Hello friends,

I’m writing to alert you to a bill currently in the Massachusetts State House that would ban tackle football at the youth level.  The bill is attached (HD2501), and while it is titled only “An Act for no organized head impacts to schoolchildren.”, the bill singles out one sport, football, and specifically tackle football, to be banned for children in grade seven and under.

On behalf of the board of directors at Danvers Youth football, I am asking for your help by reaching out to your legislator and asking them to defeat this bill.

In Danvers, your State Representative is Ted Speliotis (617-722-2410, Theodore.[email protected]) and your State Senator is Joan Lovely (617-722-1410, Joan.Lovely@masenate.gov).  Please reach out to them and let them know about your experience with Danvers Youth Football.

There is also a petition that I would urge you all to sign as soon as possible:  https://petitions.moveon.org/p/N_auu

Please pass this along to your family and friends.  I understand that there are similar petitions and campaigns active in various social media forums as well.

Without your help, the opportunity to play tackle youth football may be taken away from the youth of tomorrow, and the ability to make the decision will be taken away from the parents.  Please help prevent that from happening.

Sincerely,

Tom Ladd,

President, Danvers Youth Football