US Soccer heading rules for youth players
US Soccer bans heading the ball in games and training for players age 10 and under (U11 and younger); heading is permitted in games starting at U12, with limited training exposure at U12-U13, as part of a 2015 policy to reduce head-injury risk.
Rules by age
| Age | Games | Training |
|---|---|---|
| U6-U11 | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| U12-U13 | Allowed | Limited (~30 min/week, ~15-20 headers) |
| U14+ | Allowed | Unrestricted |
Source: US Soccer Player Safety Campaign, Concussion Initiatives.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can kids head the ball in soccer?+
US Soccer bans heading in games and training for players age 10 and under (U11 and younger). Heading is permitted in games starting at U12; training exposure is limited from U12 through U13.
Why does US Soccer ban heading for young players?+
The policy was adopted in 2015 to reduce head-injury and concussion risk in young players whose necks and brains are still developing.
Can U11 players head the ball in practice?+
No. US Soccer bans heading in both games and training through U11.
What about U12 heading limits?+
US Soccer permits heading in U12 games but limits training exposure to about 30 minutes per week, with no more than 15-20 headers per session.
Does the heading rule apply to Canada Soccer?+
Canada Soccer follows similar guidance, restricting heading in younger age groups; details vary by provincial association.
What happens if a U11 player heads the ball in a match?+
Play stops and the opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick from the spot of the header (unless in the penalty area, in which case it is placed on the goal-area line closest to where the header occurred).