Soccer Federation recommends ban on headers for youth players

With the controversy over concussions and long-term effects on athletes, the U.S. Soccer Federation has taken steps to increase player safety. It has officially recommended a ban on headers for players 10 and under. They also suggest limits for players between 11 and 13 and having medical professionals rather than coaches make decisions on whether players suspected of concussions can remain in games.

As part of an announcement that a lawsuit over concussions filed last year had been settled, the Soccer Federation said it is implementing the changes for U.S. youth national teams and its development academy, which are controlled by the governing body.

The Federation is strongly urging these guidelines be adopted by all of its members, which includes youth local level entities and American professional leagues not under direct authority of the defendants in the lawsuit.