WHEREAS, The developing brains of children are uniquely vulnerable to repetitive head impacts, with research demonstrating structural and functional changes from subconcussive trauma occurring even in the absence of diagnosed concussions; and

WHEREAS, Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a preventable neurodegenerative disease caused by repeated head trauma, has been neuropathologically confirmed in contact sport athletes as young as 17 years of age, establishing the urgent need for early preventative education; and

WHEREAS, Section 124235 of the Health and Safety Code requires youth sports organizations to provide concussion and sudden cardiac arrest information sheets, but critically fails to address the distinct mechanisms and cumulative risks for CTE from repetitive subconcussive impacts, nor does it provide education for youth athletes and coaches despite participation in contact sports beginning as early as five years of age, while also lacking guardian accountability measures for understanding sports-related neurological risks; and

WHEREAS, Peer-reviewed studies demonstrate that 85 percent of parents underestimate the frequency of head impacts in youth football games, and fewer than 20 percent can identify CTE symptoms, creating dangerous knowledge gaps; and

WHEREAS, Californias existing school concussion protocols prove the efficacy of mandated safety education, yet fail to address the epidemic of subconcussive trauma preceding diagnosable concussions; and

WHEREAS, The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends delaying tackle football and heading soccer balls until adolescence, citing irreversible axonal damage observed in preadolescent athletes after single seasons of contact sports; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of the Legislature to enact future amendments to the California Youth Football Act, protecting youth athletes by requiring annual distribution of CTE-specific information sheets to guardians and coaches participating in contact sports, including football, soccer, lacrosse, and other activities with recognized head impact risks. It is the intent of the Legislature that the amendments will prohibit athletic participation until guardians certify receipt of CTE education materials and acknowledge understanding of the progressive nature of CTE, age-specific vulnerability factors, and safer sport alternatives. It is the intent of the Legislature that the information sheets will include evidence-based data on pediatric CTE risks, symptom timelines distinguishing early versus late-stage manifestations, California youth football safety provisions, and return-to-learn protocols for subconcussive impacts; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby recognizes the urgency to amend existing concussion protocols, creating a comprehensive approach to brain injury prevention, and that all youth sports organizations must implement modified rules designed to reduce head impacts. It is the intent of the Legislature that these organizations be required to voluntarily submit annual safety reports documenting head impact exposure during practices and games while providing noncontact alternatives for athletes whose families choose to minimize head injury risks; and be it further

Resolved, That the Legislature declares its commitment to leading the nation in evidence-based brain safety for youth athletes, recognizing that no childs neurological future should be compromised by preventable sports injuries. This resolution affirms Californias dedication to translating cutting-edge neuroscience into practical protections for its youngest citizens participating in athletic activities; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.

ACR 175: Chronic traumatic encephalopathy awareness.

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