A quick reply as I just got in, and thanks for all the posts so far.
My son did make the decision, but it was with my influence which led him to not play. I know a part of him does want to play, and since the coach is wants him to play, I'm wondering if I gave him the best advice. My son did not play football this or any season as we were always concerned about injuries. Instead he ran cross country and played basketball in years past. Since both football and cross country just ended, the multi sport kids can still make the basketball team.
Also the basketball coach knows my son from him playing in PE, and also from last year.
We have till Monday to let the coach know, so I want to use this holiday weekend to discuss it with my son and come up with a definitive decision that is best for him, and that will make him happy. I'm not sure those two things can be accomplished, but we will try.
I will address more specific questions when I get some more time, but I need some shut eye at the moment.