What is sprint football at the United States Naval Academy?

I've heard of sprint football at the United States Naval Academy, but I'm not really sure what it is. How does it differ from regular football, and what kind of opportunities does it offer for cadets who want to participate?

Sprint football, as played at the United States Naval Academy and other institutions, is a unique variety of American football. Its primary differentiating feature is a strict weight limit on players. To be eligible, athletes must weigh no more than 178 pounds. This creates a focus on speed and agility, lending the sport its name.

In terms of gameplay mechanics and rules, sprint football operates very much like traditional American football, counting on the same scoring system and field dimensions. However, the weight limit on players necessitates a greater emphasis on agility, stamina, and precision over brute strength and size, which might predominate in regular football.

The United States Naval Academy Sprint Football team competes in the collegiate sprint football league (CSFL), featuring a variety of institutions across the U.S. For cadets interested in participating, this offers the opportunity to engage in a highly competitive sport, travel for games, and develop skills like leadership, teamwork, and discipline that align well with naval service.

Despite the weight limit, sprint players don’t necessarily have to be small in stature. Training regimes are designed to ensure athletes stay within the weight limit while also being strong, fast, and fit. It's about versatility and adapting to the specific requirements of the sport, which provides a unique opportunity for those who may not meet the traditional size stereotypes of football.

Just like other sports at the academy, joining the Sprint Football team requires a commitment to both sport and studies. Like all midshipmen, members of the Sprint Football team juggle their time between academics, military duties, and their sport.