New Calif. Football Rule Limits Full-Contact Practices

July 23, 2014 / Football
From SFGate.com

California schools will be forced to limit the number of hours and days their football programs’ young athletes can practice tackling and other game-speed hitting plays under a bill signed Monday by Gov. Jerry Brown that responds to concerns over brain injuries that affect thousands of students.

The new law, which takes effect Jan. 1 and applies to all middle and high schools, including private schools, is being welcomed by some coaches but criticized by others, who caution that it could result in more injuries as lesser-prepared athletes take the field.

The law limits full-contact practices to two 90-minute sessions per week during the season and preseason, and prohibits full-contact practices during the offseason. Currently, coaches can hold full-contact practices daily. The law also forces schools to bench players for at least a week if they suffer a concussion. Current rules allow players to return within a day.

“Football is a great sport, but parents want to know if their kids are going to be safe,” said Assemblyman Ken Cooley, D-Rancho Cordova, who sponsored the bill. “This is about protecting kids, as well as parents’ peace of mind.”

Click here to read the complete story.


Leave a Reply