A California bill banning contact football for youths under 12 has passed the State Assembly’s Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism. The bill, known as AB 734 and authored by Sacramento Representative Kevin McCarty, aims to protect children from the risks associated with tackle football. However, critics argue that the potential drawbacks of the bill outweigh any benefits.
During the committee hearing, McCarty emphasized that he was not against football, expressing his love for the sport and the San Francisco 49ers. However, he highlighted the lack of a safe way to play tackle football for young children, citing the risk of head injuries. McCarty shared stories of football players who had taken their own lives after suffering from traumatic brain injuries, including 18-year-old Wyatt Bramwell, who had extensive brain damage and was posthumously diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Dr. Stella Legarda, a pediatric neurologist and the President of the California Neurology Society, testified in support of the bill. She referenced a study that examined deceased contact sports players under the age of 30 and found that repetitive head impacts laid the foundation for brain injury. Legarda emphasized the need to take head trauma seriously, as it is often dismissed by coaches, parents, and players themselves.
However, Ron White, the president of the California Youth Football Alliance, opposed the bill, stating that it infringed upon parental rights. He argued that the opinions supporting the bill did not represent the entire medical community, and he advocated for implementing safeguards rather than banning youth tackle football.
James Cooper, the author of a previous bill on youth football, acknowledged the positive impact of tackle football on the lives of children, particularly those in underserved communities. He emphasized the importance of pouring resources into communities rather than taking away opportunities for children.
The committee faced both support and opposition from its members. Republican Tom Lackey trusted parents to make the decision regarding their children’s participation in tackle football while acknowledging the seriousness of CTE. Democrat Avelino Valencia, who had a personal connection to football, supported redirecting children to flag football as a safer alternative.
Committee Chair Mike Gipson commended McCarty’s courage in proposing the bill to protect the health and safety of children, and after a vote, the bill cleared the committee 5-2.
If passed, AB 734 would not take effect until 2026, with gradual implementation through 2029. While no state has successfully banned tackle football for children, similar attempts have been made in states like New York and Illinois.
The bill will now proceed to the full body of the California State Assembly, where it must pass by the end of January to have a chance of becoming law this year.
