Heading the Ball Restrictions

Since this appears to be a hot topic now that the USSF have banned heading for all ages under 10 and allowed only in practice for U11-U13 (I think that's the breakdown), what do you think?

Personally I believe this is rubbish.

BubbleWrap FC

Complete rubbish. Teach them how to do it properly earlier, those who aren't comfortable with it won't do it in games anyway, and those who are should know how to do it correctly.

Someone is going to get seriously hurt and will say "because no one taught me." However, it will be VERY interesting to read the stats re: concussions and related injuries 10 years from now when heading has been banned for that period and compare it to the 10 years prior the banning.

I would like to know how many U10 and under players have been diagnosed with concussions directly attributable to taking a soccer ball to the heed... I just can't see it being such an issue.

For me personally over my playing career, I had 7 concussions and each one was due to a clash of noggins.

Maybe they should ban running backwards in youth soccer too as that is a dangerous action at that age, especially on old worn-down turf.

Just curious, at what ages did you get your concussions? Is 7 concussions typical for a soccer player? Did you have to get treated, lose playing time, maybe parts of seasons? That's what happened to a U14 teammate of my daughter, but her concussion originated from bashing heads during basketball! And I believe she had been concussed when younger too...

Admin said:

I would like to know how many U10 and under players have been diagnosed with concussions directly attributable to taking a soccer ball to the heed... I just can't see it being such an issue.

For me personally over my playing career, I had 7 concussions and each one was due to a clash of noggins.

Maybe they should ban running backwards in youth soccer too as that is a dangerous action at that age, especially on old worn-down turf.

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My first couple were in my early 20's with the last one in my early 40's.

No long term effects.

No long term effects.

Our understanding of concussions is for ever increasing and we shouldn't be so quick to dismiss it. I would argue what value is there in teaching 6-9 year olds heading the ball in the first place. Not an important element of the game at that age as the ball doesn't spend a lot of time in the air, certainly not crossing the ball into the box from the flanks at that age. so why not ban it, and introduce it in practices first? Teach proper technique first, and educate coaches on teaching proper technique..
Now does heading a ball cause a concussion, seems US Soccer has enough evidence to think so, or at least enough pressure from a law suit to cause action. I am not a doctor or researcher so who am I to suggest its rubbish as unlikely as it may seem.

We should ban climbing in trees, skateboarding and jumping.

Admin said:

We should ban climbing in trees, skateboarding and jumping.

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Or we can refuse to accept new information, never change , bury ourselves head first in the ground...
Bubble football looks fun...

Really think this is much ado about nothing., in 10 years of coaching I have never taught kids under 10 the ;art' of heading the ball, not because of fear of concussion but because there is just little point or benefit in doing so.... most still don't know how to dribble proficiently , or use two feet.. around U11 is the right time to introduce it has in my experience this is when they start trying it on their own...

But what exactly is the new information?

We know that kids falling out of trees results in broken bones so why isn't there an outcry to ban all climbing in trees under the age of 12?

In my experience, kids like trying fun things and sorry but heading in soccer is one of them. Yes, there are little opportunities at those age levels in game situations but I don't see too many players juggling a soccer ball in a game at any age level. Yet, learning to juggle a ball is a core skill development.

Apologies in advance to any Americans reading this but I read a funny quip earlier today that there is a link between concussions and being Amercian

All in fun!

I think the issue is that the brain is a fickle thing. Broken bones can be mended. Brain damage caused by concussions is really unkown. What are the long term effects? More and more high profile athletes are having problems later in life due to post concussion syndrome. It may be an unpopular opinion, but these are children. Who am I to disagree with the USSF? They most likely more information available than I.

If you feel that heading is super important to the players at that age, let the parents know whats up, and if they are willing they can practice it with their own child.