The Myths in Heading

The topic of heading the soccer ball and all of its medical implications has become quite a discussion piece of late especially in a sport that prides itself on being very much a low risk game. The original story that kick started this topic several years ago originated in the states with no empirical evidence whatsoever to support the cause other than a newly designed helmet was the solution.

Since that time FIFA the world governing body with more resources at its disposal than anyone stated that there was no medical information that they could rely on to support the statements being made that heading a soccer ball caused head injuries. The Astle case in England was the next warning noted that at 59 years of age he had some evidence of head injuries and was supposedly known to head a soccer ball a lot. I have been reminded time and time again that in those days the design of the ball and its ability to retain moisture was such that all the experienced players avoided heading under certain circumstances.

The Ontario Soccer Association, Canadian Soccer Association and FIFA all have medical committees who are keeping very close tabs on this topic. FIFA started collecting evidence two years ago and over time hopes to give quality scientific evidence on heading.

The topic hits the streets again last week with the study completed at McGill University.

I think we need to create some perspective on both the skill and the myth. First and foremost under the age of 12 most kids do not even build heading into their skill set and most coaches teach very little on heading and when it is done it is with safety in mind. How many children have the opportunity to get one soft header into their game at under 12 and in most instances it was not even intended.

The OSA issued its third edition of Grass Roots Soccer Coaching for Mini Soccer Coaches and heading was not even included. Even after 12 when it becomes a skill to learn it begins with deflated balls and for short periods of time emphasizing proper technique.

The most recent study at McGill which is not for me to question states that only 25% of soccer injuries related to the head supposedly came from heading, the other 75% are two heads colliding, elbows etc. etc..

Again, I emphasize the study results to date as per all medical committees was not yet substantiated or of a standard that they could be published in the Medical Journals that heading is dangerous and was even based on players executing more than 10 headers per game.

From where I sit that kind of frequency is far and few between and certainly not until you are in your late teens.

Having just defended common sense and discouraging the runaway rumour mill as they say will by no means lessen our efforts to follow the topic very close , keep our medical committees on full alert and educate our coaches to err on the side of safety first with the youth.

Brian Avey
Executive Director
The Ontario Soccer Association

This article was published in the Toronto Sun in the weekly Ontario Soccer Beat advertorial brought to you by The Ontario Soccer Association sponsored by National Sports.