In a recent podcast episode of ‘Sideline Data’, League Apps interviews Warren K. Young, MD, primary care sports medicine physician at HSS, to discuss concussions in youth soccer and the debate over the appropriate age to incorporate “headers".

Dr. Young cited, “There are some studies that show that heading can cause concussions or can increase risk of concussions. There are studies that show that it doesn’t as well. The literature is a bit mixed on that. One of the things that most concussion experts will agree on, especially ones that deal with pediatrics, is that we should set a minimum in terms of age where they should not be heading the ball. The reason for it is muscle control and neck control and also brain development. And while my number for this is going to be probably around 13 or 14 years of age, I don’t have any specific literature that suggests this is the best age. The decision on that age limit is based on maturation.”

Listen to the full interview at LeagueApps.com.