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Football associations in the United Kingdom released new guidelines that ban heading, or using the head, in youth football.
What prompted the associations to create the guidelines was a study called Football’s InfluencE on Lifelong health and Dementia risk (FIELD). Researchers from the University of Glasgow compared the health records of former football athletes in Scotland with individuals from the general public. The study revealed that football players were more vulnerable to brain diseases, like dementia or memory loss, and motor neuron diseases that manifest in weakening muscle movements.
The Scottish Football Association (Scottish FA) clarified that there was no clear evidence that heading directly caused brain diseases, but it implemented the guidelines to mitigate further risks.
Following the guidelines, coaches will not teach heading to players below 12. In the 12 to 15 age group, only a few players would be allowed to practice it. Sixteen- to seventeen-year-olds could practice heading, but they would be limited to only one practice session weekly.
Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell said that the goal of the ban is for coaches to do away with heading among young football players and introduce the technique at an age prescribed by medical professionals. He also emphasized that the organization would continuously review the guidelines to make sure that it serves its purpose of providing a safer environment for the players.
Dr. John MacLean, co-author of the FIELD study and a Scottish FA medical consultant, also believes that the new guidelines will give reassurance to young athletes and their families.