YAKS/FWSC has adopted the NCYSA Heading Policy:
U12 and younger: NO HEADING ALLOWED at any time (in games or training)
U13/14/15: HEADING ALLOWED IN GAMES (restricted in training)
From the USSF Player Development Initiative.
- Deliberate heading is not allowed in U12 and younger games or training
- If 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 nearest point to where the infringement occurred
- Heading is allowed in U13/14/15 games without limitations (parents and coaches are to discourage younger players in this age group). Heading is restricted in training and should only be occurring if taught correctly.
In matches for U13 and older, the roster/team could include U12 and younger players. During a game, if heading occurs by a player U12 and younger, the referee will not stop play and issue an indirect free kick. It would be very difficult for a referee to be able (during the run of play) to determine if a player that heads the ball is U12 or younger. As stated by the Federation, it will be the coach and parent’s responsibility to “police” a child U12 and younger on heading in a U13 and older match. In other words the heading rules on the field will follow the age group of the team playing the game, not the individual players.