There are concerns about the potential negative impact on players’ short- and long-term health/welfare with regard to potential head injuries resulting from:
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These concerns are exacerbated when children are involved, as their bodies, brains and motor skills are still developing and they may not have the physiological strength or the expertise to reduce potential risks. Consequently, some football authorities have already introduced restrictions on heading in practice/training for younger players and it is therefore logical to extend such restrictions to matches.
\nAlthough a ban on deliberate heading may remove some risks, it might also increase others, e.g. players trying to kick ‘high’ balls, which could result in the kicker being injured (e.g. by falling awkwardly) or injuring another player by kicking them in the head or upper body.
\nTherefore, decisions about heading bans must take into account the relative risks of heading at different ages, whether a ban inadvertently results in other risks and the major impact that banning heading at all levels would have on the way football is played.
\nConsidering the importance of this matter, The IFAB has approved a trial to investigate the effects of ‘deliberate heading’ becoming an offence punishable by an indirect free kick.* The trial will be conducted in competitions and matches at U-12 level and below, where there are restrictions on heading in practice/training.
\n*It was felt that in the initial stages, a direct free kick (and especially a penalty for a header in the penalty area) would be too harsh for such young players.
","model":{"apiKey":"news_html"},"apiKey":"news_html"},{"id":"DatoCmsNewsHtml-I_5nBUm4SvyZSS21o8HtCA-en","htmlContent":"The trial protocol has been approved by The IFAB and must be used in its entirety. No variations are allowed except as outlined in the protocol.
","model":{"apiKey":"news_html"},"apiKey":"news_html"},{"id":"DatoCmsProtocol-UPRUQVzMQEyhi3l5pXCYAQ-en","model":{"apiKey":"protocol"},"protocolA":{"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/43623/1681399197-ifab_deliberate-heading-u12s-trial-information_en_v3_final.pdf"},"protocolB":null,"protocolADesktop":{"alt":null,"height":650,"width":2008,"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/43623/1660135268-theifab_web_new-protocols-01.jpg?auto=format"},"protocolAMobile":{"alt":null,"height":773,"width":2007,"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/43623/1660566614-theifab_web_new-protocols-02.jpg?auto=format"},"protocolBDesktop":null,"protocolBMobile":null,"apiKey":"protocol"},{"id":"DatoCmsNewsHtml-B_uEFw-5QACGySYh_QJB9g-en","htmlContent":"The trial protocol must be used in full by all participating competitions. Confederations and national FAs (on behalf of the competitions under their auspices) must apply to The IFAB for permission to take part in the trial.
\nCompetitions participating in the trial will be required to collect a range of data and feedback for submission to The IFAB, with the exact details and methodology still to be determined.
\nCurrently, the trial is being held in England and the US in competitions involving players aged twelve and below. The trial is also open to all other competitions and federations, provided they receive permission from The IFAB, comply with the protocol and submit the required data and feedback information.
","model":{"apiKey":"news_html"},"apiKey":"news_html"},{"id":"DatoCmsHighlight-GD9e3W__Sw-Fw1oG9iv4Fw-en","model":{"apiKey":"highlight"},"extraTopMargin":true,"isBiggerOnMobile":true,"highlight":"FAQs","apiKey":"highlight"},{"id":"DatoCmsQuestionAndAnswer-fraUBXZESiulbFjovHbRYA-en","answer":"The trial follows concerns about the possible risks of heading the ball and associated risks resulting from attempting to head the ball, especially in ‘aerial challenges’ with other players when impact to the head may result from contact with another player’s body (e.g. elbow/head), the ground and/or a goal post.
","question":"A deliberate header will usually involve:
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When judging if a header is ‘deliberate’, account should be taken of whether the player had the time/opportunity to avoid the ball - this will be influenced by:
\nIn the trial, deliberate heading of the ball is an offence punishable by an indirect free kick.
","question":"No. The trial is not part of the Laws of the Game and will only take place in competitions and matches involving players aged under 12 and below, where there already exist restrictions on heading in training.
","question":"After extensive examination of the trial results and consultations within the various IFAB bodies, a decision can be made as to whether the ban will be permanently implemented into the Laws of the Game or not and whether it would be mandatory or optional. For more information on The IFAB’s decision-making process, click here.
","question":"The indirect free kick is taken at the point where the ball was deliberately headed. However, if a player of the defending team deliberately heads the ball in their own penalty area, the free kick is taken from the penalty mark.
","question":"Deliberately heading the ball is not a cautionable (yellow card) or sending-off (red card) offence unless it:
\nThe indirect free kick awarded for a defending team player deliberately heading the ball inside their own penalty area is taken from the penalty mark because:
\nThe trial is open to all competitions and matches involving players aged under 12 and below, where there are restrictions on heading in practice/training. Confederations and national FA’s (on behalf of the competitions under their auspices) must apply to The IFAB for permission to take part in the trial, which will only be given to competitions using the official protocol and that agree to submit the requested feedback.
","question":"The results will be assessed by The IFAB. Each competition organiser will be required to provide data and feedback to The IFAB during and after completion of the competition.
","question":"