SOURCE: USA Football
NEW YORK ā 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 Hospitalās (Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.) Concussion Program Director Dr. Mark Herceg, Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains, N.Y.) High School Head Football Coach Michael OāDonnell, 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 Hallenbeckās testimony:
āWe have a solution for concerned parents, community members and legislators. Weāve created a Football Development Model ā or āFDM.ā This model aligns with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committeeās 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.ā
To view Scott Hallenbeckās full testimony, click here.
To view Jon Butlerās testimony full testimony, click here.
To view Harry Harringtonās full testimony, click here.
To view Dr. Mark Hercegās full testimony, click here.
To view Dr. Robert Zayasā 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 sportās 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.