HELP ME LEARN?

I have been coaching over 10 years in youth football, both in the pound / age programs and 6th-8th grade unlimited weight program. Any player who is able to play pound / age we encourage them to do so (usually @ 140-150lbs. maximum in most 11-13/14 age groups). We want the big kids to play together in the unlimited program. We set no maximum on nothing but age(14 years max. before 7/31, and grade level, 6th-8th grade with no 9th graders). As far as backs are concerned, why do programs have maximums for that position? They talk safety but the idea of a small running back being brought down by a number of players who can weight 2 or even 2 1/2 times as much... I just don't get it. Why do we let the small player get POUNDED by the bigger players? This year my QB was 5'9" and 190lbs. My FB was 5"10" and 185lbs. My TB was 5'10" and 180lbs. My flanker was 5'11" and 170lbs. These kids started every game and never missed a practice due to injury. They were tackled and hit every game by players who sometimes would outweight them by more than 100lbs. When these kids go to high school next year, they will be players, NOT PROJECTS! By the way this teams record was 11-2, losing twice to the league champions. Anyone who needs help on forming age/weight or unlimited weight programs, contact me and I will help all that I can.

Coach C.