Should Children be banned from Fantasy Football? (1 Viewer)

[Hagger]

I curretly run a league that has been in existence for 13 years now. A couple of our wives have done it with us and for the most part have put forth pretty solid, competitive teams. My friend just informed me that he is grooming his 9 year old son to take over his mom's team in the next year or two.

Personally I'm really resistant to this idea. For one, our drafts get crass as hell. It is not a place for children. Second, I seriously question the commitment and ability of a 10 or 11 year old to run a competitive team. I see it as a major distraction and the possibility is really high for disruptions and outbursts.

I'm leaning toward putting an age limit on our members. While this would be an obvious attempt to keep his child out, I think it's better for my league.

Am I being a hard ### or would you want some 10 year old in your league?

 

[spider321]

Discuss your concerns with the boy's father and see if the two of you can come to a solution.

 

[Englishteacher]

Discuss your concerns with the boy's father and see if the two of you can come to a solution.

good advice

 

[SSOG]

Depends on the 10-year old, and it depends on the league. If the league is really as crass as you say it is, then it's likely no place for a child... but that's the father's decision to make. If he's fine exposing his child to that kind of atmosphere, and if the kid can really be at least as attentive and competitive as the mothers and wives, then more power to him. If he expects the league to suddenly change to accommodate his son, then I think that's his problem; if his son isn't fit for the league, then that's not the league's fault, and the league shouldn't have to change to suit one member.

 

[Pickle Rody]

I curretly run a league that has been in existence for 13 years now. A couple of our wives have done it with us and for the most part have put forth pretty solid, competitive teams. My friend just informed me that he is grooming his 9 year old son to take over his mom's team in the next year or two.

Personally I'm really resistant to this idea. For one, our drafts get crass as hell. It is not a place for children. Second, I seriously question the commitment and ability of a 10 or 11 year old to run a competitive team. I see it as a major distraction and the possibility is really high for disruptions and outbursts.

I'm leaning toward putting an age limit on our members. While this would be an obvious attempt to keep his child out, I think it's better for my league.

Am I being a hard ### or would you want some 10 year old in your league?

In addition to some good advice already offered here, you may want to mention to your friend that there are alternatives to getting his son in your league.Here is one option...check out this thread.....YouthFF Enrollment. TC runs a great website for kids to begin getting involved in FF. Here is the link to his site.....YouthFantasyFootball.com.

HTH,

Rody

ETA: Both my sons enjoyed it the first time they were involved with it. Unfortunately they have not remained active, but at least I got them to try it, without having them in my adult league. I would never let them attend one of my live drafts.......too much BS for little ears to be exposed to.

 

[comfortably numb]

Im sure most had similar thoughts when the wives 1st took over a team.

It sounds like a league built more for fun than anything.

The kid will take the team over when he is 10 or 11.

That is what 5th, 6th grade?

Whatever goes on at your draft, I'm sure he has heard it at school, if not worse.

Tell the dad your concerns, if he is still on board, then go with it, just speak with the dad to have a contingency plan in case the kid can't hack it.

 

[zamboni]

I just signed up my son (almost 10) on SI Kids. I think it's a good place to get started for kids in a kids' atmosphere.

 

[habsfan]

When talking to dad, I would drill down past "age" to address my specific concerns rather than keeping it confined to age. The tone and language of your draft is entirely age related but apart from that, the real concern seems to be the kid's knowledge/aptitude to maintain a competitive team and his attention span to see it through an entire season and beyond. If you and dad get those issued resolved to your satisfaction, let them know that he'll be held to the same standard as anyone else and get on with it.

I had (what I thought would be) a father/son tandem join my league last year (son is 15) but it turned out that dad did not intend to have much to do with it and son did not manage his team actively. Dad is a friend and I had to un-invite them this year (which was awkward) but I just explained that son is just too busy with friends/girls/real football to bother with us old farts. Everyone understood and things worked out okay.

 

[mdog1967]

Im sure most had similar thoughts when the wives 1st took over a team.It sounds like a league built more for fun than anything. The kid will take the team over when he is 10 or 11.That is what 5th, 6th grade?Whatever goes on at your draft, I'm sure he has heard it at school, if not worse.Tell the dad your concerns, if he is still on board, then go with it, just speak with the dad to have a contingency plan in case the kid can't hack it.

Respectfully as a father of 2 adult young women I would still not want my daughters in any league that I am involved in. I would not feel comfortable having children in a league full of adults. It is a recreational and fun activity, hence why the obsessed are over here typing away on this forum. However lets let children be children and not expose them to anything more crass than is all ready broadcast on TV 24/7. At 15/16 years I would not have much problem, younger than that its a little dicey for me personally.

 

[Frostillicus]

I think children should be banned from pretty much everything and everywhere.

 

[Pipes]

A well established league isn't really the place for a kid to learn about fantasy football. It's really not fair to the rest of the league at the draft (where the crass individuals will presumably be on edge around the young). I think the kids father should get his kid along with some of his buddies and set up a league for them on Yahoo.

 

[Manster]

NO!

i guess all leagues are different. but the ones i'm in are VERY adult. no place for a kid.

imo, the other league owners would feel like they have censor themselves with a 10 yr old around. doesnt sound like much fun to me.

 

[CBower4545]

Why is it a requirement he be at the draft? Just let him setup a pre-draft list and draft preference order and turn auto pilot on. Or run a live online room the same time as your draft where he can draft from home. As long as your clear that if he isn't active he won't be invited back and no special considerations will be giving whats the problem? There are plenty of ways to address your concerns and make this viable, that is as long as your not afraid of being beat by a 10 year old.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

The kid will probably whoop you all.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

A well established league isn't really the place for a kid to learn about fantasy football. It's really not fair to the rest of the league at the draft (where the crass individuals will presumably be on edge around the young). I think the kids father should get his kid along with some of his buddies and set up a league for them on Yahoo.

This. My son is doing his second season of fantasy football this year (he's 10), but I'm keeping him on ESPN because it just isn't fair to the other owners to have a kid who's learning the ropes in an otherwise-competitive league.

 

[Gordon09]

I don't think in your case the age would really become an issue in terms of commitment. If the father is really "grooming" his son to take over the team, I'd imagine the dad is really into it, and in turn, I think the child will be as well. Chances are with his Mom and Dad both involved in the league as it is, he's following along already, and even at his age, probably understands the magnitude of the situation. Speaking from experience, my friends and I started our league as Freshman in high school, and we're still running 10 years later, with 10 of the 12 original owners. While we were all 14, as opposed to 9-10, I think it shows that young people are capable of competing in the hobby.

However, the reason I personally wouldn't allow this in my league is your other concern, the adult content that comes with trash talk in fantasy football. There's an interesting dynamic that comes along with a group of friends playing fantasy sports. Anything goes in terms of trash talk. Our trash talk gets so intense and oversteps bounds in so many ways, that I wouldn't even be comfortable inviting girlfriends/wives into the fray. What makes it so much fun for me, is being able to do and say things that you can only get away with doing/saying in front of this particular group of people. If anyone else in your life were to see it, people would be disgusted with you. It's almost like a secret life where you can be a social deviant in an environment where it's actually acceptable, and that's an element I wouldn't want to forfeit.

 

[gianmarco]

There's an interesting dynamic that comes along with a group of friends playing fantasy sports. Anything goes in terms of trash talk. Our trash talk gets so intense and oversteps bounds in so many ways, that I wouldn't even be comfortable inviting girlfriends/wives into the fray. What makes it so much fun for me, is being able to do and say things that you can only get away with doing/saying in front of this particular group of people. If anyone else in your life were to see it, people would be disgusted with you. It's almost like a secret life where you can be a social deviant in an environment where it's actually acceptable, and that's an element I wouldn't want to forfeit.

This is a GREAT quote. Sig material. Substitute whatever you want in place of "sports"

 

[JohnnyU]

Children are to be seen, not heard.

 

[Phurfur]

I curretly run a league that has been in existence for 13 years now. A couple of our wives have done it with us and for the most part have put forth pretty solid, competitive teams. My friend just informed me that he is grooming his 9 year old son to take over his mom's team in the next year or two.Personally I'm really resistant to this idea. For one, our drafts get crass as hell. It is not a place for children. Second, I seriously question the commitment and ability of a 10 or 11 year old to run a competitive team. I see it as a major distraction and the possibility is really high for disruptions and outbursts.I'm leaning toward putting an age limit on our members. While this would be an obvious attempt to keep his child out, I think it's better for my league.Am I being a hard ### or would you want some 10 year old in your league?

It depends on the kid. We had a 13 year old (son of an owner) join our league last year and the kid did a nice job. After starting out in last place he rebuilt his team to finish in 4th. If the kid is into football they can be very good owners. They have allot more time to spend on this stuff tahn we do. I think an age limit is wrong and you should go on an individual basis.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

well letting wives in is one thing, but back on topic.

No little kids should not, for one all of my live drafts are very crude and alot of drinking and smoking and cussing etc. not the place for little kids. 17 years old IMO is when you should even think about it and then he can drive your drunk butt home

 

[Ray_T]

I curretly run a league that has been in existence for 13 years now. A couple of our wives have done it with us and for the most part have put forth pretty solid, competitive teams. My friend just informed me that he is grooming his 9 year old son to take over his mom's team in the next year or two.Personally I'm really resistant to this idea. For one, our drafts get crass as hell. It is not a place for children. Second, I seriously question the commitment and ability of a 10 or 11 year old to run a competitive team. I see it as a major distraction and the possibility is really high for disruptions and outbursts.I'm leaning toward putting an age limit on our members. While this would be an obvious attempt to keep his child out, I think it's better for my league.Am I being a hard ### or would you want some 10 year old in your league?

To me, the biggest issue would be with respect to the language on the message board. Most of my leagues have some colorful language on the message board and I'd suggest it is not for kids.as for a competitive team.... I'd say that depends on the kid.There are kids out there who can probably put together a better team than most adults. I dont know the situation all that well, but the chemistry, the trash talk and everything on the boards will be different with the addition of the kid to the league. In this case, I think discussions are needed with the other league members to see how they feel, and maybe you want to wait another few years until the kid is 16 or so.either way, not a nice position for you to be in as a commish.another option is to have the league vote on a rule in the offseason to determine what you want to do with franchises that are vacated by the owner.

 

[B. Nugget]

My 12 yr old nephew is taking over for an owner who bailed in a friends/family league. The real concern is what his dad will do without him helping run his team this year.

It depends on the kid, and this particular kid knows as much or more than probably 1/3 of the league. Plus, it is pretty tame in terms of trash talking, but he probably is better at that than 3/4 the league, so I'm not worried about him in that regard either.

In contrast, my keeper league with my softball buddies is raunchy and not a place for anyone under 18!

 

[Mookie Blaylock]

First of all, if it's an all-adult league, why would you have to ban children? Aren't they already banned? Secondly, yes. Women and children should never be allowed to play fantasy football. I mean we all know that you're wife is a super competitive attention-whore/control freak. We all know she gets lucky from time to time. We all know she picks favorite names or mascots. WE ALL KNOW THIS. And it sucks. Nobody likes your wife anyways. She won't trade or talk trash (unless she wins). She constantly #####es about other peoples #####ing (which is their right by the way). GOD FORBID you ever allow one of those devil-children into our league. I already have to spend my Christmas with your wife - and that's not a good thing - I'd rather step infront of a bus than draft with your whole family.

 

[Knobs]

With the Favre news breaking, I thought this thread said "Should Childress be banned from Fantasy Football??

 

[TommyGilmore]

We had two 11-year-olds join one of my leagues a few years ago. They loved to talk trash with the adults -- until the adults started talking trash to them. Then they went crying to their mommy and the adults were reprimanded for being too mean.

I quit the league the next year.

 

[IHEARTFF]

Yes Childress should be banned from...oh wait

 

[FUBAR]

admit it, you're just scared you'll lose to the 10 year old.

 

[SuperJohn96]

With the Favre news breaking, I thought this thread said "Should Childress be banned from Fantasy Football??

:( me too...

 

[Big10Fan]

The kid will probably whoop you all.

LOL, I started fantasy about 10years ago when I was 13, probably equates to 10yrs old for internet savvy nowadays. In my 2nd season in a league I joined with mostly adults I won 3/4 leagues and then won 2 money leagues when I was 14. Given my advantage back then was being a computer nerd and spending a ton of time online researching every single aspect of every NFL team. I have been more occupied with college and jobs since my late teens that my fantasy performance is meerly just playoff caliber, haven't won in maybe 3-4 seasons simply because I don't have the time to go over resources like I used to.

 

[Resident A]

No way. If you let the kid in, the Dad essentially has 2 teams, which is Bull####.

I think you made a big mistake letting wives in the league in the first place. You left the door open to kids being suggested.

Have 1 of the wives start a 2nd league for kids & wives.

 

[Hoart Petterson]

What's the buy-in?

 

[FUBAR]

The kid will probably whoop you all.

LOL, I started fantasy about 10years ago when I was 13, probably equates to 10yrs old for internet savvy nowadays. In my 2nd season in a league I joined with mostly adults I won 3/4 leagues and then won 2 money leagues when I was 14. Given my advantage back then was being a computer nerd and spending a ton of time online researching every single aspect of every NFL team. I have been more occupied with college and jobs since my late teens that my fantasy performance is meerly just playoff caliber, haven't won in maybe 3-4 seasons simply because I don't have the time to go over resources like I used to.

a couple friends and I played in an all-sports league of adults from the local baseball card shop when we were 12-13. One of my buddies won the whole thing, I won the hockey league and did alright in the others, our 3rd didn't do so well. Kids can definitely compete. Doesn't mean they belong in the league, but if Dad's cool with it, your blocking him is going to damage your relationship. Is it worth it?

 

[DoubleG]

Last year, my then 12-year old son and I ran a team together in a league with mostly family members + a wife or two. This year he wants to run a team himself. Everyone is not only cool with, but thinks it'll be even more fun.

For those bemoaning the fact that adult dominated drafts are no place for kids, why is adult synonymous with drunk a----ole? 10 maybe a little young, but middle-school - high school should teens be fine, unless your leaguemates are felons. Most drafts I've been a part of have there fair share of drinking, smack talk and occasional profanity - but generally they'd be rated PG13 at worst. Sorry, I just don't understand the sentiment that "grown-ups" have to act like tools for something to be enjoyable.

 

[Mookie Blaylock]

Last year, my then 12-year old son and I ran a team together in a league with mostly family members + a wife or two. This year he wants to run a team himself. Everyone is not only cool with, but thinks it'll be even more fun.For those bemoaning the fact that adult dominated drafts are no place for kids, why is adult synonymous with drunk a----ole? 10 maybe a little young, but middle-school - high school should teens be fine, unless your leaguemates are felons. Most drafts I've been a part of have there fair share of drinking, smack talk and occasional profanity - but generally they'd be rated PG13 at worst. Sorry, I just don't understand the sentiment that "grown-ups" have to act like tools for something to be enjoyable.

Look for me it's as simple as this - serious ($) leagues = no women or children. This is because most of the women and/or children are related to one of the other league members. And by related I mean they reside in the same house. And by reside in the same house I mean daddy could have a bad draft and decide to take over the team his 10 year old sniped from him. It has nothing to do with anyone's potential behavior at the draft. Besides...having the draft at the t**** bar is clearly the most efficient way out of this.

 

[Alberta Clipper]

One of the leagues I commish is a redraft going on year 10. For the past 3 yrs one of the owners is the son of another Franchise. The son first joined at about 12 and now at 14 is much better prepared than the dad!

We have gentle reminders about content and language but by 13 or 14 I think they are ready if they truly want to play with the big boys.

13-14 yr olds spent so much time online if they become addicted to the hobby like most of us they will be better prepared than most.

The dad joked with me that he might pay his son $10 to draft his team this year since he's better than 'the old man'.

Disclaimer - this scenario would not work in other leagues that are more trash talking, posting pics, etc.

EDIT to add the league that I commish is a 100% online league so no drinking/swearing/brawling lol draft night!

 

[DevilDog919]

This reminds me of my younger years and my constant begging around my father to let me join his local league that he commished. He would always get the guys over, go downstairs to the gameroom and draft while drinking beer and shooting some pool. I remember every year from 12 to 15 I threw a fit to join the league. One year, at 14, he said I could join on one condition...if I spelled Brett Favre's last name correctly. He thought as a 15 year old (back in 2000 btw when fantasy football wasn't quite as big) I wouldn't be able to spell it. Well to his amazement I spelled it correctly. He let me into the league so I went out and bought some magazines to read up on. I drafted the top scoring team that year, and won the league. Mainly due to my last round sleeper pick of Tiki Barber that I read about in the magazines, and that is the year he broke out. I'll never forget that year, and after that I never had a problem joining the league and it actually started a little "dynasty" because my father and I went on to win the league for 4 years straight between the two of us.

Point is, I don't know that a 10 year old is old enough but 13-15 is a fine age to start as long as the league draft isn't TOO ronchy for a kid to be there. Never know, that kid (especially nowdays) could know more about football than you do!

 

[Gordo]

I would be willing to support a constitutional amendment.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

I'm biased since I don't like the idea of children playing fantasy football at all, but this is even a worse idea imo. He's not even competing/interacting with friends his own age. What little benefit a child would get out of the camaraderie of a league won't even exist.

Totally speculating here, but it sounds like the wife doesn't want to play anymore and the child begged and begged until the parents relented. I also think it will impact how other owners treat the league and it won't be the refuge it once was.

This is a bad idea for several reasons, but unless the other owners think it's a great idea I wouldn't have any problem shooting it down immediately. If the dad wants to spend some bonding time with his son, I suggest fishing.

 

[coyote5]

For those bemoaning the fact that adult dominated drafts are no place for kids, why is adult synonymous with drunk a----ole? 10 maybe a little young, but middle-school - high school should teens be fine, unless your leaguemates are felons. Most drafts I've been a part of have there fair share of drinking, smack talk and occasional profanity - but generally they'd be rated PG13 at worst. Sorry, I just don't understand the sentiment that "grown-ups" have to act like tools for something to be enjoyable.

Sample size? How can you comment accurately on what type of behavior is occuring at a draft YOU have never personally been a part of???I'm fully believe that the ones you have attended are PG13 as you say. But I also fully believe the others who suggest the behavior at theirs is far more 'adult' oriented than that.Personally I don't think it's appropriate for a sub high school age child to be part of a draft party where a lot of the typical swearing, drinking and ribbing goes on. And I don't want to censor myself because somebody decided to bring their 10 yr old along.

 

[PatytonsGhost]

We had two 11-year-olds join one of my leagues a few years ago. They loved to talk trash with the adults -- until the adults started talking trash to them. Then they went crying to their mommy and the adults were reprimanded for being too mean. I quit the league the next year.

reminds me of Billy Madison kids should play with other kids and adults should play with other adultstherefore adults should not play with kids

 

[achemen]

I curretly run a league that has been in existence for 13 years now. A couple of our wives have done it with us and for the most part have put forth pretty solid, competitive teams. My friend just informed me that he is grooming his 9 year old son to take over his mom's team in the next year or two.

Personally I'm really resistant to this idea. For one, our drafts get crass as hell. It is not a place for children. Second, I seriously question the commitment and ability of a 10 or 11 year old to run a competitive team. I see it as a major distraction and the possibility is really high for disruptions and outbursts.

I'm leaning toward putting an age limit on our members. While this would be an obvious attempt to keep his child out, I think it's better for my league.

Am I being a hard ### or would you want some 10 year old in your league?

In addition to some good advice already offered here, you may want to mention to your friend that there are alternatives to getting his son in your league.Here is one option...check out this thread.....YouthFF Enrollment. TC runs a great website for kids to begin getting involved in FF. Here is the link to his site.....YouthFantasyFootball.com.

HTH,

Rody

ETA: Both my sons enjoyed it the first time they were involved with it. Unfortunately they have not remained active, but at least I got them to try it, without having them in my adult league. I would never let them attend one of my live drafts.......too much BS for little ears to be exposed to.

My son (11) has done this league for the last two years and it is great for him. They are in the same age group as their competitors, and they are 8 team leagues so everyone has a "stud" team, and they usually draft players from their favorite team. TC is AWESOME running it, and the kids have fun running their own team. Strongly recommend this site, and KUDOS to TC for doing this.

 

[Masked Vigilante]

My rule: If you are not old enough to go to war, you are not old enough to play fantasy football.

 

[lyon812]

Our trash talk gets so intense and oversteps bounds in so many ways, that I wouldn't even be comfortable inviting girlfriends/wives into the fray. What makes it so much fun for me, is being able to do and say things that you can only get away with doing/saying in front of this particular group of people. If anyone else in your life were to see it, people would be disgusted with you. It's almost like a secret life where you can be a social deviant in an environment where it's actually acceptable, and that's an element I wouldn't want to forfeit.

Heh. The opposite viewpoint:That sort of environment, where I can do and say things I can't elsewhere? That's what my marriage is for.