Gavin Newsom plans to block California bill that would ban youth football
Jan 17, 2024, 7:02 AM | Updated: 10:03 am
SIMI VALLEY, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 27: California Gov. Gavin Newsom talks to reporters in the spin room following the FOX Business Republican Primary Debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on September 27, 2023 in Simi Valley, California. Seven presidential hopefuls squared off in the second Republican primary debate as former U.S. President Donald Trump, currently facing indictments in four locations, declined again to participate. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Gov. Gavin Newsom plans to block a bill that would ban tackle football for youth, his office confirmed on Tuesday.
“I will not sign legislation that bans youth tackle football,” a release from Newsom’s office read. “I am deeply concerned about the health and safety of our young athletes, but an outright ban is not the answer. My Administration will work with the Legislature and the bill’s author to strengthen safety in youth football — while ensuring parents have the freedom to decide which sports are most appropriate for their children.”
There was a legislative push to prohibit children under the age of 12 from playing tackle football through an organization or a league.
Sacramento Assemblymember Kevin McCarty pushed for this ban multiple times. He argued that there are other sports options for families and that his bill would save lives. Assembly Bill 734 has now failed in its third attempt.
“There are certain things that just aren’t safe for younger people,” McCarty told KCRA 3 on Jan. 9. ” Banging your brains around for little kids just isn’t safe.”
Newsom in his release said his office plans to work with health and sports medicine experts, coaches, parents and community members to talk about youth football safety.
The governor also cited the California Youth Football Act, a bill he signed into law in 2019, which created a safety framework to reduce the full impact of full-contact tackles.
Mccarty’s bill has drawn both opposition and support.
In support was the Concussion Legacy Foundation. A major organization against the bill was Sacramento Youth Football, which touts itself as the largest youth league in the nation with 9,000 participants, ages six to 14.
The bill is still in the early stages and had its first committee hearing Jan. 10.
This story was first published by our partner KCRA. Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
