There's some data behind the breathless headlines: According to the NFL's official flag football program, since 2015 the number of kids ages 6 to 12 who play flag football has risen by 38%, to more than 1.5 million. In my recent book, 'Emerging Sports as Social Movements,' I explore nontraditional sports like flag football and disc golf. One of my key findings is that splashy headlines about trendy sports rarely capture a sport's true reach and staying power. It's considered a no-contact sport. A 'tackle' involves snatching one of two flags that hang from the hips of the ball carrier. While players face injury risks, they sustain far fewer head impacts than athletes who play tackle football. The International Olympic Committee announced in October 2023 that flag football would be headed to the Summer Games in Los Angeles in 2028. It's not clear yet if active NFL players can compete, but if they are eligible ' and if the U.S. assembles a 'Dream Team' like the Olympic men's basketball...
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