Powderpuff football is not an intramural game.  Over the years it has become a war between the grades’ females, where so-and-so who doesn’t like so-and-so can take out their anger on one another for one night of school-approved, legal fun.

But it has crossed a line.

The matches over the last couple of years have featured a number of serious injuries, including several concussions and at least one torn ACL.

This year, Stratford administration and coaches involved in powderpuff have developed new rules to curb the number of injuries from the classic Homecoming festivity.

“Mostly it’s just a safety issue.  We’re just trying to make it as safe as possible for everybody,” said Mr. Ross Bridges, one of the supervising coaches for this year’s game.

New safety measures have been taken.  Participants are now required to wear mouthguards, and any blocking by the players will be grounds for a penalty.  Flags will no longer be used, and players will be called as down by one-hand touch.  In addition, all plays must be passing plays.  Running the ball is prohibited.

“I think the new rules are going to provide a much safer environment for all of the players,” Zane Holliman, the sophomore class’ powderpuff coach said.

In addition to new safety measures, an adjustment to the point system has been made.  Touchdowns will be worth seven points, and interceptions count for three points.  Each defensive stop will constitute two points.  Each team will have a kicker who will have the opportunity to kick field goals worth three points.

“I think that because you can get more points on offense and defense it is going to be a higher scoring game,” said James Mitchell, the powderpuff coach for the junior class. “I think it’s going to be more intense.”

“I don’t think it will be that much different. I tried to keep as much as it being football as I could,” Bridges said.