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Since my answer is (probably) no, I have thought about this: Will my (someday) kid(s) think I'm a hypocrite if I watch and chear football games but say they're not allowed to play?
Yes but only if they want to. And it's a quality program (with coaches that actually know how to tackle and block).And one serious injury and they're done. Would you let your kids box? Or do jiu-jitsu? Because those are arguably more dangerous and malicious.
I dont understand what you like football and playing football has anything to do with them not wanting to? I love basketball, I try to include my kids but if they dont like it, its on them. They like soccer at this stage and I dont care for it but it keeps them active and in process healthy.
My oldest has played flag and I think if he wanted to play football again, we'd stick to that until at least jr. high. Currently, both of my sons are playing soccer. As far as long term affects go...last week, I was told by my orthopedist that, at 38, he would do a knee replacement on my left knee if the insurance would cover it and they were made to last longer. 33 years of soccer has given me the gift of a knee that snaps, crackles, and pops more than a bowl of Rice Krispies. Luckily, the cortisone shot he gave me has helped a lot.
Hmmm, maybe not after that guy whose finger tip got torn off last weekend and he kept playing... Really, I'd feel like a hypocrite if I didn't leave the option open, considering that his big cousin plays and we always watch football as entertainment. (Though his cousin got his finger broken in two places last year as a big 7th grader. You need your fingers... I play piano and keep thinking about how that could mess up things for you, to say nothing of knee, etc. injuries.) I like the rhadamanthus advice above - it's probably not so bad overall if you don't start early and are careful that it's a quality program. I want him to have a lot of other interests and options so that either he won't get into football or he won't miss it if it doesn't work out. I'm thinking of giving him chances to try gymnastics, learn music, basketball eventually, and then see what he wants once he's old enough to want particular stuff.
