Ifab considers banning headers for under 12s

Published on 08/17/2022 15:05 / Updated on 08/17/2022 15:44

The International Football Association Board (Ifab) is studying a topic that divides opinions in the world of football, with headers in matches under the age of 12. Headlines in the field have been linked to an increased likelihood of developing degenerative brain disease.

Former referee Sálvio Spínola posted on his social networks that the federation would have agreed to remove the head for under-12 games. However, the procedure is officially under study and has not yet been confirmed.

official:
IFAB prohibits players under the age of 12 from heading the ball.
The title will be missed.
Medical recommendation.
Football change to protect health. pic.twitter.com/YCb2lEjQTW

Salvio Spinola August 17 2022

In a note sent to Mail, IFAP said it “does not ban heads in competitions for minors” and that it issued a ruling to investigate the effects of the “headtie” and make it a punishable offence.

This move remains a concern due to the potential negative impact on the health and well-being of players in the short and long term. The concern relates to potential head injuries resulting from impacts, listed by the entity in the following list:

• deliberately head the ball
• Accidentally hitting the ball at your head (especially unexpectedly or from close range).
• Attempts to head the ball (particularly in aerobic play) that brings the head into contact with another player’s body (elbow, head, etc.)
• hit the head on the ground
• Hit your head on the beam

Judging will be conducted to assess the application in competitions and matches at the U-12 level and below (currently in the UK and USA), where head restrictions already exist in practice and matches.

These concerns are greatest when children are involved, as their bodies, minds, and motor skills are still developing and they may not have the physiological strength or experience to reduce potential risks. As a result, some football authorities have already introduced head restraints in the training of young players, and thus extended these restrictions to matches.

Federation of English for Standard Test

The Football Association has received approval to conduct a test next season to remove the intentional header in under-12 matches. Testing will take place during the 2022-23 season. If successful, the rule change will be required for all U-12s and under matches since the start of the 2023-24 season.