Rockbridge County expands flag football options for youth players

The Lexington City Council meeting on April 3, 2025, highlighted a significant shift in youth sports programming, particularly regarding flag football. Council member Ziegler announced that the Rockbridge Area Recreation Organization (RARO) will expand its flag football offerings to include 7 and 8-year-olds, allowing them to choose between flag and tackle football. This decision aims to provide a safer option for younger players, addressing concerns about concussion risks associated with tackle football.

Ziegler emphasized the importance of this change, stating, "We wanted to give parents that opportunity to choose flag football for 7 and 8 year olds rather than only having the tackle football option." The move aligns with growing trends in youth sports, where flag football is increasingly recognized as a viable alternative for younger athletes.

In addition to the sports update, the council discussed the upcoming tourism sponsorship program, which opened for applications on April 1, 2025. Events seeking funding must take place within Lexington, Buena Vista, or Rockbridge County, with a maximum request of $3,000 per event. The total funding available for this round is $10,750, although there is no guarantee that all funds will be awarded.

The meeting also included a public hearing on the fiscal year 2026 budget, but no citizens signed up to speak, leading to a swift closure of that segment. The council approved the consent agenda, which included a motion for street closures, with a unanimous vote of 5-0.

As the council continues to navigate community needs and budget considerations, the expansion of flag football programming stands out as a proactive step towards promoting youth engagement in sports while prioritizing safety.