Prohibits children twelve years old and younger from playing tackle football

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Luis Sepúlveda

Prohibits tackle football for kids 12 and under, affecting youth players, families, and leagues, likely pushing participation toward non-tackle formats like flag football.

REFERRED TO HEALTH

Summary: S 5295 – Prohibits children twelve years old and younger from playing tackle football

What the bill would do

The bill would prohibit children who are 12 years old or younger from participating in tackle football.

The text provided does not include detailed definitions, exemptions, or enforcement mechanisms, but the core effect is a ban on under-13 participation in tackle football activities.

Key provisions (as inferred from the bill’s title and status)

Prohibition on participation: No 12-and-under player may participate in tackle football.

Scope and definitions: The final bill text would normally specify what qualifies as “tackle football,” and may address eligibility, exceptions, and enforcement. Those details are not included in the information provided.

Enforcement: Likely to be addressed in the final text or accompanying regulations, but not specified here.

Effective date: Not stated in the information provided; the bill’s current status is committee referral.

Who would be affected

Youth athletes under 13 who would otherwise participate in tackle football.

Youth football programs, including leagues, schools, clubs, and organizations that organize tackle football for younger athletes.

Coaches, administrators, and guardians of players in the affected age group.

Procedural and timeline context

Introduced: February 20, 2025.

Status: Referred to the Health committee.

Legislative actions listed: Both occurrences on February 20, 2025 show the bill being referred to Health, indicating a single initial committee referral in the record provided.

Next steps in the process (typical for this chamber): The Health committee would review the bill, potentially hold hearings, and report it back for floor consideration. If advanced, it would move through legislative chambers (and, ultimately, to the governor for signature or veto).

Sponsors and related legislation

Primary sponsor: Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda.

Related/companion measures:

S 4666 (prior-session)
A 6175 (companion)
A 6175 (companion) [listed twice, likely reflecting parallel Assembly measures or related references]

The existence of companion bills indicates parallel consideration in another chamber, which is common for implementing legislation.

Potential impacts and considerations

Public health intent: Aims to reduce injuries associated with youth tackle football by restricting participation for the youngest age group.

Policy trade-offs: May shift participation toward non-tackle formats (e.g., flag football) or other sports; potential pushback from communities valuing early sports participation.

Implementation questions: How “tackle football” is defined, what enforcement looks like, and what exemptions or transition provisions (if any) would apply.

Notes

The provided information does not include the full text, cost implications, or specifics on enforcement, penalties, or effective dates. The bill’s fate will depend on committee action and subsequent votes in the Legislature.