SACRAMENTO, Calif — An effort to ban youth tackle football for children younger than 12 will not be moving forward.
“We will not take up AB 734 — which would have phased out kids 12 years old and younger from playing youth tackle football,” said Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), the bill's author. “I do look forward to the Governor’s invitation to work on ways to better protect our youngest athletes and keep them safe from repetitive head hits, which can cause chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
The bill was expected to go to the state assembly next week.
The move comes after Governor Gavin Newsom announced he wouldn't be signing legislation that bans tackle football for children.
“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," said Newsom. "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."
McCarty introduced a similar bill in 2018 that failed to pass. This year's bill proposed an age requirement tackle football in California. The bill wouldn't have taken effect until 2026 and proposed amendments would have gradually phased in through 2029.
While no state has banned tackle football for kids, there have been attempts to do so. Similar bills were introduced previously in New York and Illinois that failed to pass.
Before McCarty's announcement, parents, youth football players and Republican assembly members gathered outside the Capitol to express their opposition to the bill.
"It is parents, not government that are in the best position to make decisions for their kid when it comes to youth sports," said Assemblymember Josh Hoover (R-Folsom).
Yolie Davis, a mother of two children who play youth football in Gridley, also spoke out in support of the programs.
"Football is actually completely safe when it is taught correctly to the children," said Davis. "The proper techniques are taught now. The helmets are top of the line."
In Newsom's statement, he said leaders will consult with health and sports medicine experts, coaches, parents and community members to ensure high standards for youth football safety.
