Heading the ball to be banned at U12 level (season long trial)

[RayCTID]

It is near enough impossible to minimise impact as far as heading the ball is concerned. Regardless of age

 

[Blue Til Death]

When we were talking about water sodden caseys I could have seen the point but the balls nowadays haven't any weight in them really.

What next thicker shoes in case someone's feet are hurt.

Was just about to post similar, the modern day balls are nothing compared to the cannon balls we headed in days gone by..!
I think it’s a ridiculous idea to be honest..!!

 

[denislawsbackheel]

I see the dinosaurs are out.
No doubt still regretting the demise of leather studs and kids being allowed to play with size three balls and small pitches.

 

[WestGorton]

Having spent years running junior football in the past I agree with this below a certain age. Very few actively head the ball until mid teens in any respect. It will improve skill levels too notwithstanding the safety issue.

 

[WestGorton]

I see the dinosaurs are out.
No doubt still regretting the demise of leather studs and kids being allowed to play with size three balls and small pitches.

Also in mini soccer I would have five a side rules and below head height.

 

[Pingu the Penguin]

Obviously cases like Jeff Astle show how heading the ball can affect a footballer’s life.

Balls are significantly lighter these days. Has there been a footballer diagnosed with a brain injury that has played in the last 20 years?

I was listening to a piece on the radio with a guy who has researched this. The velocity of the ball is as much an issue as the weight. The tech means they fly much faster. And the weight rules for balls has never changed.

 

[Alan Harper's Tash]

I was listening to a piece on the radio with a guy who has researched this. The velocity of the ball is as much an issue as the weight. The tech means they fly much faster. And the weight rules for balls has never changed.

True as F=MA.

The rules may not have changed, but the balls weigh a lot less than the caseys of yesteryear.

 

[Jesus2020]

Madness. I've headed a ball since that age and it's done me no how much for the pink coloured paper towels I'm not paying that and why is it that we have to go to Doncaster everytime you post this I'm on the way but I don't have enough Jaffa cakes to pay the fair.

 

[Father Paul]

I see the dinosaurs are out.
No doubt still regretting the demise of leather studs and kids being allowed to play with size three balls and small pitches.

If you are willing to pay 50 or more to watch a game in which heading is not allowed fair play mate. This dinosaur will have watched his last match.
I can see it happening though as the level of insanity in this world seems to know no bounds so most unlike me will accept this. If medical advice deems it is dangerous then reducing the amount of time people head the ball outside of matchday might be an option along with some hi-tech lightweight headgear during games. A ban is such a fundamental shift so as to render the game no more than a glorified kick about.

 

[ninjamonkey]

Isn't really going to have much impact, there's not many under 12s routinely heading balls as it is anyway and if they are heading it, they're from floated crosses from kids a similar age who barely have the power to lift the ball nevermind smash a cross in.

Has any research been done into it with modern balls? All research into it I hear about are players in their 60/70/80's who played with a solid cast when it was like heading bricks. The balls nowadays are designed to be very light.