In conjunction with US Soccer and US Youth Soccer, Florida Youth Soccer Association will be instituting a heading ban for players age 10 and younger. 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 (2006-11u and younger), per the new calendar year registration guidelines.
League, tournaments, and other FYSA sanctioned events that include 2006-11u and younger age group teams heading will not be permitted.
Leagues and tournaments shall allow for 2005-12u heading age divisions. Leagues and tournaments will be permitted to form 2005/2006-12u non-heading divisions. (see playing up guidelines)
Teams that opt for 2005-2006-12u non-heading divisions shall only participate in non-heading divisions and tournaments.
Playing Up Rule
211.3 Playing up (above a player’s normal age group):
It is FYSA's policy that all players compete at a level they are capable of both physically and developmentally. In order for a player to move up more than one birth year will require approval from the affiliate's director of coaching or agent of record and FYSA Director of Coaching.
Failure to obtain proper permissions may result in the player being removed from the team’s roster and sanctions against the team/club.
Playing Up Logistics and Guidelines
Below is the chart that will be utilized to make determinations as to the level a player can play up to.
Age Group |
|
|
|
10u and Below |
2007 and Below |
1 Year |
No Approval Needed |
11u |
2006 |
1 Year after the player reaches the age of 11 or player is participating in a non-heading league/tournament division. |
Approval Needed |
12u (September - December Birthdate) to 14u |
2005 - 2003 |
1 Year |
Approval Needed for 12u |
12u (January - August) to 14u |
2005 - 2003 |
2 Years |
Approval Needed |
15u (September - December) |
2002 |
2 Years |
Approval Needed |
15u (January to August) or Older |
2002 - 1998 |
3 Years |
Approval Needed |