New Zealand Football could soon follow in the steps of the Scottish Football Association by limiting how much its players can head the ball to reduce the risk of suffering long-term brain injury.
All players in Scotland - at every level of the game - are now banned from practicing headers the day before and the day after matches.
Research shows former footballers are three-and-a-half times more likely to die from brain disease due to head injuries related to heading the ball.
The Scottish FA has decided to take the lead on the matter.
"Headings are part of football for at least the near future, however our drive in training to reduce unnecessary heading," said Dr John MacLean of the SFA.
"We're not saying coaches can't do heading drills or can't do them when they're practicing set pieces."
The new guidelines issued by Scotland's governing body are effective immediately and include no heading the day before or after a match, limiting repeated heading exercises to once per week, wth all heading exercises to be monitored and planned
In March, New Zealand Football will review research around "heading" and those close to the game here believe change could be on the cards.
"There is no reason why we can't review that further and adopt another methodology of player safety," said NZ Players Association representative and former All White Harry Ngata.
For some, the change has come too late. Scotland defender Gordon McQueen - who played in the 1970s - was diagnosed with dementia last year.
"I know that is what has led him to having absolutely no quality in life as a 60-odd year-old man," said daughter Hayley McQueen.
"It's great this is guidance but it would be great if it was implemented and be made law."
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