Boys and girls will both be able to participate in a new offering this fall with Rockmart Recreation Department, and they’ll be playing together instead of on separate teams.

The city department earlier today announced the new offering to go alongside other fall sports leagues, including normal tackle football.

Rockmart Recreation Director Jeff Holstein explained that the new offering will begin this fall, and offer five different age groups for co-ed flag football under the NFL brand.

“The rules are just slightly different than regular flag football,” Holstein said.

The NFL Flag Football teams will thus far be local-only this season, and will be group in teams from four to six years old, seven and eight year old, nine and 10 year old youth, and 11 and 12 year old teams.

Holstein said the cost $60 for the first child, $45 and on for each additional child to play. Signups will begin on July 5 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and continue through July 23. The Saturday signups will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Rockmart City Gym will be hosting these and other fall sports signups that will be getting underway soon.

Parents will not be required to purchase additional equipment as of this moment, but that might change in the future if items are needed for each child to play.

The city is also seeking coaches and officials to help out with the new league this fall.

Practices for flag football will begin in August, and the season is set to get underway in September.

Holstein said the teams will be local-only at this time, but also depends on what other cities surrounding Rockmart might offer up themselves.

Those interested in more information can call the recreation department at 770-684-2706 or email ebrownlow@rockmart-ga.gov or ashelton@rockmart-ga.gov.

Cedartown does also offer a flag football league, but only for four and five year old players.