Heading
FYSA rules 211.4 HEADING RULE
All Players age 10 years of age and under shall not head the ball directly from the air in any match or
competition, nor shall these players practice heading the ball in any organized team setting.
Players age 11 and age 12 shall be permitted to head the ball in any match or competition. These players may
practice heading the ball in an organized team practice or skill session, but coaches shall monitor this practice
so that no single player heads the ball more than 25 times per week, regardless of setting. Balls should be
inflated to the IFAB official minimum standard of 8.5psi.
Players age 13 and older shall be permitted to head the ball in any match or competition and these players
may practice heading the ball in an organized team practice or skill session.
Individual rules of competition may choose to impose stricter rules however they may not impose less stricter
rules.
Heading the ball
In games where deliberate heading is not allowed, it is an offence if a player:
• Deliberately touches the ball with their head, for example moving their head towards the ball
• scores in the opponents' goal:
• directly from their head, even if accidental
• immediately after the ball has touched their head, even if accidental
Playing Up Rule
FYSA Rules 211.3 Playing up (above a player’s normal age group):
It is FYSA's policy that all players compete at a level they are capable of both physically and
developmentally.
(1) Players up to 8U age groups will be allowed to roster up two (2) years provided they have parent
permission and approved by the Club Board of Directors.
(2) Players in the 9U to 14U age groups will be allowed to roster up to two (2) years
(3) Player in the 15U and older age groups will be allowed to roster up to any older age groups.
There will not be an approval process in place and no exceptions to the above guidelines will be granted.
Roster rules will be set in FYSA’s registration system to permit clubs to roster players that meet these
guidelines.