Governor Gavin Newsom opposes a Democratic proposal to ban full-contact football for children under 12 in California, stating that he won’t sign such legislation.
While expressing concern for young athletes’ health and safety, Newsom emphasized the importance of strengthening safety in youth football while allowing parents to decide which sports are suitable for their children.
The proposed bill aims to gradually replace tackle football with flag football for children, but it has faced criticism from some parents and coaches who argue that flag football also carries its own risks.
Effort to ban youth tackle football in CA ends after significant pushback, incl. from Gov. @GavinNewsom who says “an outright ban is not the answer”@AsmKevinMcCarty announced he will not take up his bill, AB 734, after Newsom vowed to veto it + another opposition rally was held pic.twitter.com/wFEPs2kh7N
— MarlaTellez (@MarlaTellez) January 18, 2024
“I will not sign legislation that bans youth tackle football,” Newsom said.
“I am deeply concerned about the health and safety of our young athletes, but an outright ban is not the answer. 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.”
“Football and organizational sports in general are clearly proven ways to keep kids out of trouble,” Assemblyman Mike Gipson said. “This bill is not taking away that ability, it is simply saying that we’re going to move from tackle football to flag football and we can still have the same learning experiences.”
“We would lose the far, greater benefits that football provides to a limited risk, to injury,” youth football coach Tyrone Jones said.
“Flag football is still a contact sport,” mother Ashley Bertram said. “If you think that just because a 7-year-old boy is running up to take a flag, that they’re not ramming into each other to do that, you’re out of your mind! We’re talking about boys!”
Newsom highlighted previous actions taken to enhance safety standards in youth football, citing the California Youth Football Act.
“California remains committed to building on the California Youth Football Act, which I signed in 2019, establishing advanced safety standards for youth football,” Newsom said. “This law provides a comprehensive safety framework for young athletes, including equipment standards and restrictions on exposure to full-contact tackles.”
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