Heading
All players in age groups U9, U10 & U11 shall not engage in heading in either practice or games.
All players age 10 years old and younger shall not engage in heading in either practice or games regardless of what age group program they are playing in. For example, a 10 year old playing on a U12 team may not head the ball although his teammates may.
In leagues with double age groups where the U11’s play on U12 teams heading at U12 is not allowed.
For all players between the ages of 11 and 13, heading training will be limited to a maximum of
30 minutes per week with no more that 15-20 headers per player, per week. No limit of heading
in games.
Heading Training
Mass Youth Soccer and all Member Organizations are to inform all coaches to teach and emphasize the importance of proper techniques for heading the ball.
Heading Infraction
For those players designated as not being permitted to head the ball in games as identified in the above section the following modified law 12 will apply.
An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player, in the opinion of the referee, deliberately heads or attempts to head the ball.
If, in the opinion of the referee, a deliberate header or attempt to head occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick will be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred.
If, in the opinion of the referee, a player does not deliberately head or attempt to head the ball, then play shall continue.
Additional Heading Policy Links:
Northeast Soccer League
https://www.nslsoccer.org/news/new-policy-on-heading/
BAYS
Game Rule Summary Chart For Coaches, Parents, and Referees
Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association
MYSA’s Concussion Policy
LUSC Heading Video
https://lexingtonunited.org/heading-drills/
