California lawmakers will hold a public hearing on Wednesday to debate whether to ban tackle football for children under the age of 12. The proposed bill, authored by Democratic Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, aims to protect children from brain damage but has faced opposition from coaches who argue that it would limit physical activity for youths. This hearing is a crucial step for the bill, as it must pass the state Assembly by the end of January to have a chance of becoming law this year. If passed, the ban would not take effect until 2026, with proposed amendments gradually phasing in implementation through 2029.

The push to ban tackle football for children comes as flag football, a non-contact version of the sport, has been gaining popularity nationwide, particularly among girls. Research has shown that tackle football can cause brain damage, with the risk increasing the longer individuals play the sport. Chris Nowinski, CEO of the Concussion Legacy Foundation and a former Harvard football player and WWE professional wrestler, emphasized the dangers of tackle football, stating that it can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which causes the death of nerve cells in the brain. Nowinski expressed concern about children, who may not fully understand the risks, participating in tackle football for fun and potentially suffering brain injuries.

While no state has yet banned tackle football for children, previous attempts to do so in California, New York, and Illinois have failed to pass. However, California already has laws in place that restrict full-contact practices for high school and youth football teams during the offseason and limit them to two practices per week during the preseason and regular season. Additionally, a law implemented in 2021 requires youth football officials to complete concussion and head injury education, along with other safety measures.

Steve Famiano, a former youth football coach who leads the Save Youth Football California coalition, argued against the ban, stating that youth football leagues need more time to assess the effectiveness of the 2021 law. Famiano also highlighted the importance of tackle football for certain children, particularly those who may not fit the mold of leaner, faster players typically associated with flag football. He expressed concern that banning tackle football for children under 12 would limit opportunities for larger or less physically developed children who thrive in positions like offensive and defensive line.

The decline in tackle football participation at the high school level in California is another factor influencing the debate. According to the California Interscholastic Federation's participation survey, football participation dropped over 18% from 2015 to 2022, but increased by 5% in 2023. These numbers reflect a changing landscape in youth sports and highlight the need for careful consideration of the potential impact of a ban on tackle football for children.

The fate of tackle football for children in California now rests on the outcome of the Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee hearing on Wednesday morning. Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, the bill's author, argues that the risks associated with tackle football for young children outweigh the benefits, while coaches and supporters of youth football are calling for more time to assess the impact of existing regulations. The outcome of this debate will shape the future of youth football in California and may have implications for the sport nationwide.