Numerous media outlets and commercial interests are reporting that as a result of heading the ball, head injuries are epidemic in soccer and that as a result, protection of players including the use of some type of helmet is required. Such reports however generally appear to be based on research that is either outdated or methodologically inadequate. As indicated by the US Soccer Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine Research Committee, at present there is no conclusive evidence that heading is dangerous to soccer players. More likely to cause injury is accidental or unexpected contact with the head by the ball, ground or by another player. Contributing to interest in these reports is the tremendous growth in youth soccer players from 888,000 in 1980 to almost 4,000,000 at present.
Soccer is now the most popular team sport in the United States.
Also important is that reports of larger numbers of injuries have been consistent with increased levels of participation. The impression created by the media and helmet manufacturers is that there are thousands of head injuries each year in youth soccer. If such were the case, then insurance data would provide documentation. The single concussion reported was as a result of player collision. FIFA formulates the Laws of The Game, US Youth Soccer develops Modified Laws for youth players and the US Soccer Referee Department is charged with training and certification of referees.