ANDOVER, Mass. — Youth football coaches and parents in the Merrimack Valley say a proposal to ban tackle football in Massachusetts is misguided.
They made their feelings known Wednesday night at a panel discussion in Andover. The panel included health professionals and former NFL players.
This is a hot button issue all over the state of Massachusetts right now.
Wednesday night, a state senator who opposes the tackle football plan brought a room of like-minded people together.
Is tackle football too dangerous for kids? If you ask the members of this panel, the answer is: No.
"I would still do it all over again," said Andre Tippett, executive director of community affairs for the New England Patriots.
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The most recognizable is Hall of Famer Andre Tippett.
He played 11 seasons with the New England Patriots.
"We talk about so many issues with the game. The game is a great game and it's a game that has given a lot," Tippett said.
The panel discussion was organized in response to a proposal on Beacon Hill that would ban any child in grades 7 and under from playing the sport across the state.
Supporters say the ban is needed to prevent brain trauma.
Some studies suggest repeated hits can lead to serious long-term mental and physical problems.
But Dr. Karen Postal, a neuropsychologist at Harvard Medical School, says some of the danger is overblown.
"Is there any cause for concern with one concussion or two concussions or three concussions and the research has shown there is not, and it's important that parents understand that," Postal said.
Football coaches and parents in the audience describe big changes in sports. They say kids are hitting less with better equipment and new guidelines mandate that they are monitored closely.
"Just from when my older son, who is now 21, played to now when my 11-year-old is playing, I have seen a huge difference in the education with the coaches and how much they are trying to make sure the kids are safe," said Shannon Gagne, a Lawrence football mom.
The panel was organized by state senator Barry Finegold of Andover. He says parents, and not politicians, should decide if tackle football is safe, and he will fight any attempt to change that.
"What do you think is going to happen with this bill?" said Finegold.
"Anything is possible on Beacon Hill. Could I see it passing? Possibly, but I think if we do more forums like this to inform people, people will do better making the decision for themselves," he said.
The proposed ban would carry a $2,000 fine per violation and a $10,000 fine if a youth football player is seriously injured.
Massachusetts is not alone.
Lawmakers in a handful of other states are considering similar legislation.
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