Safer Version of Football Being Played in 21 States

ST. PAUL, Minn., Sept. 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Youth athletes in 21 states will be playing TackleBartm football this season. TackleBar is a safer version of football that preserves the tradition and spirit of the sport by teaching safe contact and sound fundamentals. TackleBar's explosive growth has been fueled by coaches and parents who are grappling with injury and concussion concerns. In only two seasons, the number of kids playing TackleBar has increased by 50 times as high school and youth coaches across the country embrace the game.  

TackleBar provides a perfect a transition game between flag football and tackle football. Players wear a helmet, shoulder pads and a harness around their waist with two foam bars that sit on the lower back. The design requires players to learn the proper tackling technique, making safe contact and wrapping up the ball carrier without the final step of driving a player to the ground.

High school coaches have also embraced TackleBar as a practice tool. The system teaches proper tackling form better than thud or flag, without exposing players to the wear and tear of full tackling in practice.

TackleBar has earned the support of former NFL players, including former USC standout and current Van Nuys High School coach, Mike Williams. He uses TackleBar for high school practices and will be coordinating a youth TackleBar league in Los Angeles during the winter offseason.

"I have a unique perspective on the game of football. I've played it at every level, but now I'm also a coach and a father," Williams said. "I do think about injuries, and TackleBar is a great way to avoid unnecessary risk. Kids don't need to be tackling too early, and high school kids don't need to be beating each other up all week in practice. TackleBar is unique, because it provides an extra level of safety but still teaches good tackling form and technique, unlike flag or touch football."

During the 2016 season, TackleBar debuted with 148 participants. This year, more than 7,000 kids in 21 states coast to coast will be playing.

"TackleBar was created by a mother and father who had concerns about their own kids playing tackle football at a young age," said TackleBar CEO and former college and professional football player Tim Healy. "Our growth is a testament to the concern shared by other parents and coaches across the country. We're giving them a safer option, and participation numbers have increased in every league that has adopted TackleBar."

TackleBar has also been endorsed by the Minnesota Vikings, coaches at both the high school and college levels and a leading concussion expert.

About TackleBar:
TackleBar Football is a safer approach to the game that was created by a mother and father in Minnesota who had concerns about their own kids playing tackle football at a young age. TackleBar preserves the tradition and spirit of the sport. The TackleBar harness teaches safe contact, sound fundamentals and is decreasing injuries. Since 2016, TackleBar has been increasing youth participation numbers by easing parent fears and making the game accessible and fun for kids of all ages and sizes. Learn more at: tacklebar.com

Media Contact: Brigid Ling
Email: [email protected]
Website: tacklebar.com

SOURCE TackleBar