BOSTON (AP) – Soccer players would join the list of athletes required to wear helmets under legislation making its way through the Statehouse.

The bill would cover teams from pee wee leagues to college teams. Professional soccer players, like the New England Revolution, would be exempt. No other state appears to have a soccer helmet law.

Supporters of the bill say helmets are needed to prevent head injuries from collisions and from heading.

A key element of the game is where players use their heads to ricochet the soccer ball to another player or at the goal.

Backers point to evidence of long term neurological damage among some players as a result of heading – evidence that has prompted a call by some for a ban on the practice.

State Rep. Deborah Blumer, D-Framingham, sponsored the bill on behalf of a constituent, but conceded it likely won’t pass. She said lawmakers may instead approve a commission to study sports safety legislation.

Critics said the call for helmets is an overreaction.

“It’s a contact sport from the waist down,” said Allison Canale, 44, of Rutland, who has been involved with youth soccer as a coach and parent for 12 years.