California has joined a handful of other states to limit the time middle school and high school football teams can spend on full-contact practice.

A new law signed Monday by Gov. Jerry Brown takes effect Jan. 1 and sets a maximum of two 90-minute sessions per week during the preseason and season. No full-contact practices are allowed during the offseason.

The law also mandates that players who suffer a concussion are removed from play for a week. Current laws set no limit on live drills and allow for a one-day return-to-play wait.

Texas law limits full-contact to one day a week, and Arkansas is considering a similar bill. Other states, including Alabama, Michigan and Wisconsin, limit full-contact practices through state association bylaws.

USA Football’s Levels of Contact emphasize the same approach for youth athletes. All drills should first be introduced to players with no opponent or resistance so they can develop confidence in the movements required. Players can then proceed to working against bags before player-on-player contact.

Live, full-contact hitting is reserved solely for simulating game situations and should be used on a limited basis.

“By enforcing an intensity or contact level that a player is not ready for, you risk the physical and mental well-being of that athlete,” said Nick Inzerello, USA Football senior director of football development. “Coaches should seek to create a strong foundation of skills in their players, instilling confidence and ensuring the well-being of their players.

“Drill instruction is best when used at the lower level of the scale to make sure players are using correct techniques before progressing to a more advanced level. Use live-action sparingly and only when appropriate.”