New State Law Designed to Address Concussions Will Limit School Football Practices

A new law designed to address concussions for young football players was signed as new CIF rules restrict practices to no more than 18 hours in a week. Some coaches have been opposed to the law. (Credit: Los Angeles Times)

by: Los Angeles Times, Carolyn Costello

Posted: Jul 21, 2014 / 05:52 PM PDT

Updated: Jul 21, 2014 / 11:45 PM PDT

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Gov. Jerry Brown on Monday signed into law AB 2127, which prohibits football teams at public middle and high schools from holding full-contact practices that exceed 90 minutes on a single day, bans teams from holding more than two full-contact practices per week during the season and prohibits teams from conducting contact practices during the off-season.

The new restrictions, which take effect Jan. 1, 2015, are designed to help reduce concussions and other serious brain injuries.

The California Interscholastic Federation, in charge of high school sports in the state, supported the bill that was sponsored by Assemblyman Ken Cooley (D-Rancho Cordova).

“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,” Cooley said.

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