According to The National Federation of State High Schools Association, participation in high school sports declined for the first time in 30 years during the 2018-19 school year, with decreasing numbers in football and basketball mainly contributing to the decrease. Participation in 11-person football hit its lowest mark since the 1999-2000 school year.
Experts say the sport is safer than ever with more restrictions and rules put in place by the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association. However, some programs are still struggling and the reason may be beyond the game itself.
According to statistics from the National Federation of State High Schools Association, 11-person football numbers for the 2018-19 season had 388 schools and 23,154 participants compared to the 2013-14 season with 442 schools and 26,680 participants.