MADISON – Young gridiron athletes will have the chance to shine at the NFL Punt, Pass & Kick competition in Madison on Sept. 17 at Palmer Park.

(CONTRIBUTED)

The City of Madison Parks and Recreation Department will conduct the field drills. Required forms will be available during registration, which will start at 5 p.m. The competition will begin at 5:30 p.m.

At Palmer Park, athletes will gather at the lower quad on the west football field.

“The NFL developed Punt, Pass & Kick specifically for physical education teachers, parks and recreation departments and coaches so that they may better teach the fundamentals of punting, passing and kicking a football,” Gayle Milam said. Milam has served as state coordinator for the competition and works as special event coordinator for the City of Madison.

Punt, Pass & Kick also promotes teamwork needed to successfully play sports, Milam said. “Regardless of a player’s ability, the NFL encourages the promotion of fun and appreciation of the game while teaching and developing important skills.”

Competition is open for boys and girls from 6 to 15 years old. “Age is determined as of December 31, 2013,” Milam said. Parents must present a valid birth certificate to show proof of age.

Age divisions for Punt, Pass & Kick are 6 and 7 years; 8 and 9; 10 and 11; 12 and 13; and 14 and 15 years.

Each participant is allowed one punt, one pass and one placekick. Scores are based on both distance and accuracy. Players cannot wear shoes with cleats.

“If a player passes the ball 100 feet, but the ball lands 30 feet to the right of the measuring tape, the final score is calculated by deducting 30 from 100 for a final score of 70,” Milam said.

The recreation department will supply all needed equipment needed for this competition.

Winners for each age group will advance to sectional competition. The location and date for sectionals will be announced later.

For more information, visit nflppk.com.