Is this a good thing? Are we visionaries or are we just being overprotective? If our soccer players don't learn to head until they are 14 is there any chance to win a World Cup?
Then again we can get really good at chesting. Why don't we just give the kids peter cech helmets like amateur boxers ;D
Understand why they are doing it, need to get ahead of any potential law suits. Probably overall a negative for development, but if there is an iron clad link between headers and concussions it's probably only a matter of time before it comes to other developed nations. Also there is a chance this ends up as a net positive. An issue in youth sports in general is picking players who are physically more developed rather than ones who are technically skilled. This would help address that issue. A final thing is there is precedent in little leagues that ban the curve ball. Would be interesting to see if those leagues see a drop in pitcher development.
Another classic example of too many lawyers in America. Far, far too many of them. Maybe lawyers should find more important things to do than interfere in youth soccer.
regardless of health issues, it's probably a fine thing. Aside from Jozy Altidore (kidding, sort of), most American players are very decent Headers of the Ball tm. Playing until they are 14 without the tall kid just nodding the thing out of the way all the time cannot hurt too much. Kids might actually have to control the acorn with their, you know, feet.
http://thefirsteleven.com/concussions/ That article says it all imo. I don't think the ruling will do anything really, but I also don't think it'll hinder player development (may help in a weird way). I think people are just getting nervous and while the ruling won't really do anything it'll convince parents that soccer is safe and have them put their kids into the sport at a young age. Not mad about that.
As someone that is highly interested in the safety of sports I think this is a good ruling. I know most of the concussions in soccer occur from collisions when going up for a header--- this will keep kids from even trying to do it. Let their necks muscles develop and have them work on dribbling and leg strength. At least this shows that the USSF is interested in keeping the game safe and are in tune with the CTE crisis that football, in particular, and other sports has (including soccer).
http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/01/health/soccer-headers-concussion-study/index.html Soccer: Heading the ball linked to concussion symptoms By Susan Scutti, CNN Updated 5:00 PM ET, Wed February 1, 2017
I have played professional soccer in Spain and soccer for 45 years and never heard of any child being hurt as a result of playing soccer...
God we had to head a casey, with thick laces. When it was soaked with water from rain or wet grass it was like heading a brick. Modern balls feel like balloons by comparison.