Polls
Would You Support a Tackle Football Ban for Kids Under 12?
Would You Support a Tackle Football Ban for Kids Under 12?
Here’s The Scoop
Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) has finally shown some common sense by rejecting a Democratic proposal to ban full-contact football for children under 12 in California.
Assembly Bill 734, introduced by California Democrat Kevin McCarthy, would gradually ban tackle football for California youth, starting with kids under 6 in 2025, before moving to kids under 10 in 2027 and all children under 12 in 2029.
Newsom made it clear on Tuesday that he would not sign the bill if it made it to his desk, stating, “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.”
This is McCarthy’s third attempt to pass a bill banning tackle football for the state’s youth. The assemblyman has argued that “Banging your brains around for little kids just isn’t safe.”
Assemblymember Mike Gipson, another California Democrat, also voted in support of the bill while it was in committee, arguing that it doesn’t take away from the good learning opportunities that football provides for the state’s youth.
The proposal would seek to push kids toward flag football as an alternative to tackle football. However, some parents and coaches criticized the ban, arguing that it would push the sport “in the wrong direction.”
Youth and high school football coach Tyrone Jones said, “We would lose the far, greater benefits that football provides to a limited risk, to injury.”
Ashley Bertram, a mother of three boys, added that flag football could be more dangerous since players don’t wear the same protective gear as in full-contact football.
Newsom pointed to action he has already taken to push for more safety standards in youth football, such as the California Youth Football Act, which he signed in 2019.
What do you think? Let us know by participating in our poll, or join the discussion in the comment section below!
john hocknell
January 22, 2024 at 7:29 am
Have a look at the British rules for the game of rugby that applies to all of the old empire.
There is no padding or helmets yet you cannot play the game in junior school and only half way through your high school years.
Makes sense as the heads bones are still developing.
Captain John
Don
January 22, 2024 at 8:43 am
I played it that way way back then and none of us had any problems with it.
Jerry C.
January 22, 2024 at 6:14 pm
Yeah, and force ’em to wear helmets anytime they leave the house, ban bicycles for minors, no driving ’til you’re 21, get rid of swings & slide & monkey bars, put ’em in bubble-wrap suits… Gimme a break!
Denise
January 24, 2024 at 8:39 am
Work with kids who have TBIs, and you might change your thinking about this – Football is not safe for anyone, but especially young kids.