The Football Development Model is USA Football’s new initiative designed to make the game safer by reducing contact and teaching in a way that meets an athlete where they are in their development. This month, we’ll be taking a look at what the Football Development Model is and what it means to parents and athletes. 

Part of this model focuses on what role the parent plays and it’s not just about writing the check for registration. It’s also more than just making the decision to let your child play this great game. You have to be just as invested in the process off the field as your child has to be on the field. Playing fun games outside with them like Duck Duck Goose or tag can help your child develop those motor and coordination skills that can be used as a foundation when growing as an athlete. After all, the Football Development Model places focus on becoming an athlete first.

As a parent, you need to understand the commitment and dedication it takes to play football.

Having fun is a key component of football, which is why kids want to play the game in the first place. From the parent’s perspective, knowing and understanding the basic aspects of the game is important. If you’re a football fan, you’re already ahead of the game. But, if you’re new to the sport, take some time to understand. Maybe take them to a game, so they can not only see how it’s played but have fun spending time with you.

The Football Development Model is about learning the game in stages to meet athletes where they are in their stage of skills. So, whether your child wants to start young with flag football or start when they’re older with Rookie Tackle or even high school, they will fit right in the process without feeling lost or behind.

As a parent, you need to do your homework when it comes to choosing a team or a program for your child to participate in. Think about the time and thought you put in choosing the right school or daycare for your child. This should be the same for which league you want your child to participate in.

Word of mouth is always a good place to start when it comes to choosing a program, so certainly, ask around to other parents in your community who already have a child that is playing football. But you should also talk to the administration and coaches about the program and to inquire about the organization’s involvement with USA Football. Are they a Football Development Model certified league? If not, do they plan on adopting the Football Development Model?  Do they have safe equipment, and do they regularly send their helmets out for reconditioning?

As a parent myself, I understand being a parent means you’re busy. but try and be around your child’s team as much as possible. Try to get to as many practices as possible and get to know the coaches, parents and kids on the team. It’s hard to juggle so many things in life that come with being a parent, but it’s important to be there, not just for the games but also for practices to observe how your child is doing and behaving. This way you can help gauge how your child is developing and decide what types of things they can improve on.

As a youth football parent, you need to know that your child isn’t the only player on the team.

There is no better feeling like a youth football parent than to see your child make a great pass, run, block or tackle in a game and you certainly want to stand up and cheer when that happens. But football is the ultimate team game and there are others on the team that may have helped your child make that play or there are others on the team that make great plays. This model wants to not only want to help your child grow as an athlete and player but as a person as well.

As a youth football parent, you need to be able to have a strong relationship with the coach and to discretely and politely be able to ask him questions about your child’s progress and participation. If you don’t think your child is playing enough, don’t rant and rave about it publicly in front of the other parents.  All that will accomplish is making a spectacle of yourself and embarrass your child. Try to approach the coaches at practice when there is a break in the action or make an appointment to talk to them. You have a right to ask questions…just do it at the appropriate time and in the appropriate manner. 

In my opinion, there’s nothing better in youth sports for a parent than being a youth football parent. Football is a great game and it will teach your child some great life lessons like teamwork and leadership. But it’s also a great experience for the parent and you owe it to yourself to understand the sport, ask questions, volunteer your time and watch your child grow as an athlete, player and person.

And the most important thing to know is that you should support your child away from the field as much as possible. Get outside with them and play in the park or yard in the offseason. Let them try other sports like basketball or baseball. Not only will this prevent burnout, but it will develop other useful skills while keeping sports fun!

The role of the parent is so important to helping your child grow into the best person and athlete they can be. Visit the website to learn more about USA Football’s Football Development Model. 

Peter is a sports anchor for the CBS Sports Radio Network, FOX News Headlines 24/7 and WCBS 880 Radio in New York.  His son Bradley plays middle school football on Long Island and is a participant in the U.S. National Team program while his younger son Jared plays flag football.   Peter, his wife Sheryl and the boys are busy