Soccer players under the age of 11 will no longer be allowed to head the ball in the United States.

In addition, players ages 11 to 13 will be allowed only limited headers in practice, and different substitution policies will be in place for players with suspected head injuries. U.S. Soccer, to resolve a class-action lawsuit filed by parents and players, has instituted new guidelines to improve head safety in the sport.

Of course, the new rules only applies to teams and organizations under U.S. Soccer’s purview, but they will be recommended to all youth soccer players as the official position of the federation. It’s unlikely that even organizations outside U.S. Soccer’s control will ignore the safety recommendations of the governing body of the sport, especially as they concern children.

The rule alterations are significantly behind the times when compared to other sports, even though soccer is responsible for more high school concussions than baseball, basketball, softball, and wrestling combined, according the lawsuit. But now that they are in place, significantly fewer young brains will be exposed to head impacts, protecting both their presents and their futures.

*Scientists have no conclusive evidence as to whether or how the reduction of g-forces during impacts reduces the number or degree of concussions and head injuries. GelDefender products provide supplemental padding as well as cooling and comfort benefits when used with helmets and caps. Participants in activities in which head impacts can occur should always use tested and approved helmets for protection. However, no helmet or supplemental padding can protect the user from all serious head or neck injuries that can result from impacts.