USA Football Testifies in Opposition to Youth Tackle Football Ban at New York Public Hearing

SOURCE: USA Football

NEW YORK – USA Football CEO Scott Hallenbeck delivered testimony today at a public hearing before members of the New York State Assembly Committee on Health opposing a ban on youth tackle football. The purpose of the hearing was to evaluate the impact of banning youth tackle football for children aged 12 and under.

Currently, New York Assembly Bill 2692, which would bar children aged 12 and under from participating in any form of organized youth tackle football throughout New York, has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Health. A hearing to hear the bill in committee has not been scheduled to date.

Hallenbeck joined others on a panel in opposing a ban on youth tackle football, including Pop Warner Little Scholars Executive Director Jon Butler, Pop Warner Little Scholars Eastern Region Director Harry Harrington, Phelps Hospital’s (Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.) Concussion Program Director Dr. Mark Herceg, Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains, N.Y.) High School Head Football Coach Michael O’Donnell, and New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Executive Director Dr. Robert Zayas. 

Additional written testimony was submitted for the record by Dr. John Leddy, Medical Director of the University at Buffalo Concussion Management Clinic and Professor of Clinical Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine. 

Below is an excerpt from Hallenbeck’s testimony:

“We have a solution for concerned parents, community members and legislators. We’ve created a Football Development Model – or “FDM.” This model aligns with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee’s long-term athlete development principles. It is based on progressive skill instruction that is developmentally appropriate physically, mentally and socially. It is a holistic approach to both child and athlete development.”

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

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

To view Harry Harrington’s full testimony, click here.

To view Dr. Mark Herceg’s full testimony, click here.

To view Dr. Robert Zayas’ 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.