New rules for youth football expected for next season

El Paso Parks and Recreations Department has issued five new rules for youth football.

Parks and Rec Assistant Director Paula Powell notified the public during the City Council’s work session on Monday.

According to Powell the five rules will go into effect in the fall; they are

1. Concussion training is required for all coaches and parents.

2. Players are limited to one game per week.

3. All city coaches of middle school football players are required to have less days of hitting in practice. The city will not schedule games on the same day as middle school games.

4. Players who play in city leagues may not join an outside league at the same time. The city will offer both recreational and competitive divisions to give opportunities to all levels of participation.

5. The Mighty Might Division will be modified to be 6- and 7-years-olds only. The 5-year-olds can join the Mini Sports flag football program. This age group will also have a change in rules making it recreational in nature. *There not be a Little Bowl or playoffs for this age group.

According to Powell, coaches, parents and players offered suggestions on the rules during an open meeting and the rules were agreed upon.

Powell says she is confident these new rules will help keep the young football players safe.