should reflect this and not be rough.
2 – People. A family football game welcomes all who wish to play for family football fun. There is no discrimination. As was mentioned above the range of players will determine the type of play. Most family football games attract a wide variety of players. These can be old and young, male and female, experienced and new. And, of course, there is never any race discrimination. Family football is truly a game for all who wish to play.
In selecting the two family football teams evenly balance them with all the players available. In this way no one team has a skill advantage. So, regardless of individual ability, anyone who wishes to play is welcome.
3 – Place. The ideal place to play football for family fun is on a grassy field in a convenient park. But this type of location may not always be available. Family football can be played on any surface. The important points here are not where the game takes place but how it is played and who plays it. The previous sections described the preferred “how” and “whom” of family football. These are most important.
To the degree possible, select a play location that discourages player injury. This means a grassy surface in a park. But if this ideal place is unavailable, select one that is reasonably safe and secure. Bare ground, sand, or gravel is preferred over asphalt or concrete. Just be sure to use the safest surface available.
Family football should raise no controversy. What is played, who plays it and where it is played should not be debated. Remember the basic rule of family football – have fun! This rule should ensure limited controversy!
This entry was posted
on Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 at 5:58 am and is filed under Football, Play.
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