Regina Wilson | California Black Media

Gov. Newsom Signs Legislation Protecting Parents’ Rights in Youth Football 

Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed legislation giving California parents greater control over the safety equipment their children can use while playing youth tackle football.

Assembly Bill (AB) 708, authored by Assemblymember Avelino Valencia (D-Anaheim) requires youth tackle football leagues to allow players to use additional safety equipment, including soft-shell helmet add-ons, when requested by their parents.

The law addresses concerns about concussions and repeated head impacts in youth football while ensuring families can choose additional protective equipment for their children.

“One of the things we all are concerned about as parents, particularly when our kids say, ‘Dad, Mom, I really want to play tackle football,’ is their safety, particularly concussions, head to head, helmet to helmet,” Newsom said.

Newsom said soft-shell helmet covers offer an additional safety option but noted that not every community, school district, club or football team in California previously allowed their use.

“Well, that’s no longer the case because I just signed a bill requiring that safety feature if requested,” Newsom said.

Valencia, a former football player and coach, said he understands the physical demands of the sport and the potential effects of repeated head impacts on young athletes. 

“Parents should have the ability to choose this technology for their children, regardless of where they play, especially during these critical years of cognitive development,” Valencia said.

AB 708 builds on California’s existing youth football safety requirements. In 2019, Newsom signed AB 1, the California Youth Football Act, which established minimum safety standards for youth tackle football leagues.

Newsom also convened a youth football safety summit in 2024 that brought together health care providers, football administrators, parents, youth football organizations, and current and former players to discuss safety and support for young athletes.