Does this example set a precedent?
In England, on September 26th, an adult soccer game will take place for the first time, in which headers are forbidden.
Background: A study by the University of Glasgow found a link between headballs and the occurrence of dementia. The research found that defenders who headed the most are five times more likely than the general public to develop dementia. Goalkeepers who almost never head the ball do not have an increased risk, according to the study.
The game will be played in the stadium of sixth division Spennymoor Town FC between two traditional teams made up of former professionals. These include well-known names in English football such as Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Kevin Keegan and Chris Sutton. They initiated the extraordinary game together with two charities. You should be present at the match either as an active person on the pitch or as a spectator.
The game is a pilot project and is intended on the one hand to provide information about whether a match can work without headers and on the other hand whether this can reduce the risk of dementia for the players.
In the first half, headers should only be allowed in the penalty areas, in the second half they are then prohibited on the entire field of play.
England became the first country to impose header restrictions on professionals. Since this season, only ten “higher force” headers per week (after passes from more than 35 meters away and after corners, free kicks and crosses) have been allowed in training there.
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