As a long-time clinician & soccer referree, I think heading sould be banned from all but the pro leagues! There really is no safe way to head a hard #5 ball. Remember that brain damage seriously compromises the mind & the sense of self. Do’nt compromise these essential qualities! And direct contact to the head is not the only source of concussions. Any violent body collisions w/ another player can also produce them.

Rich

Thank you so much for this great blog!
I am quite concerned with using header in soccer games as I love using header in both offensive and defensive ends. I estimate I head the ball 300 times a year (play a game every two week), do you think I should avoid using my header or if im not a frequent header, i can continue to use it?

Also, what is to be a safe heading postures? use the forehead mainly? or should I come up to the ball rather than waiting it to fall onto my head?

Thank you so much!!
Andrew

If you’re interested in more information, there will be a 4th International Consensus Conference on Concussion in Sports in Zurich this November 1-2, hosted by FIFA. Members of my research team will be presenting posters there. For more information, please see: http://concussion-in-sport.com/2012/

Best,

Amy

Rich

I’ve been a youth soccer referee for 29 yrs of this beautiful game; & for a # of years I was a coach. I’ve always cautioned U 14 & under to not directly head the ball. Let it bounce & control it using other tactics, or avoid it altogether.

In my neck of the woods, girls basketball is very competitive. There are more head injuries in this particular sport! As you know any body collision results in some degree of brain impact & trauma. And as you know these impacts are accumlative.

So the work you do is extremely important. Injuries to the brain compromises the mind & the sense of self!

Rich