FYSA Heading Rule

posted on October 8, 2024

211.4 HEADING RULE

Player Eligibility

All Players age 10 years of age and under shall not head the ball directly from the air in any match or competition, nor shall these players practice heading the ball in any organized team setting.

Players age 11 and age 12 shall be permitted to head the ball in any match or competition. These players may practice heading the ball in an organized team practice or skill session, but coaches shall monitor this practice so that no single player heads the ball more than 25 times per week, regardless of setting. Balls should be inflated to the IFAB official minimum standard of 8.5psi.

Players age 13 and older shall be permitted to head the ball in any match or competition and these players may practice heading the ball in an organized team practice or skill session.

Individual rules of competition may choose to impose stricter rules however they may not impose less stricter rules.

Heading the ball

In games where deliberate heading is not allowed, it is an offence if a player:

  • deliberately touches the ball with their head, for example moving their head towards the ball
  • scores in the opponents’ goal: directly from their head, even if accidental; or immediately after the ball has touched their head, even if accidental