Parent guide
What equipment does my child need for tackle football, and how does the game work?
Short answer
Tackle football needs a helmet, shoulder pads, a mouthguard, pants with pads, a girdle, and cleats. Many leagues issue the helmet and pads to players, so ask before you buy anything. The must-have items on this page add up to about $240–$730, but that is the cost if you buy everything yourself. Flag football needs far less gear.
By Parent Sideline · Published October 25, 2026
How youth football is set up
Youth tackle football is usually grouped by age and weight, and games are shorter than college or NFL games. Many programs have a practice-heavy schedule with a short regular season. The sport spans offense, defense, and special teams, so players often specialize by position as they get older.
Some leagues offer flag football for younger kids as a non-contact alternative. Rules, weight limits, and playing-time requirements vary by league, so ask your coach.
Downs, explained simply
The offense gets four tries, called downs, to move the ball 10 yards. If they do, they get four more tries. If they fail after four, the other team gets the ball.
That is why you hear "third and seven": it is the third try, and they still need seven yards for a new set of tries. On fourth down, teams often punt instead of risking a turnover near their own end.
Safety basics
Helmets and pads have to fit properly to protect a player. Ask your league whether it fits equipment, what certifications it requires, and what its concussion protocol is. If your child shows signs of a head injury, stop play and follow your league's protocol and your doctor's advice.
Leagues and national programs publish guidance on tackling and contact in practice. Ask coaches how they teach tackling and how often players practice with contact.
By age and level
- Ages 6–9
- Many families start with flag football. Tackle programs for this age group are grouped by age and weight, and ball size is smaller (Pee Wee).
- Ages 10–12
- More contact and more position specialization. Ball size moves up (Junior, then Youth), and fit becomes critical for pads and helmets.
- Ages 12 and up
- Full-size equipment, bigger fields, and more complex plays. Confirm certifications and fitting requirements with your league.
Equipment and estimated cost
Checklist: first football season · must-haves about $240–$730
- Football Cleats$35 – $100
- Football HelmetMany leagues provide helmets. Confirm before purchasing — proper fitting by a certified fitter matters more than brand.$80 – $300
- Shoulder Pads$50 – $150
- Mouthguard$5 – $20
- Football Girdle with Pads$20 – $50
- Football Pants$20 – $40
- Equipment Bag$30 – $70
Also helpful
- Football Gloves$20 – $60
- Practice Football$20 – $50
- Helmet Visor Anti-Fog & Cleaner Spray$10 – $20
- Fleece Hand Warmer Waist Pouch$15 – $30
- Ranges are Parent Sideline estimates for entry-level to mid-range gear at major U.S. retailers. They are not live prices.
- The total adds the low and high of each must-have item's range. It matches the must-have estimate on the gear guide.
- League registration, any equipment rental or deposit, and camp fees are not included.
- If your league issues helmets and pads, the total drops a lot. Ask first.
Some gear links on this site are affiliate links, which may earn us a commission at no cost to you. Details.
Common mistakes
- Buying a helmet or pads before the league says whether it issues them.
- Buying pads or pants that are too big for the player to "grow into". Poor fit lowers protection.
- Skipping the mouthguard. Most leagues require one.
- Not asking how coaches teach tackling and manage contact in practice.
- Confusing flag and tackle equipment lists. Flag football needs a belt and cleats, not pads.
Frequently asked questions
What is a first down?
It is a new set of four tries to move the ball another 10 yards. A team earns a first down by gaining enough yards before it runs out of tries.
How is football scored?
A touchdown is 6 points, an extra point after it is 1 point (or 2 for a two-point try), a field goal is 3 points, and a safety is 2 points.
Why does the clock stop sometimes?
The clock generally keeps running on run plays but stops on incomplete passes and when a player goes out of bounds. Youth leagues may use different clock rules.
What are special teams?
They are the units that handle kicks: kickoffs, punts, field goals, and extra points.
Sources
- USA Football — National governing body; youth tackling, equipment, and safety guidance.
- NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) — Publishes the rules most U.S. high school football follows.
- CDC HEADS UP: concussion information for youth sports — Concussion signs and what to do. Verify the page in your browser; the CDC site blocks automated checks.
- HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics) — Pediatrician-reviewed guidance on kids, sports, and safety.
Rules and requirements differ by league. When a source and your league disagree, follow your league.
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