The PFA has introduced a pioneering CTE prevention protocol that bans heading for children under 12 and limits professional players to 10 headers per week to combat long-term brain disease.
The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) has launched the first comprehensive protocol aimed at preventing Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in English soccer.
Announced at the Global CTE Summit in San Francisco, the guidelines address the cumulative impact of “subconcussive” blows.
These rules mark a significant shift in player safety, moving beyond standard concussion management to limit routine head impacts across all professional and youth levels.
Under the new mandate, professional players are restricted to a maximum of ten headers per week during training sessions.
Furthermore, the protocol completely bans heading for children under the age of 12 to reduce lifetime exposure to brain trauma.
Experts emphasize that these preventative measures are vital, as research indicates former Scottish professionals face a dementia risk 3.5 times higher than the general population.
The initiative includes annual education and enhanced care for former players showing cognitive symptoms.
PFA Director of Brain Health, Dr. Adam White, urged other sporting bodies to follow suit, prioritizing long-term athlete welfare over tradition.
By focusing on “less heading and less force,” the union hopes to eliminate preventable brain disease for future generations of players across the Premier League and English Football Leagues.