Full-contact youth football practices restricted

Gov. Jerry Brown has signed a bill limiting full-contact youth football practices in response to concerns about concussions.

The governor approved AB2127 on Monday with the support of medical groups and the organization overseeing California high school athletics.

While the law doesn’t take effect until 2015, the California Interscholastic Federation says most coaches already abide by the rules. Drills involving game-speed tackling are prohibited in the off-season and limited to 90-minute sessions twice a week the rest of the year. It also applies to private and charter schools.

Assemblyman Ken Cooley of Rancho Cordova says his bill is motivated by parents worried about the risks associated with concussions.

Some lawmakers questioned whether the proposal puts students at a competitive disadvantage and whether the issue merits state regulation.