Senator: young football players need safe helmets

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) - U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer wants to make sure young football players wear safe helmets.

Schumer is visiting a suburban Rochester football field Monday to announce his support for new legislation designed to improve standards for youth and high school football helmets.

Schumer says the current voluntary safety standards for football helmets do not specifically address concussion risk or youth-size helmets. The proposed legislation would establish a process for new, youth-focused safety standards.

Concerns about the long-term health effects of repeated concussions have increased in recent years and many parents are reconsidering whether football is safe enough for their children.