We are pleased to inform you that a resolution has been reached in the concussion litigation filed in August of 2014 against U.S. Soccer, United States Youth Soccer Association, American Youth Soccer Organization, US Club Soccer and the California Youth Soccer Association.

As part of the resolution, both sides released a joint statement that provides additional information on the specific initiatives that will be implemented soon, including recommendations on modifying substitution rules in relation to concussions, eliminating heading for children 10 and under, and limiting heading in practice for children between the ages of 11 and 13.

The complete details of the initiatives, along with a more comprehensive player safety campaign U.S. Soccer had been working on long before the litigation was filed, will be announced by U.S. Soccer in the near future. Please refer to the Player Safety Campaign FAQs document which should help clarify questions regarding the new initiatives.

We realize you may receive questions about these recommendations from media, and would strongly recommend that any questions be routed to U.S. Soccer’s Communications Department to ensure a consistent response. Any media inquiries should be directed to U.S. Soccer’s Director of Communications Neil Buethe (nbuethe@ussoccer.org / 312-528-1270).

If you have any questions, please let me know.