Review of "Touch Football," by John V. Brumbach

Review of

Touch Football, by John V. Brumbach

Five out of five stars

 The author was a lieutenant colonel in the U. S. army when this book was written in 1942. Given his position and the fact that the United States was at war with Germany, Italy and Japan at the time, his advocacy of touch football seems at first glance to be odd. Furthermore, the opening line is, “There is abundant evidence that football like war is as old as history.”

 However, when you read further you understand why an officer would be stressing and setting down a set of rules to make one of the roughest of games less so. All is made clear when he describes the popularity of the sport, the fact that only one item of equipment is needed (ball) and the injury rate when fit young men play football. It is a game that can be played on any flat surface in almost any conditions and is a great morale booster and energy burner.

 Other than the manner of calling a player stopped and restrictions regarding blocking, there are few differences in the rules from regular football. Therefore, all that is necessary is that a few minutes be taken before the start to inform the players.

 This is an interesting look back at one way in which the American war effort was furthered, by having the men at play tone it down a bit to reduce the level of injury.