The Vancouver Mainland Football League (VMFL)​​ will be introducing a new format at Atom football starting​ with the 2018 Fall Season.

Atom players ages 8 and 9 will play a modified Flag football game. Players will wear protective football equipment and FLAGS on the hips. Blocking will be allowed at the line of scrimmage. There will be no tackling.  The ball carrier whose flag is removed by defensive player will be considered tackled.  All other rules will remain the same as 2017.

The Atom level will be an introduction to padded football where players will be taught safe techniques for blocking and​ “​Heads Up Football​”​ while the tackling is taken out of the game. ​This will allow this age group time to transition from Flag Football to Tackle focusing on the safety and building on the football fundamentals.

Please see below, a ​supporting statement from the President of the BCCFA​ (BC Community Football)​ for the VMFL moving to Atom Flag.

Statement from Joe Gluska – BCCFA President

To all concerned,

As President of BC COMMUNITY FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION,  I support the position that the VMFL has taken on U -10 Atom football. Being progressive in today’ society ensures football will survive. It is not only North American society  that wants to limit or eliminate contact for all youth under 13.  The VMFL has taken an important step to ensure parents continue signing up their children to play this heritage Canadian game.

We continue to see rule changes to protect athletes at all levels, this is a big step at protecting football in British Columbia.

Sincerely,

Joe Gluska
President, BCCFA