What is the force of a hit to the head your kid sees on the field? How are helmets tested to absorb them? The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab explains.

Young athletes (ages 6–14) in tackle football experience vastly more head impacts — up to 15 times more — and 23 times more ...

Flag football isn't yet an NCAA-sanctioned sport, but in February, the NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics recommended it as an emerging sport.

The growth of flag football is attributed to its accessibility and the increasing recognition of female athletes' skills in the sport. CANTON ‒ Zoe Conner has her head in the game.

In 2023, about 500,000 girls ages 6-17 played flag football, according to an NFHS report in January 2025 — an increase of 63% from 2019.

Even hardcore professionals now agree to wear a flag belt on occasion. The NFL Pro Bowl has been a 7-on-7 flag football game since 2023.