A proposed bill in California, Assembly Bill 734, could potentially bring about a significant change in America’s favorite sport, football. The bill aims to outlaw tackle football for children under the age of 12 in any organized league, citing concerns about the long-term health implications of concussions. This move comes after a study conducted by UW Medicine’s Sports Health and Safety Institute and Seattle Children’s Research Institute, which found that out of 863 players monitored, there were 51 play-related concussions.
The study revealed that two-thirds of these concussions occurred during games, with almost half resulting from head-to-head contact. It was also discovered that prior concussion history doubled the risk of sustaining another concussion, while a history of depression increased the risk fivefold. Alarmingly, half of the children who suffered concussions took longer than 13 days to return to sports and over three weeks to fully recover.
Despite these findings, there remains a debate surrounding the necessity of age restrictions on tackle football. Some argue that there isn’t enough data to support such legislation. However, it is worth noting that numerous school districts and states, including Washington, Oregon, and North Carolina, have already taken steps to address the issue. Years ago, the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) implemented a concussion information policy and education campaign called When in Doubt, Sit Them Out! In 2011, legislators introduced AB 259, a law that outlined various concussion and head injury education requirements. While age restrictions were not implemented in this legislation, lawmakers acknowledged the concerns surrounding youth tackle football.
Nonetheless, the resistance to comprehensive research, policies, and laws addressing the safety of tackle football for younger children persists, largely due to financial interests associated with feeder programs and organizations. This has resulted in a significant divide, with middle to high-income parents becoming increasingly aware of the risks and opting to enroll their children in less hazardous sports. According to Statista.com, there has been a decline in the number of children aged 6-12 participating in tackle football, with the trend starting in 2009 when the NFL faced scrutiny for player safety.
Another concerning aspect is the lack of prioritization given to studying how concussions affect female athletes. As with many medical issues, it is vital to recognize that the well-being of individuals should take precedence over the game itself.
In conclusion, Assembly Bill 734 in California seeks to limit tackle football for children under 12 years old in organized leagues. This is in response to growing concerns about the prevalence of concussions and the associated long-term health implications. While there are debates surrounding the need for age restrictions and claims of insufficient data, previous efforts by school districts and states to address the issue highlight the significance of this matter. Moreover, the decline in tackle football participants, particularly among middle to high-income families, further underscores the need to prioritize player safety. As discussions continue, it is essential to recognize that the well-being of young athletes should always be the top priority in any sport.
