California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) has pledged to reject a California bill proposing a ban on youth tackle football.
Assembly Bill 734 aims to prohibit youth sports organizations from permitting children aged 6 or younger to engage in tackle football starting next year. Subsequently, in 2027, the bill intends to extend the ban age to 10, followed by an increase to 12 in 2029.
Newsom stated via email to The Hill, “I will not sign legislation that bans youth tackle football. I am deeply concerned about the health and safety of our young athletes, but an outright ban is not the answer.” He emphasized the importance of working with the Legislature and the bill’s author to enhance safety in youth football, while ensuring parents retain the freedom to choose the most suitable sports for their children.
Newsom further added, “As part of that process, we will consult with health and sports medicine experts, coaches, parents, and community members to ensure California maintains the highest standards in the country for youth football safety.”
Despite recent apprehensions regarding head injuries in football, a study published approximately two years ago in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found no correlation between youth tackle football and cognitive or behavioral issues.
However, a separate 2017 study published in JAMA reported that 21 percent of high school football players exhibited chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a significant brain disorder linked to head traumas.
Former NFL quarterback Brett Favre advocated for keeping children out of tackle football until their mid-teens, stating, “Having kids play before high school is just not worth the risk.” He emphasized the need to prevent CTE for the next generation of football players.
h/t msn.com
Image: si.com
