The Redwoods Group Insurance Program for YMCAs

Since 1979, more than 30 people have been killed and hundreds more injured by unsafe, poorly anchored soccer goals. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) most soccer goal post related deaths and injuries involved either unsecured or homemade goals. Injuries frequently occurred during horseplay such as climbing on the goal or attempting to do chin-ups, thereby tipping the goal over. All goals, whether homemade or manufactured, should be properly anchored to the ground and checked daily to avoid injuries and deaths associated with overturn.

As sports programs prepare for the tens of thousands of kids to begin playing soccer this fall, administrators need to educate volunteer coaches, officials, players, and parents about the dangers created by unanchored soccer goals and how to prevent them from overturning. Check all off-site facilities like schools, parks, and other locations that are used for play or practice to ensure that goals and nets are in good condition and are properly secured. Alert the appropriate individual(s) of a goal’s need to be properly secured but don’t stop there…monitor sites, be a nag if necessary, but do all that is necessary to keep your participants safe.

Anchoring Soccer Goals

There are several means of properly anchoring soccer goals. The number and type of anchors used depends on factors such as soil type and goal weight. Anchor types include:

· auger style anchors that screw into the ground

· semi-permanent anchors that bolt or tether to a secured base that is buried underground

· peg, stake, or j-hook style anchors that are driven into the ground

· sandbags or counterweights (generally for indoor facilities)

The CPSC reports that most accidents have occurred when the goal was unattended. When finished using a temporary or portable goal, always adhere to the following procedures:

· remove the net when not actively using it

· secure goals by placing the frames face to face and connecting them at each goal post with a lock and chain, or

· lock and chain goals to a substantial fixed object like a permanent fence, or

· fully disassemble and lock (portable) goals in a storage room

Conclusions/Safety Tips

It is suggested that administrators, coaches, officials, parents, and players follow these safety guidelines:

· Securely anchor portable goals at all times.

· Store moveable goals in a place where children cannot access them.

· Never allow children to climb on the net or goal frame and always remove nets from temporary goals when they are not actively in use.

· Ensure safety and/or warning labels are clearly visible on each goal.

· Always exercise extreme caution when moving goals; utilize adequate manpower for moving goals; whenever a goal is moved, always anchor it in the new location.

· Instruct coaches, players, and parents to avoid unsafe use of goals giving examples of the behavior and activities to avoid.

For further information on soccer goal safety, please contact the U.S. CSPC at www.cpsc.gov. Free warning labels are available from the coalition to Promote Soccer Goal Safety at the Soccer Industry Council of America, 200 Castlewood Drive, North Palm Beach, FL 33408.