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Children banned from heading footballs during training Children banned from heading footballs during training
(30 minutes later)
Football associations in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland have issued new guidelines for children heading the ball.Football associations in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland have issued new guidelines for children heading the ball.
The restrictions apply for all age groups for under-18s, with under-12s banned from heading the ball.The restrictions apply for all age groups for under-18s, with under-12s banned from heading the ball.
The rules, which will be introduced immediately, will only apply in training.The rules, which will be introduced immediately, will only apply in training.
It follows research that showed former footballers were three-and-a-half times more likely to die from brain disease.It follows research that showed former footballers were three-and-a-half times more likely to die from brain disease.
There will be a graduated approach for youngsters aged between 12 and 16.There will be a graduated approach for youngsters aged between 12 and 16.
The Glasgow University study, published in October last year, found that former professional footballers were more likely to die of degenerative brain disease - and five times more likely to die from Parkinson's disease. FA chief executive, Mark Bullingham, said: "This updated heading guidance is an evolution of our current guidelines and will help coaches and teachers to reduce and remove repetitive and unnecessary heading from youth football.
The findings did not provide answers as to why, but the Scottish FA (SFA) said it was all about common sense and mitigation. "Our research has shown that heading is rare in youth football matches, so this guidance is a responsible development to our grassroots coaching without impacting the enjoyment that children of all ages take from playing the game."
"The updated guidelines are designed to help coaches remove repetitive and unnecessary heading from youth football in the earliest year," said the Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell. The University of Glasgow study, published in October last year, found that former professional footballers were more likely to die of degenerative brain disease - and five times more likely to die from Parkinson's disease.
"It is important to reassure that heading is rare in youth football matches but we are clear that the guidelines should mitigate any potential risk." There was no evidence in the study that linked incidences of the disease with heading the ball, but the FA said the new guidance had been issued to "mitigate against any potential risks".
The guidelines in Scotland also say that younger players should not be penalised for heading the ball during matches, but that coaches should encourage passing, dribbling and combination play. Updated heading guidance
'Positive approach' Scottish FA chief executive, Ian Maxwell, said Scottish football had a "duty of care" to young people and those responsible for their wellbeing.
The SFA said they were encouraging people to report poor practice in relation to the new rules to the relevant association. There will also be monitoring and updates issued on the guidance every year. "The updated guidelines are designed to help coaches remove repetitive and unnecessary heading from youth football in the earliest years, with a phased introduction at an age group considered most appropriate by our medical experts," he said.
Dr John Maclean, who works for the SFA and also took part in the field study, said Scotland was helping to lead the way globally. Irish FA Chief Executive, Patrick Nelson, said: "Our football committee has reviewed and approved the new guidelines. As an association we believe this is the right direction of travel and are confident it will be good for the game, and those who play it."
Dr John Maclean, who works for the SFA and also took part in the University of Glasgow Field Study, said Scotland was helping to lead the way globally.
"I am proud that the Scottish FA has taken a positive, proactive and proportionate approach to the findings of the field study," he said."I am proud that the Scottish FA has taken a positive, proactive and proportionate approach to the findings of the field study," he said.
"Scottish football has taken a lead of the subject of head injury and trauma in sport, from becoming the first country in the world to produce cross-sport concussion guidelines, to having one of the best medical education programmes in sport.""Scottish football has taken a lead of the subject of head injury and trauma in sport, from becoming the first country in the world to produce cross-sport concussion guidelines, to having one of the best medical education programmes in sport."
A similar ban, that also includes restrictions during matches, has been in place in the United States since 2015.A similar ban, that also includes restrictions during matches, has been in place in the United States since 2015.
The rule change there came after a number of coaches and parents took legal action against the US Soccer Federation.The rule change there came after a number of coaches and parents took legal action against the US Soccer Federation.