The Dutch Sports Council is Calling for Better Protection of Young Athletes Against Brain Injuries. The Council Advies, Among Other Things, A Ban on Heading Until the Age of Twelve and a Helmet Obligation for Sports with a Risk of Falling.
The Council published the Advice on Wednesday. The Ministry of Health had Asked the Dutch Sports Council (NLsportraad) to Investigate Brain Injuries in Young Athletes.
Accordance to the Council, Children up to the age of twelve should not be allowed to head the ball in Football. The Council also Strongly Advies Against Head Impacts in Martial Arts and Tackles in Rugby Up to the Age of Eightenen. Adults are advised to reduce repeated head contact.
The NLsportraad also Wants a Helmet Obligation for Sports with a Risk of Falling, Such as cycling, skiing, skating and equestrian Sports.
These Measures are Necessary because repeated blows to the head increase the Risk of Chronic Brain Injury, Including Dementia. The Health Council also wrote this in June this year based on scientific research. Children and young people are extra vulnerable because their brains are still developing.
The Council Calls on Sports Associations and the Government to Comply With The Advice. But the advice is not a rule and is therefore not binding. If associations do not because to adjust their policy, the NLsportraad Hopes that the Government Will Intervene.