In accordance with the recent U.S. Soccer recommendations on concussion risk management:

FYSA has eliminated heading in matches for player’s age 10-years-old and younger (2007-11u and younger), per the new calendar year registration guidelines. 2006-12U teams will participate in non-heading divisions until December 31, 2017, and then heading divisions shall be permitted Jan 1, 2018.

The guidelines apply to leagues, tournaments, and other FYSA sanctioned events that include 2007-11u and younger age group teams (2006-12U in 2017) heading will not be permitted.

Leagues and tournaments shall allow for 2006-12u heading age divisions after January 1, 2018.  Leagues and tournaments will be permitted to form 2006/2007-12u non-heading divisions. (see playing up guidelines)

Teams that opt for 2006-2007-12u non-heading divisions shall only participate in non-heading divisions in league play, tournaments, and all events.  Sanctions will be made against teams that do not follow this guideline.