California Gov. Gavin Newsom Plans to Veto Tackle Football Ban for Kids Under 12

Timothy Rapp@@TRappaRTFeatured Columnist IVJanuary 17, 2024

David Swanson/Bloomberg via Getty Images

California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Tuesday that he would veto a potential state bill proposing a ban on tackle football for children under the age of 12, according to the Associated Press.

“I will not sign legislation that bans youth tackle football,” he said. “I am deeply concerned about the health and safety of our young athletes, but an outright ban is not the answer.”

Democratic Assemblymember Kevin McCarty had proposed a plan to ban tackle football at the youth level that would slowly be enacted until fully in place in 2029. The potential legislation has been sent to the floor of the state Assembly from a legislative committee and would have eventually required children to only play flag football until they were eligible for tackle football at the age of 12.

It is expected to be voted on at the end of the month.

Proponents of the bill cited the ongoing risks of concussions and head injuries ever present in the sport and saw it as a way to protect younger children. Opponents argued that parents and children should be allowed to decide themselves whether they want to take those risks.

In 2019, Newsom signed a California law—which took effect in 2021—that limited youth football teams to just two full-contact practices per week, 30 minutes each. It also required youth coaches to have training in brain injuries, a medical professional is required to attend all games and an independent spotter—who has the authority to remove kids who show signs of potential head trauma—is required at all practices.

At the middle and high school level, football teams are only permitted to have two full-contact practices per week, limited to 90 minutes per session.

Newsom did say he plans to work with lawmakers to “strengthen safety in youth football—while ensuring parents have the freedom to decide which sports are most appropriate for their children” and that they would “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.”