USA Football’s Rookie Tackle is part of the Football Development Model (FDM). It is small-sided tackle football game designed to be implemented as a bridge between flag football and 11-on-11 tackle within football leagues and clubs across the country. It also serves as a child’s first experience to tackle football.

By modifying the game at younger age groups - including the elimination of the 3-point stance and special teams - we can create an age-appropriate, athlete-centered experience.

By educating coaches, commissioners, officials and parents on these game adjustments, mechanics and skills, we are leading the way for a better, safer game.

Like all other forms of youth football, USA Football envisions leagues and clubs adopting the Rookie Tackle game structure and adding this offering to their league pathway. While USA Football will provide the initial game structure and rule book, we are aware it will be governed and implemented at local levels. As such, the number of players on the field may vary from six to eight to meet community needs, registration numbers or individual circumstances.

1. Participants learning the “all positions, all football skills” model.

a. Not all players may play every position, every game or even through the course of the entire season. All players should have at least one offensive and defensive line position as well as on offensive and defensive skill position to play each game.

b. In practice, players should learn all skills of all positions for development purposes in accordance with the Football Development Model principles.

2. Maximizing player enjoyment and skill development.

3. Ensuring all players have meaningful playing time and the opportunity for improvement and success during game action.

4. Providing a bridge between flag football and the 11-player, full-field tackle version or as an introduction to contact skills prior to 11-player tackle.

5. Encouraging leagues to play on a smaller field size that is appropriately scaled to the age, size and skill level of the youth football players.

6. Encouraging a fast-paced game with more plays, greater activity and the promotion of fun.

7. Emphasizing fundamental skill development by isolating situations for players to showcase their abilities via formation regulations and limited field size.

8. Allowing leagues and clubs to maximize field space by playing two games at a time on one regulation-sized football field.

9. Limiting roster sizes to foster participation and provide more focused, individualized coaching attention during practice and on game day.

a. Roster caps are recommended at two times the number of players on the field (meaning a league club playing 8-on-8 should cap rosters at 16). Smaller rosters are preferred.

b. Fewer players on the sideline means fewer substitutions and more playing time for each athlete. USA Football recognizes that local community situations differ greatly. Limitations on the number of volunteer coaches available, registration, field space and/or equipment may lead to different needs. Because of these situations, USA Football has adopted rules for 6-, 7- and 8-player versions of Rookie Tackle.