ORLANDO, Fla. — New rule changes for youth soccer are affecting more than 100,000 Florida children.
U.S. Soccer said the rule, which no longer allows headers during games, is aimed at making matches safer for athletes under 13-years-old by cutting down on concussions.
A recent study showed 6 to 10-year-olds suffer 61 percent of soccer injuries.
Roselei and Jova Brasiliano are used to the physical play of their son’s teenage club team.
But when he started playing soccer at age 4, no one was talking about consequences like concussions.
“Now, it turned into a big, big thing,” said Jova Brasiliano.
They’re pleased the tide has turned with the new rule to ban the use of headers for children in a young age group.
“Especially at age 10, because they’re growing, the brain is still growing. It’s growing, so it’s always a concern,” said Roselei Brasiliano.
Medical experts agreed.
“The younger you are, the more at risk you are,” said Dr. Harrison Youmans of Orlando Health.
Youmans specializes in health sports medicine and is the team doctor for Orlando City.
He’s seen and treated concussions on every age level of the game.
“It just takes enough energy for the brain to either hit the skull or to twist,” he said.
The new rule comes as part of a legal settlement and is only seen as a guideline for teams not regulated by U.S. soccer. Youmens said it's a step in the right direction
“The more we start to learn, the more we can adapt the games and the rules of the games to protect our young athletes,” he said.
U.S. Soccer said another part of the rule change will involve substitutions for players suspected of having sustained a concussion.
Cox Media Group
