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Soccer Ban On Headshots For Kids Not Seen As Detriment

TURLOCK (CBS13) — In a move to prevent concussions, the U.S. Soccer Federation now says youth players can't move the ball with their heads.

The governing body ruled on Monday that players 10 years old and younger can no longer head the ball after a lawsuit related to concussions.

The Cal State Stanislaus women's soccer team ended another impressive season with 12 wins, three losses and only three concussions.

"One was someone going up and heading the ball and kind of got hit by another player," said head coach Gabriel Bolton.

The technique of heading the ball is useful in moving down the field, but he says it requires substantial training.

"It's kind of an unnatural action. When a ball's coming at your head you usually duck," he said.

It's a maneuver that won't happen in games with players 10 years old and younger.

The proper way to head the ball is to strike it with the forehead - above the eyebrow and below the hairline. Coaches say any other way can result in a painful injury.

"If you hit it at the top of the head it's very painful. The side of the head is also very painful," he said.

Teams at the collegiate level have been very cautious about preventing and treating concussions, Bolton said. He doesn't think delaying learning the heading technique will be a disadvantage, but will instead extend players' years on the field.

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