California Governor Rejects “Nanny State Ban” on Youth Tackle Football
In a new and unusual display of common sense, California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that he will not sign a proposed ban on tackle football for children under 12, putting an end to advocates' hopes of pushing this unnecessary legislation through. Newsom, while acknowledging the importance of health and safety for young athletes, rightly recognizes that an outright ban is not the answer.
The proposed ban, put forth by Democratic Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, aimed to gradually phase out tackle football for children under 12 by 2029.
Last week, the bill cleared a legislative committee and was set for a vote in the state Assembly by the end of the month. However, with Newsom's firm stance against the ban, the chances of it becoming law this year are slim to none. It is worth noting that California lawmakers have not overridden a veto in over four decades, further underscoring the unlikelihood of the bill's success.
The push to ban youth tackle football gained momentum this year, fueled by concerns about concussions and the increasing popularity of flag football.
The proposal aimed to have children play flag football until the age of 12, allowing them about three years of tackle football experience before entering high school. Proponents argued that this would reduce the risk of brain damage, which studies suggest increases with prolonged exposure to tackle football.
However, the bill faced strong opposition from parents, coaches, and young athletes themselves. Many of them attended a public hearing at the California Capitol, donning their football jerseys and urging lawmakers to reject the bill. It is clear that there is significant support for tackle football among those directly involved in the sport.
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California already has regulations in place for youth tackle football. In 2021, Newsom signed a law that limited teams to two full-contact practices per week, with each practice lasting no more than 30 minutes during the regular season. The law also required coaches to undergo training on concussions and other head injuries. These measures demonstrate California's commitment to ensuring the safety of young football players without resorting to an unnecessary ban.
Newsom has pledged to work with lawmakers to further strengthen safety in youth football while respecting parents' freedom to choose the sports that are most suitable for their children.
Ron White, president of the California Youth Football Alliance, expressed gratitude to Newsom for his decision not to sign the bill.