In the last week, the U.S Soccer Federation has put into place new laws that either ban or limit the amount of heading allowed for children under the age of 13. These laws were put into place over a lawsuit created by a group of parents and players that charged FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), U.S Soccer and the American Youth Soccer Organization with negligence for not taking action against the large amounts of concussions soccer players suffer from each year. The lawsuit showed that in 2010 more high school soccer players suffered from these head injuries than players in baseball, softball, basketball and wrestling combined.

There is widespread controversy over this topic. Some people say that this is a fantastic thing while others question the new law saying that not learning the correct technique to head the ball at a young age could cause future damage.

These are all very valid points. Concussions are a very serious issue in soccer that can lead to life long injuries if not diagnosed and treated correctly. But, are kids under the age of 13 really where the main focus on this topic should be?

The average speed of a kicked soccer ball for players 13 and older is 60 miles per hour and that amount of speed is not going to come off of the foot of a child under 13. If anything, a younger soccer player would get a concussion from a collision with another player. At that age, balls just aren’t hit with enough force to do significant damage compared to older players.

As an older player, you are expected to head the ball. When balls are flying around at speeds upwards of around 60 miles per hour,  and headed repeatedly, you are going to do some damage to your head. Nearly a third of athletes have had a previously undiagnosed concussion and multiple head injuries can lead to serious consequences. No one wants to step off of the field because they have a head ache. You just ignore it and keep playing.

Players don’t realize the severity of these head traumas because up until a few years ago, there was hardly any protocol for treating a concussion.  These new laws need to be put into place in the older age groups where they are needed so they can help protect players from a lifetime of head injuries and ultimately the end to their soccer careers.