The United States Soccer Federation unveiled a series of safety initiatives Monday aimed at addressing head injuries in the sport, including a policy that sets strict limits on youth players heading the ball. The new guidelines resolve a proposed class-action lawsuit filed against U.S. Soccer and others last year, and will prohibit players age 10 and younger from heading the ball and reduce headers in practice for those between the ages of 11 and 13.
The regulations will be mandatory for U.S. Soccer youth national teams and academies, including M.L.S. youth club teams, but only recommendations for other soccer associations and development programs not under its control.