March 25, 2025
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) – California Assemblymember Avelino Valencia (D-Anaheim) has introduced Assembly Bill 708 to protect young athletes by permitting the use of soft-shelled helmet add-ons during practices and games.
“Assembly Bill 708 empowers parents to make informed decisions about their children’s safety in youth football,” said Assemblymember Valencia. “As a former player, I know the excitement and risks of the game, especially during the critical developmental years of childhood. It is our responsibility to ensure that parents have access to the best safety equipment available.”
Currently, some youth football leagues prohibit players from wearing soft-shelled helmet add-ons. Research conducted by Virginia Tech University has demonstrated that soft-shelled helmet add-ons can significantly reduce the forces of impact, leading to a 24.7% decrease in concussion risk.
Notably, the National Football League (NFL) has already adopted this technology for its players, highlighting its effectiveness and reliability.
Assembly Bill 708 addresses this issue by granting parents the autonomy to decide whether their children can wear soft-shelled helmet add-ons. This legislation empowers families to take proactive steps in reducing the risk of concussions and aligns youth football safety regulations with those of the NFL.
Through this bill, we aim to foster a safer environment for young athletes, ensuring them and their families can enjoy the game with greater peace of mind.