California One Step Closer to Tackle Football Ban for Players Under 12
CARLSBAD, Calif. – California is advancing closer to potentially implementing a ban on tackle football for children under the age of 12. The legislative measure, known as Assembly Bill 734, would prohibit youth sports organizations from allowing tackle football for kids below the age of 12. The bill has already gained traction, as it recently passed through a legislative committee vote and is now set to go before the State Assembly.
The proposed ban has raised concerns and sparked debates among parents, coaches, and medical professionals. Daniel Livingston, a parent of five boys and a Pop Warner athletics program coach in Carlsbad, California, appreciates the concern but believes that the risks for young kids are low with proper training and gradual learning of safe tackling techniques. He argues that by teaching children the correct way to tackle at an early age, the chances of developing bad habits are minimized.
However, opponents of the ban, including Steve Famiano, the lead of the Save Youth Football California Coalition, contend that the bill lacks consistency by singling out tackle football and not addressing other contact sports or different age groups. Famiano questions the bill’s scope and its focus solely on protecting children’s brains, urging lawmakers to consider a broader range of sports and age groups in their discussions.
The debate surrounding the tackle football ban primarily revolves around the potential long-term effects of head injuries on children. Dr. Abisola Olulade with Sharp Healthcare highlights the importance of striking a balance between fun and safety, emphasizing that the cumulative effect of repeated head injuries, such as concussions, may lead to memory problems, attention issues in school, and even the development of dementia or Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) later in life. Dr. Olulade encourages a cautious approach when allowing kids to participate in contact sports due to their still-developing brains.
Assembly Bill 734 has sparked a fierce discussion about the future of youth tackle football in California. While proponents argue for the well-being of young players and the prevention of potential long-term brain injuries, opponents claim the bill’s focus is too narrow and fails to address comparable risks in other sports. The proposed ban now moves on to the State Assembly, where its fate will be determined before reaching Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk. Should the bill become law, it will go into effect in January 2026.
The outcome of this legislation will undoubtedly have a significant impact on youth sports in California and may shape the conversation surrounding contact sports and player safety on a national level. As the debate continues, lawmakers, parents, and medical professionals will be closely watching to see how this proposal progresses and whether it serves as a catalyst for change in youth sports regulations across the country.
