Governor Gavin Newsome | Facebook Website
Governor Gavin Newsom convened a summit on youth football safety with experts, health professionals, parents, and players from the worlds of youth tackle football, flag football, and the NFL.
Sacramento, California – Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom hosted a meeting to discuss youth football safety and ways to improve the game for young players. Participants included health care providers, football team administrators, parents, youth football organizations, and current and former athletes. The feedback from this meeting will inform the administration’s next steps in reviewing existing laws and help determine whether additional protocols are necessary. It also aimed to strengthen partnerships with industry leaders to enhance youth sports.
“I have always believed that it’s possible to strengthen youth tackle football safety and grow flag football in California without implementing bans that infringe on parents’ rights. The subject matter experts, players, parents, and NFL leaders who spoke at our youth football safety summit came together to discuss the opportunity we all have to make this game safer and more fun for the youth interested in football. Based on those conversations, we’ll continue learning and working together to protect youth,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
“California is a leader in so many ways, and athletics is no different. When our state takes action, the impact is felt across the nation—including when our focus in sports is not just about quality of performance or ability to train; it’s also about safety and supporting athletes of all ages. And that’s what this summit was about. We were able to have a conversation about football, how it affects the ability to perform, and how to keep young athletes safe and healthy,” stated Dr. Mark Ghaly, Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency.
In August 2019, Governor Newsom signed AB1, the California Youth Football Act authored by Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove). The law enacted minimum safety standards for youth tackle football leagues. These standards include limiting exposure to full-contact tackles, requiring coaches to complete additional safety training sessions, informing parents about pertinent health risks and information, and setting equipment standards.
Last year, Governor Newsom committed to working with subject matter experts to evaluate current laws alongside the latest concussion and head injury research related to youth tackle football. This includes exploring new practices and technology that can further protect young players.
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