Concussion Information

U.S. Soccer Concussion Initiative

If a player is suspected to have a head injury, then the referee (or coach in U5-U8 age groups) is instructed to stop play to allow for treatment/evaluation as needed. If the player leaves the field of play for additional evaluation, a substitution can be made in that moment. The player with the suspected head injury may not return to the game unless a Health Care Professional (HCP) or Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) has cleared the player. Any coach or parent insisting on returning the player to the game without approved clearance will result in the referee (or coach in U5-U8 age groups) ending the game.

Deliberate heading is not permitted until the U12 age group. If a player in a younger age group deliberately heads the ball in a game, an indirect free kick should be awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the offense.

Additional information:

• Heading and Concussion Mandates
• Player/Parent Concussion Awareness Form
• Concussion Awareness for Coaches, Parents, Players
• CJSA's Concussion Information page