SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California’s decision to not prohibit tackle football for children under 12 comes after Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, firmly stated he would not endorse such a bill. This move sidesteps a contentious issue that had become emblematic of parental rights in an election year.
Newsom, a father himself, rarely comments on bills before they reach his desk. His early intervention to stop the tackle football ban bill from advancing in the Legislature spares him potential scrutiny on the campaign trail as he supports President Joe Biden’s reelection efforts. This stance could also be advantageous for Newsom’s potential national political aspirations, considering football’s deep cultural roots across the U.S.
The bill, which aimed to phase out tackle football for children under 12 by 2029, had progressed through a legislative committee and was nearing an Assembly vote. However, Newsom’s declaration, initially reported by Politico, virtually eliminates its chances of becoming law. Overriding a gubernatorial veto, which hasn’t happened in California in over 40 years, is the only remaining path for the bill.
California currently enforces regulations on youth tackle football. A law enacted in 2021, under Newsom’s governance, limits full-contact practices and mandates concussion and head injury training for coaches. Newsom expressed his commitment to collaborate with lawmakers to enhance youth football safety, ensuring parental freedom in choosing sports for their children. This initiative will involve consultations with various experts, coaches, and community members.
Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, a Democrat from Sacramento and the bill’s author, acknowledged Newsom’s stance and withdrew the bill from consideration. McCarty remains open to working on protective measures for young athletes against conditions like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Tackle football remains immensely popular in the U.S., though there’s a noticeable dip in participation among California’s high school students, with a 18% decrease from 2015 to 2022, followed by a slight uptick in 2023. Meanwhile, flag football is gaining traction, even receiving NFL support and consideration for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The proposed ban intended to shift young athletes to flag football until age 12, reducing the risk of brain injuries linked to prolonged exposure to tackle football. However, the bill faced robust opposition from parents, coaches, and children, many of whom voiced their concerns at a public hearing in their football jerseys.
Critics of the bill saw it as an infringement on parental rights. Some parents argued against the state’s interference in decisions about their children’s sports activities, contrasting it with the freedom to make choices about pregnancy.
The bill’s withdrawal was celebrated at the state Capitol by football coaches, young players, and Republican legislators, underlining its transformation into a national debate on parental rights. Steve Famiano, leader of the Save Youth Football California coalition, highlighted how youth football became a broader symbol of ongoing national discussions beyond just sports.
