Sacramento, California – Last month, Governor Gavin Newsom hosted a convening about youth football safety and how to improve the game for youth. Participants had the opportunity to share their experiences with each other from varied perspectives, including the voices of health care providers, football team administrators, parents, youth football organizations and current and former football athletes. The feedback from the meeting will inform the administration’s next steps in reviewing existing law and help determine whether additional protocols are necessary. It was also an important step in strengthening partnerships with industry leaders to improve 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.

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, including limiting exposure to full-contact tackles, requiring coaches to complete additional safety trainings, informing parents about pertinent health risks and information, and setting equipment standards.

Last year, Governor Newsom made a commitment to work with subject matter experts to evaluate our current law and the latest concussion and head injury research related to youth tackle football, as well as new practices and technology that can further protect youth football players.

(Photo source: California Governor’s newsroom)