Sacramento, CA…Last week, 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.”

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.”

Dr. Mark Ghaly, Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency

Protecting youth football players

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.