Scottish players told not to head ball before or after games

Scottish clubs are to be told players should not head the ball in the days immediately before and after games.

The new guidelines from the Scottish Football Association come following further research into concussion and the impact heading in training has on the brain.

As well as effectively banning heading either side of games, the guidelines also recommend that training exercises involving repeated heading should be limited to once per week.

Clubs should also plan and monitor heading activity to ensure it is reduced.

The SFA introduced guidelines limiting heading in children's and youth football in 2020 following research from the University of Glasgow which indicated footballers faced increased risk of neurodegenerative disease.

The latest guidelines are being issued to all adult clubs, including at professional level, following further studies conducted by the SFA and Hampden Sports Clinic.

SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell said: "The historic University of Glasgow study (FIELD), which found an increased risk of neurodegenerative disease in retired professional footballers, compared to a matched population control group, has been a catalyst for a radical rethink of football guidance, starting in the youth game with the introduction of the heading guidelines children between 6-17 in 2020.

"The Scottish FA said at the time that this research should shape the thinking in the adult game not just domestically but across the world. I am grateful to everyone in the professional game - clubs, coaches and managers, and players - for contributing to the latest research which has culminated in these new guidelines.

"It is our intention that these guidelines will be embraced and implemented with immediate effect. The publishing of today's