(KLZA)-- Falls City High School Assistant Principal and Activities Director Gale Dunkhas has released a statement following a meeting Monday night to which parents of current and prospective 8th - 11th grade football players were invited.

The meeting was to present information related to the state of the Falls City football program and gather input from the parents that would impact the decision to play 8-man or 11-man football.

Twenty-three players parents attended the meeting.

The Tiger football program is facing low participation numbers with a majority of underclassmen and significant safety concerns if remaining in 11-man football. The decision on playing 8 or 11-man football centers on safety, player development and playoff eligibility.

8-man football is favored by most stakeholders for safety and increased junior varsity opportunities, despite being ineligible for playoffs while playing 8-man ball.

The Falls City School Board will receive a recommendation from administrators and will make the final decision based on the parents meeting and a student survey.

Parents at the meeting felt that coaching changes may have impacted morale and may affect future participation. It was stated that a coaching change could lead to players returning to the sport, but the results will be determined.

Long-term goals are building a positive experience for athletes, increasing participation, and developing young players.

If the decision is to play 8-man football, the school would be looking again at the next 2-year cycle to return to 11-man football and become playoff eligible.

The community is encouraged to focus on supporting student / athlete and recruiting more players regardless of format or coach.