My community and I are deeply concerned about the current state of our local Harris County Youth Football (HCYF) league. We have 70-lb players pitted against those weighing nearly three times as much, with players reaching 140-233 lbs. Teams are being stacked, creating a wildly uneven playing field, and some players who don't qualify for middle school football are participating in our youth leagues. This not only poses an unfair handicap but also poses a grave risk to the health and safety of the younger, lighter players on the field. 

The current size and weight restrictions, league age groups, community borders, and board members' choices are all beneficial only to a select few. We believe this gross neglect compromises the safety of our children and threatens their enthusiasm for the sport. Such negligence significantly increases the risk of head, neck, and spinal cord injuries. The heightened risk of Traumatic Brain Injury and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is unnecessary and could permanently affect the lives of young athletes. The time for change is now.

We are advocating for an immediate change to these detrimental policies. We request that size, and weight restrictions be revised to ensure that our playing field remains leveled and safe for all involved. We demand the adjustment of league age groups to prevent older or overqualified players from participating where they might make the game unsafe or unfair. Community borders need to be defined to encourage local participation and decrease stacking of teams. Lastly, we call for new board members who will embody the spirit of fairness and sportsmanship.

We believe that these changes will lead to an improved, safer, and fairer local youth football environment. The change is overdue, yet crucial and necessary. Please lend your support by signing this petition. Let us create a healthier and safer sport for all our children to enjoy.