Newsom signs youth football protection bill authored by Assemblymember Jim Cooper

A bill authored by Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D - Elk Grove) that offers new protections for youth football players was signed into law yesterday by California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Assembly Bill 1, the California Youth Football Act, will enact safety standards for youth football, limiting full-contact practices to reduce brain injuries.

“California is leading the nation in setting the bar on the importance of protecting children from brain injuries while playing contact sports,” Cooper said. “I applaud Governor Newsom for signing the California Youth Football Act into law, it sets the most comprehensive youth football safety standards in the nation.”

Among many issues, AB 1 limits full-contact practices for youth football teams to no more than 30 minutes per day for no more than two days per week. The bill also bans full-contact practices for youth football teams during the off-season.

In 2014, California enacted standards to improve the safety of high school students participating in tackle football (AB 2127, Chapter 165, Statutes of 2014). Assembly Bill 1 extends similar safety protection standards to youth tackle football.

The act also requires concussion education, coach training, and injury tackling protocols. The new law also a medical professional to be present for all games and an independent person to attend all practices with the authority to remove players who show signs of an injury.

“The California Youth Football Act represents a new era for youth tackle football, with a focus on safety and performance, that will pave the way for future generations of Americans to continue benefiting from the sport," Joe Rafter, President of the California Youth Football Alliance said.

Assembly Bill 1 was sponsored by the California Youth Football Alliance and will take effect January 1, 2021.