VERY IMPORTANT - 2016/2017 NEW & MODIFIED RULES

U.S. Soccer Federation announces a ban on heading for players 
AGE 10 AND YOUNGER.

PLAYERS IN U11 PROGRAMS AND YOUNGER SHALL NOT ENGAGE IN HEADING, EITHER IN PRACTICES OR IN GAMES

Per U.S. Soccer Referee Program
How the rule should be implemented

“When a player deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick (IFK) should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense. If the deliberate header occurs within the goal area, the indirect free kick should be taken on the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred. If a player does not deliberately head the ball, then play should continue.”