New legislation has been proposed in New York City that would require all youth tackle football games played in the city to have a physician present on the sidelines, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Additionally, a physician or certified athletic trainer would need to be present at every full-contact practice to guard against concussions, a measure that may cost the city's youth leagues as much as $1 million a year.
Prior to the new proposal, the New York City Public School Athletic League already required physician presence at every high school football game. The new legislation and an accompanying bill would extend the requirement to practices and all games that require a permit from the Department of Parks and Recreation, including some games between private schools and community groups.
The risk of concussions related to football are not disputed, but many— including New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration and the city's Department of Parks and Recreation have questioned the financial feasibility and ability to enforce the legislation, should it pass, according to the report.
Robert Zayas, the executive director of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, has said he'd be willing to follow the example set by California, Texas and Michigan and limit the number of full-tackle practices rather than finding a physician or trainer.
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