US Soccer last night announced a wide range of rules to limit the potential of concussion among children who play football in America.

Any child under ten will now not be allowed to head the ball during any official practice sessions or matches. Children aged between 11 and 13 will only be allowed to use headers during games.

The rule changes follow a settlement announced on Monday by Hagens Berman, a law firm that represented youth players in a class action lawsuit against six of the largest youth leagues in America.

Steve Berman, lead counsel for the plaintiffs said: “With the development of the youth concussion initiative by U.S. Soccer and its youth members, we feel we have accomplished our primary goal and, therefore, do not see any need to continue the pursuit of the litigation. We are pleased that we were able to play a role in improving the safety of the sport for soccer-playing children in this country.”

Heading the ball is still allowed in Ireland at all age levels in official competition.