Kids Football League has committed to innovative new safety measures for the 2015 season, including baseline concussion testing and new flag football helmets. These initiatives are yet another way that KFL stays on the cutting edge of safety in its continuing mission of basing everything on what is best for the kids.
KFL has contracted with Kort Physical Therapy in Owensboro to provide baseline concussion testing for tackle football players (age 9 and up). Each player who wants to participate (the testing is voluntary) will take a 15-minute computerized exam – called Impact Testing – in a video-game format that tracks attention span, working memory, reaction time, concentration and more. This pre-season physical of the brain will provide a baseline of cognitive function.
If any of those players sustain a suspected concussion during the 2015 season, they will retake the test. The new data set will be compared to the baseline and both sets of data will be given to the treating physician to help evaluate the injury and determine when it is safe for the athlete to return to play.
KFL will pay for the testing – there is no additional cost to players to access this program that provides the best available information for managing concussions. For more information, contact Lindsey Townsel at Kort Physical Therapy on Frederica St.
In KFL’s Flag Football divison (open to kids 5 to 8 years old), no contact is allowed, but as an additional safety measure, KFL will provide Gamebreaker Helmets for each player through generous sponsorships. Gamebreaker Helmets are uniquely designed performance protective caps molded out of rubber foam to offer protection for wearers. They alleviate some of the nicks and abrasions that may occur and protect the head, scalp and ears from any accidental impacts or falls.
Gamebreaker Helmets have earned certification from Brain First™, an idustry-leading standard developed to improve brain safety in youth athletics using biometric certification standards for effective head protection. High schools and colleges are now using these helmets for non-contact football games, lacrosse, volleyball, water polo and more. KFL helmets will include the team’s logo and the player’s number.
The 2015 season is KFL’s third year of operations. More than 510 players and cheerleaders participated in 2014 and more than 650 are anticipated in 2015. As part of KFL’s commitment to safety, the league has certified more than 80 coaches in proper coaching methods through USA Football and the NFL Heads Up program. KFL was the first youth football league in the area to sign up for the NFL Heads Up program. Players and cheerleaders can register for the 2015 season at www.kidsfootballleague.com.
For additional information, please contact Travis Chaney at 270.663.7264 or [email protected].
