FUTURES F.A.Q

As a base policy, we cannot guarantee playing time - as games are dynamic, and don't always lend equal opportunity to get everyone in the game.  We always work diligently and try to get everyone adequate playing time.

District Participation Fees: The District Participation Fees are $40 per season.

Futures football is tackle football.  The design of the program is to serve as a bridge between middle-school flag football programs, and give young players a safe introduction to the game of tackle football. The majority of players have not played tackle before, and careful attention is given to the necessary and proper introductory safety techniques.

We will issue equipment for Futures Football in late February.  Players will be issued a helmet, shoulder pads, a girdle, practice jersey, game jersey, and football pants.

Student-athletes need to provide the following equipment:

• Provide own cleats
• Navy Blue Sweats & Shorts
• Athletic supporter (if desired)
• 7 Piece Girdle (like this one HERE)
• Practice socks
• Desired mouth guard (one that attaches to the helmet is helpful)

NHS will supply helmet, chinstrap, shoulder pads, and uniform (practice jersey, game pants, game jersey).

Below are some equipment items that, while popular, are items that you shouldn’t waste money on when outfitting your son for the season. They include:

• Helmet Visors?  NHFS rules limit which visors can be worn, often get scratched or fog up (limiting vision), and they are more trouble than anything.  Our policy is that if the 
• Arm Sleeves?  These items only create slippery surfaces that result in fumbles. Don’t waste your money.
• Back Plates?   I'd only recommend a back plate for players who carry the ball, catch the ball, or play defense as a linebacker or defensive lineman.  
• Custom Mouth Gaurd?  I don't know of any data that suggests a $25 mouth guard is any more protective than a $8 mouth guard. It's important that it is formed to your student-athlete's mouth, and attached to the helmet (to prevent loss). 

While football is a physical sport, and naturally injuries occur, the NHS Football Coaching Staff has intentionally designed our program to maximize safety.

• Our  practice plan (with accompanying drill design) is scrupulously combed through to maximize safety. 
• Every year, each of our coaches, takes and passes the Concussion Protocol Awareness classes through NFHS, as well as the CHSAA Coaching Test which also addresses safe practices.
• Our program has adopted the Atavus Tackling System, and incorporated USA Football's Five Fights Tackling System principles to ensure we are teaching tackling with a safety first mindset. 
•  Lastly, we have a strong working relationship with the school trainer to evaluate all injuries, should they occur.

It is important to know that neither a parent nor any coach on the NHS Football Coaching Staff (including the Head Coach) has the authority to determine if a player can return to play, if injured during a game.  

Often, a team trainer will refer an injury to a physician, and the authority is passed along to the physician. Parents and coaches cannot overrule either of these factors in an attempt to return a player to the game.

The same protocols used in a game are enforced during practice as well.

Our regular schedule/protocol plans have been adjusted to increase safety.  First, temperature scans are conducted every day.  Additionally, each player is surveyed daily for COVID symptoms prior to getting on the field.  If a player misses a symptom or temperature threshold, they are not allowed on the field.  

Second, our coaching staff has  increased the amount of time our players practice individually and have lessened "team vs. team" exposure.  When the boys are in 'team practice' situations, more hand shields are used, which reduces our physical contact, and also reduces the amount of force (through physical contact) our players experience during the week.   Additionally, each player brings their own water bottle, and they are instructed not to share water.  

Lastly, the boys stretch in pods, more than 10' feet apart from each other. The team has hand sanitizer on site. Last fall, every player was required to wear a mask during practice - no mask, no practice.

Next spring, it is expected that the team will have limited use of the locker rooms, weight room, a limit of 50 players on the sideline (all socially distanced)... similar to the conditions set forth during the fall season. As conditions change, safety will remain a top priority.