Advice?

[oatmealqueen]

I am not a football official, but need some input on a timing issue for one of our local youth football leagues.

The FED rule states that 8 minute quarters are required for middle school football (7th & 8th grade).

Why is this so? I am not agreeing or disagreeing, just need some input as to why there is a difference in quarter length at this level.

Thanks in advance.

[ljudge]

Two separate leagues I occasionally work midget games for allow for 10 minute periods. The assocations may individually adopt specific rule coverage relative to timing among a host of other things.

[Snake~eyes]

I don't really know of a specific reason but it makes sense to me, lower levels of play have shorter games. I know you do basketball, so does your MS and HS have the same timing? I also do basketball and the lengths between HS/MS are different.

[oatmealqueen]

Originally posted by Snake~eyes
I don't really know of a specific reason but it makes sense to me, lower levels of play have shorter games. I know you do basketball, so does your MS and HS have the same timing? I also do basketball and the lengths between HS/MS are different.

MS basketball in our area plays 6 minute quarters.

But I guess I'm asking if there is a safety issue of some kind at work here?

Seems like the younger the child, the less time you would want them to take a pounding. Or a fatigue or lack of concentration factor at that younger age?

[BktBallRef]

Originally posted by oatmealqueen
I am not a football official, but need some input on a timing issue for one of our local youth football leagues.

The FED rule states that 8 minute quarters are required for middle school football (7th & 8th grade).

Why is this so? I am not agreeing or disagreeing, just need some input as to why there is a difference in quarter length at this level.

Thanks in advance.

OMQ, do MS and Jr High teams play the same length quarters in basketball in Michigan? They don't here in NC.

Lower levels have always played shorter quarters in both sports, for as long as I can remember. The athletes are younger and have less stamina. The game fees are lower for officials because the games are shorter. Also, many lower levels play on fields that aren't lighted. Here, games start at 4pm. 10 or 12 minute games would put the games finishing after dark.

[chiefgil]

Louisiana FB
Varsity: 12
JV: 10
JH: 8

[oatmealqueen]

Originally posted by BktBallRef

OMQ, do MS and Jr High teams play the same length quarters in basketball in Michigan? They don't here in NC.

Lower levels have always played shorter quarters in both sports, for as long as I can remember. The athletes are younger and have less stamina. The game fees are lower for officials because the games are shorter. Also, many lower levels play on fields that aren't lighted. Here, games start at 4pm. 10 or 12 minute games would put the games finishing after dark.

I'm trying to see if there is a safety issue regarding 8-12 year olds playing more than 8 minute quarters in a youth football league.
We are playing 8 min., with some coaches wanting to up it to 10 min.

Since FED requires 8 minute quarters for Jr High, I'm trying to get any information than I can.

The stamina thing is a biggy. Seems like more injuries could occur. Also small team numbers could force a lot of kids at that early age, to get popped for 40 minutes instead of 32.
Keep the opinions/facts coming, if you have any.