SACRAMENTO, Calif. - A bill that would prohibit children under 12 from participating in tackle football received approval from a legislative committee in California on Wednesday. The measure, introduced by Democratic Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, aims to prioritize child safety and reduce the risk of brain injury.

The bill gained support from advocates concerned about protecting children from potential brain damage caused by tackle football. However, it has faced opposition from coaches who argue that it would limit children's access to an important physical activity.

During a public hearing, the legislative committee voted in favor of advancing the bill, with a 5 to 2 majority. Despite this positive development, the bill still has a long way to go before becoming law. It must garner approval from the state Assembly before the end of January to have a chance at being enacted this year.

Chair of the state assembly's sports regulation committee, Assemblymember Mike Gipson, defended the bill, stating that while it transitions from tackle to flag football, it still allows children to experience the benefits and lessons that come with organized sports. Gipson emphasized the importance of keeping children out of trouble through football and other sports.

If passed, the bill's implementation would be delayed until 2026, with proposed amendments phasing it in gradually until 2029. The rise in popularity of flag football across the nation, particularly among girls, has coincided with growing concerns about the long-term consequences of tackle football.

Research has indicated that tackle football can cause brain damage, with the risk escalating the longer an individual plays the sport. Chris Nowinski, CEO of the Concussion Legacy Foundation and a former Harvard football player, highlighted the potential for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition that leads to the death of brain cells.

While no state has yet banned tackle football for children, previous attempts have been made in California, New York, and Illinois without success. In California, existing laws already restrict full-contact practices for high school and youth football teams. Additionally, a law enacted in 2021 mandates concussion and head injury education for youth football officials.

Opponents of the bill, such as Steve Famiano, the leader of the Save Youth Football California coalition and a former youth football coach, argue that more time is needed to assess the effectiveness of the 2021 law. Famiano believes that kids under 12 shouldn't be limited to flag football, as it is a different sport altogether. He emphasized that tackle football provides opportunities for children of various physical abilities and body types to play meaningful positions.

Interestingly, participation in tackle football at the high school level in California has declined. According to the California Interscholastic Federation's participation survey, the number of players dropped by more than 18% from 2015 to 2022, decreasing from a peak of 103,725 to 84,626 players. However, there was a 5% increase in football participation in 2023, bringing the number up to 89,178 players.

As the bill now progresses for consideration by the state Assembly, the debate over the future of tackle football for young children intensifies. The potential impacts on child safety, physical activity, and the overall landscape of youth sports in California weigh heavily as lawmakers make their decisions.