Heading Updates and Concussion Information

HEADING UPDATES:

As part of U.S. Soccer's Player Safety Campaign, U.S. Soccer unveiled the US Soccer Concussion Initiative.

Starting Spring 2016, all teams and players in U11 and younger divisions will no longer be allowed to head the ball in games or at practice.  

RULE OF THE GAME U11 and younger:
When a player deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick (IFK) should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense.  If the deliberate header occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred. If a player does not deliberately head the ball, then play should continue.

CONCUSSION INFO:

Concussion Fact Sheet for coaches