The debate over the appropriateness of children playing tackle football has become a bit of a political, uh, football. The legislation is based on expert opinion based that children younger than 14 or 15 should not play tackle football for their own safety, including their particularly high risk for concussions and subsequent long-term brain damage. (President Donald Trump, while not speaking on the specific state legislation, has voiced his support for more violence in football.) From ESPN:"It was really a shock, to be honest with you, to think that we're trying to outlaw youth tackle football," said [football parent and youth football leader Joe] Rafter, who says he played college football for three seasons at Division III Catholic University. If football's backers want to argue with someone that the sport represents the American way, it's more critical they make their case to parents instead of legislators.

Source: Forbes October 01, 2018 02:48 UTC