Question Number: 30195

League Specific 3/15/2016

RE: All Levels Under 13

George of Parangarecutirimicuaro, CA Sacratomato asks...

With the Concussion Protocol kicking in, is there a trick of the trade when refereeing a U14 game? Say half the team is 12 years old thus not allowed to head the ball legally while the other half of the team is 13 years old and is allowed to head the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi George
Im glad I dont have to concern myself on this. Anyway as a principle one would have to assume that games involving older age groups that referee do not have to concern about heading and age of players just managing concussion protocol in respect of a suspected head injury. If it is an U13 game and up where heading it is allowed in that age group then there is no restriction placed on heading. I understand that heading in games is not allowed at U11 and below so that has to be enforced. It would be impossible to manage this any other way as how would a referee know the age of players. If an U11 player is playing in older age groups say u13 the referee is not to know this. That is a matter for the club to deal with and it is not spelt out in the guidelines other than USSF recommends to their members that they require youth players over the age of 13 to acknowledge annually that they have reviewed and understand the concussion video and player information on concussion symptoms, diagnosis and management and that they understand the need to be candid with parents and/or legal guardians, coaches and referees about any injury they may sustain. One would assume that to play in older age groups that players may have to sign such an acknowledgment or disclaimer whatever that may be and whether an U11 players parent or guardian could sign that or be asked to?
Wayne Rooney played in the Premier League at 16 and at 15 played in the Everton U19 team and he would have been treated as an adult for playing purposes. The club would have required parental consent on contracts, use of photographs, social media etc. None of that would have been of any concern to a referee.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi George ,
while I commend the idea of safety, if the kids play up they are treated at the upper age.
It is the only possible alternative, other than forbid them to play up!
I wonder how the new rule is impacting the kids? Anyone notice anything? Stats? This site is very interested to hear any and all opinions and occurrences of note?
Cheers

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 30199