Football is one of the greatest sports in the world. It teaches discipline, honor, and how to work as a team. However, parents are increasingly worried about health risks associated with the game and see flag football as an alternative to youth tackle football. Will California take the extraordinary step of banning youth tackle football statewide?
The State of California is considering taking that stand, eliminating tackle football for youth under 12. Supporters say evidence is available of brain trauma among youth who play the game.
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Football is a violent sport, but banning it represents an emotionally charged issue. The banning effort is supported by California Representative Avelino Valencia (D-68th District), who played tight end for San Jose State and served as a community college football coach. California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office said that Newsome would veto a banning action should it pass the state legislature.
I played tackle football in my youth, and it was one of the best decisions in my life. My time underneath Friday night lights is one of the highlight points in my life, and I still keep in touch with those teammates. Playing the game of football taught me many things about life (e.g., If you get knocked down, you don’t stay down; you get right back up.)
Many kids today grow up in broken homes and don’t have a father figure. Football becomes a deliverance. Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud thanks God daily for his blessings and talent. He didn’t grow up with affluence; his father was imprisoned, and he was happy to find a football at an early age. The game kept him off the streets and engaged in something worthwhile. A college scholarship followed. Now he’s a pro.
There’s a lot at stake in California and beyond. Be assured I will follow this issue closely.
