Limit On Full-Contact Football Heads To Governor
SACRAMENTO (AP) - A bill that limits full-contact practices for high school football teams is heading to the governor's desk.
The Senate on Thursday approved AB2127 by Democratic Assemblyman Ken Cooley of Rancho Cordova on a 23-5 vote.
The bill limits drills involving game-speed tackling to 90-minute sessions twice a week, while prohibiting such full-contact drills in the offseason. It applies to public, private and charter schools.
Although most coaches already abide by similar rules to protect student safety, Cooley said he was responding to growing anxiety from parents about the risks associated with concussions.
The issue was even highlighted by the White House, which hosted a summit about youth sports safety and concussions.
The bill has the support of the California Interscholastic Federation, which oversees high school athletics.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press.