Health & Fitness
Sente Football Concussion Prevention Bill Falls Short of Full House Hearing
Legislation introduced by state Rep. Carol Sente (D-Vernon Hills) to limit hitting practice in youth football failed to pass out of the House Elementary and Secondary Education committee on Thursday.
SPRINGFIELD, IL – Legislation introduced by State Rep. Carol Sente (D-Vernon Hills) to limit hitting practice in youth football failed to pass out of the House Elementary and Secondary Education committee on Thursday.
“While I was disappointed to see that many people still don’t fully appreciate the seriousness of these injuries, I plan to redouble my efforts to raise awareness on this issue in the hopes of changing the culture and rules of youth football,” Sente said. “Given the potential for permanent brain damage from even non-concussive hits, we have a responsibility to make sure that football is as safe as possible for our children, without changing the integrity of the sport. Football leagues at every level around the country are implementing new safety protocols and putting limits on contact during practice, and I want to be sure we are doing all we can to protect our youth in Illinois.”
As amended, House Bill 1205 now limits full-contact hitting practice during the season to two days a week, bans full-contact hitting practice during the off-season and summer camp, and puts preseason hitting practice at the discretion of the coach. This measure would also require all Illinois coaches for K-12 public and private school and youth football leagues to complete an approved online concussion training program.
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“Eliminating off season contact and limiting the amount of hitting practice during training camp and the season are both laws that are long overdue,” said Hunter Hillenmeyer, a former Chicago Bear and founding member of the National Football League Players’ Association Traumatic Brain Injury Committee, in a note of support. “Even in the NFL, full contact practice is forbidden in the offseason. That this rule is not in place for high school and youth athletes is very unfortunate. This law will make youth sports unequivocally safer.”
For more information, please contact Sente’s full time constituent service office at (847) 478-9909, or e-mail RepSente@gmail.com.
