Youth soccer players not allowed to head ball over concussion concerns?
US soccer has made some big changes for youth soccer players.
•
1 min read
The US soccer federation, in an effort to minimize head injuries in the sport, said on Monday that it is implementing a major change to youth soccer, banning heading of the soccer ball for players aged 10 and under, while those ages 11 to 13 will be restricted to a set amount of total headers allowed per week.
The changes come as result of a law firm's class action lawsuit against various youth soccer groups. Specifics surrounding the policies will be announced in the next month, as much remains a bit unclear.
Here is a statement from US soccer:
The named Plaintiffs in the Mehr youth soccer concussion litigation and the U.S. Defendants, the United States Soccer Federation, United States Youth Soccer Association, American Youth Soccer Organization, US Club Soccer and the California Youth Soccer Association are pleased to announce a resolution of the lawsuit.
The United States Soccer Federation and the other youth member defendants, with input from counsel for the plaintiffs, have developed a sweeping youth soccer initiative designed to (a) improve concussion awareness and education among youth coaches, referees, parents and players; (b) implement more uniform concussion management and return-to-play protocols for youth players suspected of having suffered a concussion; (c) modify the substitution rules to insure such rules do not serve as an impediment to the evaluation of players who may have suffered a concussion during games; and (d) eliminate heading for children 10 and under and limit heading in practice for children between the ages of 11 and 13. The complete details of the initiative along with a more comprehensive player safety campaign will be announced by U.S. Soccer in the next 30 days.
Pretty surprising news that could have long-term effects and potentially could change the way soccer is played all together, but we are a long way away from that. Of course, it always makes sense to always put safety first.
For news, stories, results and more, follow us on Twitter: @CBSSportsSoccer
