Current:Home > InvestCalifornia Gov. Gavin Newsom says he won’t sign a proposed ban on tackle football for kids under 12-LoTradeCoin
California Gov. Gavin Newsom says he won’t sign a proposed ban on tackle football for kids under 12
View Date:2024-12-23 19:23:26
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he will not sign a proposed ban on tackle football for children under 12, ending advocates’ short-lived hopes of having the bill become law this year.
“I will not sign legislation that bans youth tackle football,” Newsom said in a statement late Tuesday. “I am deeply concerned about the health and safety of our young athletes, but an outright ban is not the answer.”
The proposal from Democratic Assemblymember Kevin McCarty would have have been phased in gradually through 2029. Last week, a legislative committee sent the bill to the floor of the state Assembly, clearing the way for a vote by the end of the month.
But even if the bill were to pass, Newsom’s pledge not to sign it — first reported by Politico — means there is little, if any, chance of it becoming law this year. While California lawmakers have the power to override a veto, they have not done that in more than four decades.
The proposed ban was a step too far for Newsom, who, as a potential candidate for president beyond 2024, would be courting voters across the country where football carries significant cultural and social importance.
The proposal to ban youth tackle football gained momentum this year amid increasing concern about concussions along with the rise in popularity of flag football. The goal was to have kids play flag football until age 12, which would give athletes about three years of playing tackle football before entering high school. Advocates say that would limit children’s risk of brain damage, which studies have shown increases the longer a person plays tackle football.
But the bill prompted strong opposition from parents, coaches and kids. Many attended a public hearing in the California Capitol last week wearing their football jerseys while asking lawmakers not to pass the bill.
Critics viewed the bill as a challenge to parental rights, with one parent going so far as to say it didn’t make sense for California to tell her she could decide what happens with her pregnancy but not what sport her children play.
California has regulated youth tackle football, with Newsom signing a law that took effect in 2021 limiting teams to just two full-contact practices per week of not more than 30 minutes each during the regular season. That law also required youth tackle football coaches to have training on concussions and other head injuries.
Newsom, who has four children, pledged to work with lawmakers “to strengthen safety in youth football — while ensuring parents have the freedom to decide which sports are most appropriate for their children.”
“As part of that process, we will consult with health and sports medicine experts, coaches, parents, and community members to ensure California maintains the highest standards in the country for youth football safety,” Newsom said. “We owe that to the legions of families in California who have embraced youth sports.”
Ron White, president of the California Youth Football Alliance, thanked Newsom for pledging to not sign the bill in a video message posted to X, formerly known as Twitter.
“We collectively look forward to working with you and the California legislative body to drive the California Youth Football Act as the most comprehensive youth tackle football safety measure in the country,” White said.
veryGood! (38)
Related
- Princess Kate to host annual Christmas carol service following cancer treatment
- Walz says Gaza demonstrators are protesting for ‘all the right reasons’ while condemning Hamas
- Dating apps are tough. Is there a better way to find a match today? | The Excerpt
- Meghann Fahy Reveals Whether She'd Go Back to The Bold Type
- Gisele Bündchen Makes First Major Appearance Since Pregnancy
- Autopsy performed on rapper Rich Homie Quan, but cause not yet revealed
- Karen Read speaks out in rare interview with ABC's 20/20: When and where to watch
- Supreme Court Justice Alito reports German princess gave him $900 concert tickets
- Skiing legend Lindsey Vonn ends retirement, plans to return to competition
- Dating apps are tough. Is there a better way to find a match today? | The Excerpt
Ranking
- Love Is Blind’s Chelsea Blackwell Reacts to Megan Fox’s Baby News
- Why the Eagles are not wearing green in Brazil game vs. Packers
- Why Lady Gaga Hasn't Smoked Weed in Years
- Kourtney Kardashian Shares Sweet Family Photos of Sons Rocky and Reign
- A Pipeline Runs Through It
- Half of Southern California home on sale for 'half a million' after being hit by pine tree
- Will Taylor Fritz vs. Frances Tiafoe finally yield Andy Roddick successor at Grand Slam?
- Michael Keaton recalls his favorite 'Beetlejuice' scenes ahead of new movie
Recommendation
-
Jessica Simpson's Husband Eric Johnson Steps Out Ringless Amid Split Speculation
-
John Travolta and Kelly Preston’s Daughter Ella Honors Her Late Mom With Deeply Personal Song
-
Georgia's Romanian community mourns teacher killed in Apalachee shooting
-
Noah Cyrus Channels Sister Miley Cyrus With Must-See New Look
-
Dramatic video shows Phoenix police rescue, pull man from car submerged in pool: Watch
-
Sports betting firm bet365 fined $33K for taking bets after outcomes were known
-
Autopsy performed on rapper Rich Homie Quan, but cause not yet revealed
-
Here’s What Leah Remini and Angelo Pagán Are Seeking in Their Divorce