Heading is not banned across football. In an IFAB trial limited to grassroots competitions and matches at U-12 level and below, deliberate heading is an offence punished by an indirect free kick, while accidental contact with the head is not penalised.
Where the trial applies
The trial is limited to grassroots competitions and matches at U-12 level and below, in settings where heading is restricted in practice/training. It does not apply to all age groups.
In matches for the specified age groups set by a competition under trial approval, no deliberate heading of the ball is allowed. That means the rule depends on whether a competition is part of the trial, not on youth football as a whole.
How match decisions work
Here are the decisions used in matches under the trial.
| Situation | Decision |
|---|---|
| A player deliberately heads the ball | Indirect free kick to the opposing team from the location of the offence |
| The deliberate header occurs inside the defending team's penalty area | The free kick is taken from a point on the penalty area line |
| Accidental contact with the head | Not penalised |
| Normal use of the head when falling or shielding, or an accidental deflection | Not deliberate heading |
| A goalkeeper deliberately heads the ball | The same no deliberate heading rule applies in eligible matches |
The offence is punished with an indirect free kick. In the initial stages, a direct free kick was felt to be too harsh for such young players, and especially so if a header in the penalty area led to a penalty kick.
How referees separate deliberate heading from accidental contact
Referees judge deliberate heading by considering the player's intent, movement and control of the head towards the ball.
Accidental contact with the head is not penalised. Normal use of the head when falling or shielding, and accidental deflections, are not treated as deliberate heading. Goalkeepers are under the same rule in eligible matches.
Why the trial exists
The trial was approved at an IFAB Annual Business Meeting and is ongoing, with feedback collected from participating competitions. It investigates the effects of deliberate heading becoming an offence punishable by an indirect free kick. Its purpose is to reduce potential health risks by limiting deliberate heading in youth football.
It grew out of concerns about the long-term health impact of repetitive head impacts in football, particularly in children. A ban on deliberate heading may remove some risks but might increase others, such as players trying to kick high balls, which could result in the kicker being injured (for example by falling awkwardly) or injuring another player by kicking them in the head or upper body. Decisions about heading bans must take into account the relative risks of heading at different ages, whether a ban results in other risks, and the major impact that banning heading at all levels would have on the way football is played.
FAQ
Is heading banned for under-12s?
Not across all under-12 football. The trial applies to grassroots competitions and matches at U-12 level and below that have been approved to take part, with the age groups set by each competition under that approval.
Can children head the ball in football?
There is no game-wide ban on heading. In eligible trial matches, deliberate heading is not allowed, but accidental contact with the head is not penalised.
What happens if a child heads the ball in an under-12 match?
That depends on whether the match is in the trial and whether the action is judged deliberate. In a trial match, a deliberate header gives the opposing team an indirect free kick, while accidental contact, normal use of the head when falling or shielding, and accidental deflections are not punished.
How does a competition join the trial?
A competition must apply to The IFAB through its national FA or confederation. It must follow the protocol in full, with no variations unless IFAB gives written approval, and it must send feedback and technical data for review.