HEADING THE BALL - When is it Allowed?

APPLIES TO ALL PLAYERS UP TO AND INCLUDING 11U.

NO intentional headers allowed!

As part of the U.S. Soccer Player Safety Initiative, heading the ball is not allowed in leagues with players 11 and under.

► Rule:   "When a player deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. If the deliberate header occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred. If a player does not deliberately head the ball, then play should continue."