Heading and Concussion Policy

The safety of our players is our absolute priority. Leichhardt Saints FC aligns with Football Australia’s national concussion guidelines, and applies its own precautionary heading standard for training, given how this area of sports science continues to develop.

 

1. Heading Policy (Training)

Football Australia does not mandate an age-based heading ban, and heading remains part of the game at every level. Our club has set its own training standard on top of this, informed by international best-practice frameworks including England’s FA guidance:

  • U6–U12: No heading is taught or practised in training.
  • U13: Heading introduced technique-first, using lightweight training balls (the club will provide these balls). Maximum 1 heading session per week, maximum 5 headers per player in that session.
  • U14–U16: Maximum 1 heading session per week, maximum 10 headers per player in that session.
  • U18 / Senior: Heading drills reduced as far as possible.

Important: Football Canterbury’s competition rules do not restrict heading in matches, so this standard applies to our own training sessions and is enforced by our coaches – not by match officials.

Football Australia – Concussion & Player Welfare Hub

 

2. Concussion Policy (If In Doubt, Sit Them Out)

  • STOP: Any player suspected of concussion, however mild, must be removed from play or training immediately.
  • DO NOT RETURN: The player must not return to any activity that day (including training, matches, or any other sport) even if they say they feel fine.
  • SEEK MEDICAL ASSESSMENT: The player should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible, and must not resume contact training or matches without medical clearance.
  • GRADED RETURN: Players must be symptom-free at rest for at least 14 days before returning to full-contact training, and at least 21 days before returning to competitive matches (longer again if there has been a second concussion within three months).

Important: Do not let the desire to finish a session or match override the safety of our players.

Football Australia – Community Sports Related Concussion Guidelines (full PDF)

 

3. An Evolving Area

Guidance on heading and concussion in junior football continues to develop, in Australia and overseas. We review this policy at least once a year, and sooner if Football Australia, Football NSW or Football Canterbury update their guidance – and this policy may become more restrictive over time as a result. We encourage all coaches and parents to check the official links above for the latest guidance.