BYS Heading the Ball Policy

Blackford Youth Soccer follows the heading guidelines established by Indiana Soccer and U.S. Soccer to promote player safety and age-appropriate development.

U10 and Younger (10 years old and under)

·       Deliberate heading is NOT permitted in games or practices.

·       If deliberate heading occurs in a game, an indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team.

·       This rule applies even if a younger player is playing up on an older team.

U12

·       Heading is permitted in games.

·       Training is limited to a maximum of 30 minutes of heading per week.

·       Each player is limited to no more than 20 headers per week in training.

·       Coaches must focus on proper technique and safe instruction.

U15

·       No formal heading restrictions.

·       Coaches are encouraged to continue teaching proper technique and limit unnecessary repetition.

Coach Responsibilities

·       Follow all heading guidelines strictly.

·       Monitor players for signs of concussion or head injury.

·        Remove any player suspected of head injury immediately and follow return-to-play protocols.