Ideas for Midget League Football

Midget league football -- sometimes called Pop Warner or youth football -- is often the earliest introduction to full-pad, tackle football for most American children between ages 7 and 13. The games follow the general guidelines and rules of American football played at higher levels such as high school, college and professional. Many leagues are run by parents of players and often have to rely on those people's ingenuity for a successful season. Parents can create other rules.

  1. Devise Fair Playing Time Rules

    • In youth football, the quest for winning can lose sight of the goal of the game: to teach children how to play. Consider putting in playing times rules requiring that all players get a fair percentage of snaps during the game. One rule to use is a platoon system in which one set of players plays offense only in the first half, then switches to defense in the second. It requires more coaching but gives players the opportunity to learn the sport better.

    Create a Parents Handbook

    • Many fans attending games are parents, so it's wise to create a handbook before the start of the season that mandates decorum in the stands. Make sure all parents read and sign the handbook and outline potential penalties. Some ideas to consider include a ban on profanity, not allowing signs that disparage opposing teams and players, no confronting coaches and referees, no weapons allowed on the premises and having security on site.

    Hold Post-Season Banquets

    • One way to end the season is a with a banquet for players, coaches and parents. Typically have it almost directly after the season and hand out awards for the year. One way to liven up a banquet is to bring in a guest speaker such as a former NFL player or maybe a local high school coach. The idea is to give the players a treat for completing the season. Set up a task force during the year to oversee all aspects of the banquet, from set-up to getting trophies to cleaning up.

    Raise Money

    • Many midget leagues require fundraising to make budget beyond what parents pay in fees and dues. Try to find fundraisers such as car washes, ticket book sales and business partnerships that don't put the onus on parents' bank accounts.