Pop Warner, the country’s largest youth football organization, will ban kickoffs in games starting this fall, the latest attempt to reduce the risk of head blows that can lead to concussions.
Stung by declining enrollment, high-profile lawsuits and unflattering conduct by some of its teams, Pop Warner will be the first major youth league to take a step that has even been considered by the N.F.L.
The elimination of kickoffs will apply to the three youngest Pop Warner divisions, which include players between 5 and 10 years old. The ball will be placed at the 35-yard-line at the beginning of each half and after each score.