California Bans Full-Contact Football Practice

Cali Joins Other States in Curbing Practices

If you're a high school football coach in California planning on running a two hour practice in camp, you're going to have to leave the pads behind. The Golden State's governor passed a law that prevents football teams from having full-contact practices if 1.) the practice lasts over 90 minute and 2.) anytime in the offseason. Granted, football teams are increasingly relaxing spring practice contact, however this law prevents teams from merely holding pre-season scrimmages. So what's the motivation behind reducing full-contact football?

Concussions Cited as California Bans Full-Contact

"AB 2127's practice guidelines will reassure parents that their kids can learn football safely through three hours of full-contact practice … to maximize conditioning and skill development while minimizing concussion risk."

As California bans full-contact practices under certain guidelines, they mainly stress that the measure will reduce the amount of concussions induced from the sport. However, some argue that the will rule will increase the chances of other injuries due to lack of development at the full-speed pace of the game.

High school coaches obviously disagree with the rule with the first complaint being that full-contact is required in order to develop and assemble a team, especially before the season begins. Secondly, coaches agree that professionalism and allegiance to player safety should guide practices, not "overreaching" state laws.

Full article here.