The Scottish Football Association has taken the brunt of some pretty severe criticism over the last couple of decades.
Some of it in the pages of the Sunday Mail.
The national game’s leaders deserve praise today, though – for showing that they are listening on an issue which continues to be ignored elsewhere.
The is likely to prove controversial.
But SFA president Rod Petrie should be supported in what would be an
In deciding that it wants a heading ban for games involving kids, the association has proved it is in sync with some of the more progressive thinkers in the sport.
Such a move has already taken place in the US. And Bournemouth manager
Eddie Howe – tipped as a future England boss – has done similar only last week
at his club.
Boys and girls of primary school age are not fully physically formed.
Their parents will be following the increasing evidence of a link between brain conditions and heading a football with some alarm.
Most of these kids won’t make a living from football and should pursue their
hobby without fear of long-term damage.
Those who do will have plenty of time to develop their skills – if heading is to remain a long-term part of the game.
Former players such as George Reilly and Peter Cormack must have their voices heard and history will judge moves like this kindly.
