In conjunction with US Soccer and US Youth Soccer, Florida Youth Soccer Association will be instituting a heading ban for players age 10 and younger.
In accordance with the recent U.S. Soccer recommendations on concussion risk management:
FYSA has eliminated heading in matches for player’s age 10-years-old and younger (2006-11u and younger), per the new calendar year registration guidelines. 2005-12U teams will participate in non-heading divisions until December 31, 2016, and then heading divisions shall be permitted Jan 1, 2017.
The guidelines apply to leagues, tournaments, and other FYSA sanctioned events that include 2006-11u and younger age group teams (2005-12U in 2016) heading will not be permitted.
Leagues and tournaments shall allow for 2005-12u heading age divisions after January 1, 2017. Leagues and tournaments will be permitted to form 2005/2006-12u non-heading divisions. (see playing up guidelines)
Teams that opt for 2005-2006-12u non-heading divisions shall only participate in non-heading divisions in league play, tournaments, and all events. Sanctions will be made against teams that do not follow this guideline.