USA Football Testifies in Opposition to Tackle Ban Legislation at Massachusetts Hearing

SOURCE: USA Football

BOSTON – USA Football CEO Scott Hallenbeck issued testimony today before members of the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Public Health opposing House Bill 2007. The bill would bar children in grade seven or under from participating in any form of organized youth tackle football throughout Massachusetts.

Hallenbeck joined others in opposing the legislation, including Pop Warner Little Scholars Executive Director Jon Butler and Massachusetts Youth Football Alliance President Paul Dauderis. 

Additional written testimony was submitted for the record by Dr. Julian Bailes, the Director of Neurosurgery and Co-Director of NorthShore University Health System Neurological Institute and Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee for Pop Warner Little Scholars. 

Below is an excerpt from Hallenbeck’s testimony:

“Parents do not want their government telling them when their kids can play football. We hear this from them often. Instead, they want to make informed decisions for themselves. Parents need information and options in order to determine what is best for their child. It is incumbent on USA Football and our youth football partners to educate parents on what to look for when considering youth football programs for their children. To meet this need, we’ve created the Football Development Model – or “FDM.” Aligned with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee’s long-term athlete development principles, the FDM is based on progressive skill instruction that is developmentally appropriate physically, mentally and socially. It is a holistic approach to child and athlete development.”

To view Scott Hallenbeck’s full testimony, click here.

To view Dr. Julian Bailes’ written testimony submitted for the record, click here.

To view Jon Butler’s testimony full testimony, click here. 

About USA Football: USA Football designs and delivers premier educational, developmental and competitive programs to advance, unify and grow the sport. As the sport’s national governing body, member of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and organizer of the U.S. National Team for international competition, USA Football partners with leaders in medicine, child advocacy and athletics to support positive football experiences for youth, high school and other amateur players.