Hello CUSC Coaches, Parents & Players

Hello CUSC Coaches, Parents & Players –

As you may know, US Soccer has recently updated its guidance regarding headers for youth players. Beginning this Spring, CUSC will be following these guidelines. We've posted the rules regarding heading the ball on our website atwww.clackamasunited.com - under the Recreational Program Tab. Here is the update so you can share with your players and teammates:

For new game rules as outlined below,coaches and referees are to confirm this new rule prior to the start of every game If you have any questions regarding these new rules please contact CUSC at or call me at(503)550-7535.

We ask that we all work together as we implement these important new rules.

(1) No Goalkeeper Punts (3rd grade and 4th grade only (U9 and U10))

(a) A goalkeeper who has taken possession of the ball in his/her hands may not put the ball in play by punting or drop kicking the ball.

(b) If a goalkeeper punts or drop kicks the ball, the opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick from the edge of the penalty area nearest to where the goalkeeper took the kick.

(c) Players from the defending team (team without the ball) must retreat to the halfway line to allow the GK to distribute (Throwing or placing on ground and kicking) the ball.

(d) If the GK CHOOSES to distribute the ball while the defending team has not retreated to the halfway line, the ball is live as this was the choice of the GK.

(2) No Heading (4th grade and below)

(a) A player may not use his/her head to play the ball.

(b) The penalty for playing the ball using the head is an indirect free kick at the spot of the infraction. If a defending player in the defender’s penalty area commits the infraction, the free kick will be taken from a spot on the penalty area line parallel to the end line that is nearest to the spot of the infraction.

(c) The infraction consists in intentionally playing the ball with the head. If the referee determines that the ball struck a player in the head when the player is not trying to play the ball, the referee should allow play to continue.

(3) Limited Heading (5th, 6th and 7th grade only)

(a) For players in 5th, 6th and 7th, heading training/practicing should be limited to a maximum of 30 minutes per week with no more that 15-20 headers per player, per week.

(b) There are no restrictions for games in this age group and above.

Thanks for your attention to this!

Clackamas United Soccer Club