A controversial bill (House Bill 1205) sponsored by State Rep. Carol Sente (D-Vernon Hills) to limit tackling in youth football practice failed in committee Thursday, according to the Illinois General Assembly website.
The bill was tabled, though Sente told the Chicago Tribune she intends to forge ahead and speak to the Illinois High School Association and report back to the House committee before the legislative session end in May.
Sente hosted a community forum at Vernon Hills High School in February on the dangers of concussions and head injuries related to hitting in football. She solicited opinions from coaches, parents, athletes and medical professionals, reported Patch.
In response to public input, Sente tweaked her original proposal to allow football teams two days of full-contact hitting (tackling) practice during the regular season only, but the House committee felt coaches needed more flexability, reported the Tribune.
Related:
New Rules Approved to Minimize Injury to High School Football Players
Update: Local Coaches Question Law Limiting Football Practice