AYSO Heading Rules

Safety is very important to AYSO as a whole. In 2016, the policy was revised to ban heading for divisions U-12 and below to ensure that players are older and more developed when attempting heading to avoid preventable head injuries. (Previously, heading was banned through U10, but this was revised to include U-12's.)

The new policy includes that an indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team if a player age 10 or younger, deliberately touches the ball with his/her head during a game. The indirect free kick is to be taken from the place where the player touched the ball with his/her head. An indirect free kick awarded to the attacking team inside the opposing team’s goal area, must be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the player touched the ball with his/her head. This policy was put into effect so referees, coaches and players can all align with the change quicker.

For more information on the new rules, refer to the AYSO National Rules & Regulations. Heading is covered under paragraph 1.I.