The Case for Flag Football As an Olympic Sport
Flag Football As an Olympic Sport? The Olympics are unlike any other sporting event in the world. Over the course of 16 days, more than 300 sports, representing 35 different sports and all countries around the globe are competing to win their medals of distinction.
I’ve been looking at the Summer Olympics every 4 years from as long as my memory allows. However, there’s always been something lacking.
The sport is among the United States most popular sports and an elite sport in the world, it appears like flag and tackle football may be Olympic sports in 2024. However, a number of issues remain to be a reality.
We’ll first go over the reasons to having American Football include into the Olympics is not an easy one and then we’ll explain why we believe flag football will be the best possibility of an Olympic sport.
WHY ISN’T AMERICAN FOOTBALL ALREADY AN OLYMPIC SPORT?
In an article from NFL.com The biggest logistical issues faced by the game in American Football being included in the Olympics are similar to those faced by Rugby.
Due to the huge number of players on every team as well as there is the “gender equality” formats where both genders participate in all sports, and the shortened schedule of 3 weeks that is difficult to manage with an athletic game such as rugby and football.
Additionally, to that, for American Football, the barrier to entry is very high because of the cost of equipping all athletes with pads as well as equipment that has been slow in implementing in other nations, particularly of the less developed variety.
With all that said it’s difficult to imagine why either of these sports would be an ideal fit. To compete in this Summer Olympics. It’s similar to Soccer in the sense that a minimum amount is required for playing the sport with regard to equipment and practice at a basic level.
And it has an international fan base that is much bigger. This , along with other factors, has recently enabled Rugby to be recognized for the Olympics. Which will begin in 2016 by changing the method to a more modern “sevens” format. Which is quicker-pace and with fewer people and could allow for the creation of the same pathway in the direction of American Football, or flag football specifically.
TACKLE SAFETY CONCERNS
In addition, more and more high schools and professional teams are beginning to cut down on the amount of contact practice but they are still wearing the kind of headgear that is softly padd and shoulder pads for additional protection.
But what if we were able to restrict the contact practice that players are expose to prior to high school and middle school and also address certain concerns about the sport in relation to being accept in the Olympics?There’s been plenty of discussion lately about the security of tackle football, and not only within the NFL where concussions are a big concern.
Beginning at the youth level of football Recent evidence has emerged suggesting that, even without an injury to the head, repeated head collisions and head injuries could result as similar head injuries later on for children who are tested between 8 and 13 years old.
A lot of researchers suggest that kids should not play football, and claiming that children’s head is “a larger part of their body, and their necks are not as strong as adults’ necks. So kids may be at a greater risk of head and brain injuries than adults.”
DREW BREES BELIEVES FLAG FOOTBALL CAN SAVE FOOTBALL
Since 2015, studies have shown that flag football has been the fastest-growing sports for youth in the United States, greatly outpacing the rise in traditional tackle football.
A lot of high schools are making the transition to flag football instead of tackle, and are encouraging other schools within their region to join in by establishing divisions and leagues that are organize .
Flag football is even an officially recognized sports that is varsity in many states, and especially for women, flag football can be a method to facilitate participation in a way that isn’t its physical aspects of tackle.And this isn’t the only one.
Recently, Drew Brees was interviewed by Peter King for NBC’s pregame show. He had an opinion on the reasons he believes that flag football could be the solution.
“I feel like flag football can save football,” Brees stated. Brees manages the flag football squad. Of his son and also played flag football throughout junior high school, but never taking on tackle football after high school.
I feel like once you put the pads on there are just so many other elements to the game, and you’re at the mercy of the coach in a lot of cases too. And to be honest, I don’t think enough coaches are well-versed enough in regards to the true fundamentals of the game especially when the pads go on at the youth level.”
Many professional players and coaches have shared similar views in their praise of the game of flag football. the growing popularity of the game echoes the sentiments of those who have praised it.
Flag football
Flag football isn’t an accident or a leisure development tool which feeds into tackle football. It’s an entire sport that has its own unique identity and purpose and we should be aware of the distinctness.
Internationally , it is growing in popularity also, and much more quickly that traditional American football. Where the barrier to entry is more difficult due to the requirement for complete pads and equipment. In Mexico for example flag football is growing in popularity.
And many believe it is the second-highest-rated sport in soccer. And is closing quickly with an the estimation of 2.5 million players playing at the elementary stage.
International teams are beginning to travel to the most well-known American flag football. Competitions and have representation of Panama, Indonesia, Bahamas, Mexico, Canada and more being a regular occasion.
Everywhere you go there is a surge in participation and excitement the flag football sport is increasing.
On a level for adults the year was a record year in flag football as a sport. Numerous major events are popping up all over the globe, featuring hundreds of teams competing across all levels of age.
Formats and styles. Cash prizes are at an all-time high which is expected to exceed 100,000 in team prize money during the coming calendar year.
American football
Sponsors are beginning to notice , too and brands like EA Sports, Nerf, Hotels.com. Red Bull and other big brands recognizing the potential and value of soccer.
As a means to reach their intended public in huge quantities. The participation of women in flag football is on the rise as its growing popularity among youth. And is the most popular method of play for. American football in the majority of Central and South American countries.
How does this lead towards the Olympics and finally getting American football to be the official sports?. Let’s first go over some background information about the current status of the sport. In relation to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). IOC.
In the past, to participate in the Olympic games for demonstration sports. You need to be part of an International Federation and also have participated in an World Championship competition. It must be held for a minimum of six years prior to the scheduled Olympic games.
It is the International Federation of American Football is primarily concentrate on football with a focus on tackle. However incorporates flag football into its tournament lineup, has met this requirement and was formally recognize in 2012. And received preliminary recognition in 2014.
Olympics sports
This could open the way to allow American football to become recognized as an official sports. And flag football could be consider one of the sports.
But the IFAF has been slowed down because of allege scandals in the management of events. Misappropriation of funds and event mismanagement. of funds. Which do not make for a good picture for sports inclusion in the short-term.
Thankfully, in 2007, the IOC adopted a revised and more flexible set of rules. Which allows for programs to be submitte to review. At the end of each Olympics beginning in 2020. This will open the way through which all teams can put forward their arguments. For inclusion with an easy majority vote.
The opportunity exists the possibility for American football to participate at the top sporting events around the globe. But how can overcome the challenges posed by the structure of the sport in order to match the standards. Of an effective Olympic sport?
FLAG FOOTBALL IS THE KEY TO OLYMPIC INCLUSION
For every reason that tackle football doesn’t meet the pattern as a viable option. For the IOC and flag football is one of them. Below are four reasons why flag football should be added as an alternative Olympic sport.
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