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IMPORTANT UPDATE!!
3rd Grade Tackle/Modified Flag Football!
Exciting News and Updates!!


Dear Prospective and Registered 3rd grade Athletes and 3rd grade Football Families,

We are excited to welcome you to the New Canaan Youth Football (“NCYF”) Family, and its long and rich history and traditions!

Some of you may know that traditionally, football started in 3rd grade, but many towns have moved to “Modified Flag/Tackle,” which is flag football, with the additional safety and fun of wearing full tackle equipment (helmet, shoulder pads and football pants) where players wear flag belts on their waist and opposing players pull flags to make a “tackle.” While there is NO tackling, the benefits are introducing pads, proper blocking techniques, ball handling and other football skills, especially SAFETY, WITHOUT tackling. Despite New Canaan successfully running a traditional 3rd grade tackle program, the lack of competition from other towns resulted in a “HOUSE League” ONLY.

Thus, in an earnest belief that starting tackle in 3rd grade, improves safety and the overall experience but recognizing that the lack of competition is real and parental concerns remain, we are changing our 3rd grade program to combine and incorporate BOTH Tackle and Modified Flag as describe below, to give our players the best and most rich experience and the flexibility to do one, the other, or both:

3rd graders will practice 3X/week with the 4th grade, learning the fundamentals of tackle football and the NC offense and defense, benefiting from the experience of 4th grader and coaches.

A portion of each practice will be dedicated to 3rd grade only, focusing on flag pulling and preparing for 3rd grade games.

3rd graders will compete weekly against FCFL Modified Flag League towns, with jerseys, referees, fans, etc., and all the excitement of a real games, in real stadiums, with real pads, but NO tackling.

Further, some 3rd graders MAY be selected to “play up” with the 4th grade, in their traditional tackle games; solely at the discretion of the coach’s and parents, but something for the players, who are ready to play traditional tackle, to look forward to and work for.

Details on Modified Flag:

Overview
Modified flag football is flag football with the additional safety and fun of wearing football pads.  Players wear full tackle equipment (helmet, shoulder pads and football pants).  The goal is to teach proper blocking techniques, ball handling and other football skills. Players also wear flag football belts around their waist and players pull flags off to make a “tackle.”

Why do players wear full equipment (pads) if there is no tackling?
This is not a league without contact. Tackling is not allowed; however, during the flag-pulling process players can and do hit the ground. The equipment is required for player safety.  There is also an added benefit of players getting used to playing with full pads.

Will the NC 3rd Grade modified flag team play other towns?
Yes, the Fairfield County Football League (FCFL) offers modified flag for inter-town play at the third & fourth grade level.

Will modified flag be offered for all grade levels?
Modified flag football will ONLY be available for third grade.

For a better understanding of what Modified Tackle/Flag looks like, here is a highlight film from another program, who has played in the league for several years. http://www.hudl.com/video/2/95794/5e59417f5b3c870bdc1dca9f

Lastly, please remember, that while NCYF and NCHS are some of the best programs, including numerous college football players, two current NFL players and a Super Bowl Champion, the true benefits of NCYF are the great values of hard work, commitment, and determination, along with the friendships and experiences football develops for our young men and families!  We can never lose sight of that and its why we all should want our sons to play football.  In 3rd grade, it’s about learning, making friends and having fun, so that you come back to a lifetime of enjoyment of football:

Our core 3rd grade tenants are:

 SAFETY: Emphasize physical safety and emotional and mental well-being above all else. Every player is important, has potential and has a role. Safety, is Always First. 

  FUN:  Have fun, make friends, love the game.

CHARACTER: Develop a rudimentary understanding of hard work, dependability, accountability, etc. Learning respect for self, each other, coaches, opponents, the refs etc.-good sportsmanship and teamwork.  Simple things like being on time, listening, getting up and trying again and again, never quitting, etc.

We believe that this plan will best position both our 3rd and 4th grade teams for future success.  If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Abe Kane @ 401-368-9627.

Thanks,

                     
Abe Kane                                                                   Mike Regan

Co-Director,                                                                Co-Director,

Coaching and Player Development                            Coaching and Player Development

Board Member                                                            Board Member

NCYF                                                                         NCYF

[email protected]                                         [email protected]