PITTSBURGH — The largest youth soccer league in Western Pennsylvania has banned headers for players younger than 11.

Coaches in the Pennsylvania West Soccer Association were told of the rule change this week. The change is a trickle-down from the U.S. Soccer Federation, which changed the rule after parents in California sued over concerns that young players could suffer concussions.

The league’s president, Randy West, says if the rule “prevents one injury, it’s a good idea.” He says few players that age head the ball anyway, so he believes the rule makes sense.

The league has 48,000 youth players.