LTAD Competition Review update

Football Canada has announced an update to the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Competition Review pertaining to the Under-8 mandate for non-contact.

With the growth of flag football increasing at a rapid rate, the Football Canada Board of Directors and Provincial Sport Organizations approved a motion to move up the date for the Under-8 level to become non-contact mandatory in 2019.

Strategy 2.E: Gradual progression to 12-a-side football

Mandate:

Gradual progression to 12-a-side tackle football [2020] (see chart below).

The modified versions of the game offer more development opportunities, especially at the younger levels. They offer more playing time, more involvement in the action and better coach-to-athlete ratios. The gradual progression will ensure optimal athletic and tactical development at each developmental stage.

For clarification, the Under-8 age category is from 6 to 7-year olds.

The reason for this change is to promote safety of participants while ensuring it is developmental appropriate for this age category.

Initially, this mandate was to come into effect in 2022.  However, with the discipline in full expansion mode at the present moment, it is better to make this change sooner rather than wait the additional three years.

“The shift in our pathway allows us to create more inclusive non-contact program options for our young athletes with the goal of introducing them to physical activity and the sport,” explained Aaron Geisler, Manager of Development.  “Football Canada and its members have put a focus onto programs such as Football Canada’s First Down program as well as ultimate, flag and touch football.”

For more information or to review the updated document CLICK HERE.