Youth football rules undergo dramatic changes

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Drastic changes are coming to youth football in an effort to make it safer for children.

According to the New York Times, USA football, which oversees the sport, has created a new format for tackle football.

Enrollment is said to be down over the past few years over fears that the sport can be dangerous for children.

The new format, called "modified tackle," will reportedly look more like flag football.

Some of the changes include having fewer players, a smaller field, no special teams, like kicking and punting, and getting rid of the three-point stance.

Coaches will also have to make sure players of equal size will be lined up against each other.

USA Football plans to test out the new format over the next couple of years.