Flag Football

Originating in the 1960s, flag football was made as a sport that wouldn’t injure any players in the military. The sport was made in Fort Meade, Maryland and once military personnel returned home, leagues were formed and the game would be played locally. A majority of students do not know what flag football is, other than it is a sport. In flag football, there are five players per team, offense/defense, that have to try and get the ball across the 70-yard-long field and past the goal line. Similar to football but with one major difference, no physical contact allowed. This includes tackles, dives, and blocks. Instead, defenders must steal a flag that is tied around the belt of the player. Although it is a safer alternative to regular football, when Joliet Central students were presented with the question “Would you want Flag Football to become a sport in JCHS?” four out of every five students said they would not. However, not all students reacted negatively. From a Junior, “That sounds like a lot of fun.” If you are interested in flag football becoming a sport played at Joliet Central High School and want more information about it, contact our athletic director, Mr. Pereiro at [email protected].