Assemblyman Angelo J. Morinello (R,C,I,Ref-Niagara Falls) will join Sen. Ortt, local elected officials, and local coaches and parents at a rally on Saturday, Nov. 9th opposition to a ban on tackle football for youth football players 12 years and under. The rally will take place at Rescue Firehall on 1241 Strad Ave. in North Tonawanda. Morinello believes an outright ban on youth tackle football is an extreme and unhealthy legislative measure that was submitted without sufficient information.

“When California attempted to ban youth football, the California Youth Football Alliance stated that the bill was an unnecessary and ineffective example of interference in parental rights, and the same can be said for this proposal in New York state,” said Morinello. “In football, coaches focus on teaching basic skills to protect their players and avoid serious injury. We should review the current safety standards that are in effect and ensure all coaches are certified and equipped to properly coach a team. Teaching the proper basics of safe play at an early age helps participants progress to play at a higher level. I’m hopeful this rally will send a message to those in favor of this measure that we cannot and should not encroach on youth sports in our state.”

“The banning of tackle football for New York’s youth athletes is wholly unnecessary,” said Sen. Ortt. “Tackling is a fundamental part of the game and learning the proper techniques is necessary for the safety of participants as they enter more competitive levels later on in life. Instead of spending their time attempting to parent and coach the participants of youth football in New York, legislators of our state should be focused issues they are actually responsible for like lowing taxes and addressing one of the worst business climates in the nation.”