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US Soccer ban headers for children under 11 over concussion fears
- Thread starter Stat Brother
- Start date
Pavilionaire
Well-known member
- Jul 7, 2003
- 30,588
This is an example of how a weak FIFA is now adversely affecting the world game.
The US is sensitive because of the scientific facts coming out about American Football. That wasn't hysterical - this is.
The US is sensitive because of the scientific facts coming out about American Football. That wasn't hysterical - this is.
Bold Seagull
strong and stable with me, or...
I'd be chuffed to be getting some of my U10's to head the bloody thing in the first place! 
Megazone
On his last warning
I think that's a good idea.
Kids need to work on their ball control more than heading balls lumped into the air. Hopefully we will implement the same approach to junior football in this country.
Kids need to work on their ball control more than heading balls lumped into the air. Hopefully we will implement the same approach to junior football in this country.
Dick Knights Mumm
Take me Home Falmer Road
Very sensible.
GT49er
Well-known member
Haven't they stopped using heavy soggy leather balls with laces yet, then? Now those DID bloody hurt!
Of course its not sensible and heading is a skill just like the 'cruyff turn' is.
It just needs some thought, usually they wont head the ball anyway, but that shouldnt mean a dedicate coach would not try to encourage it.
Firstly how many times is a under 11 player likely to head it in a way that might harm or have longer term effect, hardly ever.
But even with the concern why not practise with a different type of ball, it really shouldnt be a problem and shouldnt be something to just discard.
We are not talking Bob Latchford and heavy soggy laced footballs here, we are talking about an integral part of the game being overlooked.
The real longer term problems that have rarely happened are likely to be more prevalent on how the game evolves at the older age groups anyway.
It just needs some thought, usually they wont head the ball anyway, but that shouldnt mean a dedicate coach would not try to encourage it.
Firstly how many times is a under 11 player likely to head it in a way that might harm or have longer term effect, hardly ever.
But even with the concern why not practise with a different type of ball, it really shouldnt be a problem and shouldnt be something to just discard.
We are not talking Bob Latchford and heavy soggy laced footballs here, we are talking about an integral part of the game being overlooked.
The real longer term problems that have rarely happened are likely to be more prevalent on how the game evolves at the older age groups anyway.
Last edited:
Not Andy Naylor
Well-known member
I'm just amazed it has taken them this long. Everything that carries even the slightest element of risk will eventually get banned in the USA.
Except carrying loaded guns around, of course.
Except carrying loaded guns around, of course.
Dick Knights Mumm
Take me Home Falmer Road
Of course it is sensible. Let the brain develop. Plenty of time to learn the skill of heading when the child is older.
Dick Knights Mumm
Take me Home Falmer Road
Not when it comes to sport though.
Your kiddin me, I dont expect a dedicated session on the virtues of heading on a rainy February morning, but to somehow target the most rare event of a boy heading an appropriate sized football with any intent is absolutely nonsensical.
If you cared about health and safety on any under 11 training session your risk assessment might evolve around the weekend broken vodka bottle, contaminated dog shite and the over enthusiastic older brother smashing balls at your goal keeper and all that before the real contact of actually playing the game with the usual low risks of injury.
This isnt something that will protect our youngsters, its a stifling over reaction that will effect the fun and dynamic of a kick about, they cannot surely sanction this without moving on to other more relevant contact bearing skills that we allow our children to experience whilst playing.
The_Viper
Well-known member
I can't remember the last time I saw an under 11 head a ball tbh, so it's not a big deal IMO.
Absolute nonsense. Heading is part of football and should be encouraged aswell.
Hillian1
( . ) ( . )
So they've done it to Prevent a Lawsuit.
1066familyman
Radio User
- Jan 15, 2008
- 15,185
I thought this news is at least a year old anyway?
Besides, what is it Clough used to say about playing football in the clouds
Dick Knights Mumm
Take me Home Falmer Road
No. It is the brain.
You may be an excellent coach but not all coaches will show the same levels of care for their charges. Children sometimes need protecting from over-enthusiastic amateurs.
It is the brain. Other bits all recover.
I disagree. Times change. Like outlawing the tackle from behind.
Other parts of the body - carry on as you like. The brain ? No.
symyjym
Banned
Is it actually about heading the ball or avoiding head clashes?
GT49er
Well-known member
Yep, easy to grow new pair of eyes after being blinded by infected dog shite.
Dick Knights Mumm
Take me Home Falmer Road
OK. There is that. dog shit is a real problem. I remember a scoop and plastic bag being an integral part of my coaches bag (along with bibs, balls etc).