US Soccer 'bans headers' for young players in attempt to reduce concussions following lawsuit

The American governing body of football has banned players under the age of 10 from heading the ball, as part of measures aimed to reduce the number of concussions in youngsters playing the sport.

US Soccer says the ruling, made following 15 months of legal wrangling, will limit players aged 11-13 to heading a ball only during matches and is a result of a class action lawsuit that will now be dismissed.

The group of parents who brought the class-action lawsuit to bear weren't seeking financial damages, but changes to the sport's rules, from limits on headers for children to altering Fifa's substitution procedures - points very similar to US Soccer's decision.

Research from JAMA Pediatrics shows that it's not always the act of putting forehead to ball that causes the injury, but from clashing heads or from hitting the ground after a head shot or clearance.

The data suggests that heading is the "soccer specific" activity that causes the most concussions.

The news was met mostly with approval from within the sport in the US, including ex-international and Major League Soccer player Taylor Twellman - whose career was cut short after suffering several concussions;

It's not immediately clear how the new rules will be enforced across what is one of the most rapidly growing sports in North America or if it will have a detrimental effect on player development.

But - as many older players who have suffered through post-concussive syndrome symptoms will attest - any protocol aimed at reducing potential brain trauma in children has to be greeted with welcome by those in the sport.