My basic point is that it’s somewhat strange to intentionally put your head in danger as an accepted part of a sport. The notion to me is — pardon the choice of words — foreign. There’s no doubt that soccer players are highly-conditioned athletes and skillful in what they do.
I’m sure you’re right that the risk of injury from heading is low, when properly executed. From what I’ve seen (and I HAVE watched the game), there may very well be more serious injuries from players knocking their heads together in attempts for the ball.
Re: the use of the hands, the double-overhand throw-in also seems strange... I suppose allowing an arbitrary throw may emphasize those with stronger throwing arms/upper body strength at the expense of the other skills(?)
You are correct, head injuries do occur with clashes of heads, but even so, they are not normally that serious, and certainly less dangerous than Boxing.
Players get cuts and bruises, elbows in the face and eyes, and the occasional broken cheekbone. Abotu 3 years ago, Petr Cech the Chelsea Goalkeeker got kneed in the head and received a partially collapsed skull. He has subsequently recovered and such injuries are rare.
It’s a man’s game, the only protection that is mandated are shin guards. ..it’s not like those American football sissies with their shoulder pads and body armor....LOL!