According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are over one half million goal posts in the USA, many of which are of the portable type. During 1979 to 1993 there were 18 fatalities associated with soccer goals. While current numbers were not available, there continues to be many deaths annually associated with soccer goals. Most of the injuries and deaths occurred when the goal fell onto a child while playing, practicing or climbing on and moving a portable goal. Many of these goals weigh hundreds of pounds. Lack of secure anchoring of the goals, along with unsupervised play and/or moving of goals is the most common cause of injury and death.
Just this last year in 2007, a 10 year old child died by a falling soccer goal, adding to a long list of death and serious injury, attributed to a preventable cause. And more recently: On May 1st, 2008 an 8 year old soccer player was killed by a falling goal in Arizona.
In addition to injuries from falling portable goals, there are other types of injuries associated with goal posts, both portable and fixed. Many players each year are injured by running into the goal itself. Portable goals have joints where they are put together for use and enables them to be disassembled for each storage. These joints often can be loose, or have sharp edges projecting from them. Players have received deep cuts as a result of contact with these projections. Improperly hung nets also contributes to injuries. Players can become entangled in nets that are not securely anchored at the appropriate locations.
What Can Be Done? There are a few simple things that could be done to prevent most serious injuries and deaths:
- Portable Goals should be solidly anchored when in use or laid face down (weight side down) when moved aside.
- Goals should be checked for loose fittings or sharp projections for every time set up.
- Goal footings that are cemented into the ground need to be checked to be sure that dirt covered the concrete apron at the base.
- Portable goals should only be moved by adults or older players with direct adult supervision.
- Nets should be properly anchored in the correct position. Never confuse net anchors with goal post anchors. Small stakes that secure the nets are NOT goal post anchors. Goal post anchors are very long (18-24 inches) and in at least two locations. Commercial anchors are available.
- Do not permit climbing or playing on goals. Post signs and locks to secure them in a safe position.
- Padding of goal posts has been suggested throughout the years, but due to it’s effect on the play of the ball, it has not been accepted as an alternative at this point.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission had a publication called: Guidelines For Movable Goal Safety and Soccer Goal Standards. Please download for use. Check out the kwik goal safety booklet.
I welcome comments from coaches, soccer officials, parents and players. Share your experiences in this area.
