| 9. Soccer Goal Safety
"The simplest solution is to anchor
all movable soccer goals and to educate the public that climbing
on these goals can cause serious injuries"
There are six areas pertaining to Soccer Goal Safety that we
would like to address:
- Falling Soccer Goals
- Soccer Goal Anchors
- Goal Posts
- The Soccer Net
- Safely Putting Up and Taking Down the Soccer Net
- Safely Storing Soccer Goals
Falling Soccer Goals
Anchored for Safety (www.anchoredforsafety.org) is a soccer goal
awareness organization that was created in memory of Zachary Tran
who was killed when an unanchored goal fell on him. They report
on and keep track of soccer goal injuries from 1979 to 2007. During
this period there were 31 deaths and 51 injuries related directly
to falling soccer goals. Other estimates place the number of emergency
room visits at 90 per year.
Movable soccer goals come in a variety of materials and weights.
In some cases a 22 pound force can bring down a 400 pound soccer
goal. Then add in wind conditions, slope of the field and human
contact, and the risks begin to add up.
The simplest solution is to anchor all movable soccer goals and
to educate the public that climbing on these goals can cause serious
injuries. Under the "Field of Play" rules, FIFA says
that all goals must be anchored securely to the ground. Portable
goals may only be used if they meet this requirement.
The latest in safer soccer goal design has the front posts and
crossbar made of a lighter material than the heavier rear ground
bar. This helps to counterbalance the goal and prevent tipping
forward.
Another design involves making the soccer goal deeper. This helps
prevent the goal from tipping but many nets will not fit on such
a design.
A third type of goal again uses a heavier rear ground bar with
and folds up after use.
Regardless the style of soccer goal, it is still imperative to
anchor the goal properly.
The FA (Football Association of England) and others disapprove
of any homemade soccer goal that does not meet safety standards.
Many of the injuries noted above involved homemade soccer goals.
The FA includes in their recommendations the following guides
to soccer goal inspection:
- Every Week:
A visual check of the whole goal for: missing nuts bolts, clips
or other fittings; securely anchored; net fixings; any broken
cords in the net; or any damage to the frame of the goal.
- Each Time the Goal is Moved
Check that the goal has not been damaged during the move and
check that the anchors are securely repositioned to hold down
the soccer goal.
- At the Start of the Season and Every Three Months
The FA goes so far as to say that the club should test the goal
for strength and stability.
- In the case of a socketed goal, every time it is reinstalled.
In the United States, the Coalition to Promote Soccer Goal Safety
will send your Soccer Club free warning labels to attach to the
goals. Most goal manufacturers will provide their customers with
safety labels as well.
Coaches often want to move the soccer goals to create a certain
game or drill situation. Goals are probably most vulnerable to
tipping when being moved. Check if your goal manufacturer has
instructions on moving the goal. Also, use adequate numbers both
for safety, and to avoid distorting the goal in any way. Use at
least 4 adults and do not drag the goal across the ground. Goals
with wheels should only be pushed backwards as they tend to tip
very easily to the front.
Soccer Goal Anchors
A properly anchored or counterweighted goal is less likely to
tip over and cause injury. An excellent anchor should be efficient
at preventing the goal from tipping, and should not create additional
dangers to the players. Most anchors are best placed near the
back corners of the goal. Single anchoring points are typically
never adequate.
Types of Soccer Goal Anchors include:
- Auger
This style of anchor is essentially a length of coiled metal
that screws into the ground with a flange over the ground bar
to keep it down. Usually two are required but soft ground or
poorly weighted nets may require more. In softer and under certain
brittle soil conditions, the auger is a very poor anchor. If
a chain or coil is used to hold the rear ground post, then the
post must not be allowed to lift more than 50 mm (2 inches).
- Peg or Stake
This style requires that the ground bar at the back of the net
have holes pre-drilled so that the peg or stake can be driven
through. If conditions prevent the peg from being pounded all
the way flush with the ground bar, the remaining piece sticking
up can become a dangerous item to slide or fall into. These
anchors are driven straight down which limits their effectiveness
(ideally the anchor should angle forward to give better counterbalance
to a forward tipping goal).
- J-Hooks
The "J" or "U" style of anchor uses a long,
usually at least 10 inches, metal spike(s) with the top portion
hammering down onto the ground post to anchor it. These hooks
never end up flush with the shape of the ground bars, and the
J-Hook in particular, can cause additional injury for the player
who falls or slides into the back of the net. We were personally
involved in a game whereby one of the players was knocked into
the back of the net. As the player fell he caught his head on
the edge of the J-Hook - the cut was severe, requiring many
stitches.
- Semi-Permanent
These anchors have one component permanently in the ground.
The permanent part then has a tether that can attach to the
rear ground bar. This is a great system except that goals cannot
be moved for training purposes and during the off-season, the
anchor must be stored well to avoid the blades of the lawnmower.
The length of the tether must ensure that the rear ground post
cannot lift more than 50mm (2 inches).
- Sandbags
These and other counterweights can be used on hard surfaces
such as turf. The only problem is determining how much weight
is required to keep the goal from tipping. As much as 150 kg
(330 pounds) may be required to keep a full size net anchored.
(If you want to get technical, the formula takes the goal height,
divided by the length of the goal's side bars times 112).
- Net Pegs
Net pegs are used to attach the net directly to the ground.
They are not and should not be used as Goal Anchors.
Finally, as mentioned briefly above, storage of anchors after
use is very important. We received word in September 2006 that
one of the civic work crews went over an anchor with his lawnmower.
The resultant shards flew through the air but fortunately did
not injure anyone. A memo was immediately sent out to all the
local soccer fields.
Goalposts
Most soccer injuries happen in the open field. However there are
also injuries that occur due to contact with the goal posts. These
injuries include concussions, neck and spine injuries, broken
teeth, broken bones, cuts and bruises.
Soccer is the most played sport that does not require padding
around equipment that may come into contact with the players.
Over the past few years, there has been a slow but steadily growing
movement to use upright padding over the goalposts as extra protection.
One company has now started making their soccer goals with the
ability to compensate for the extra width of upright padding.
The Soccer Net
A soccer net can trap body parts or cause cuts if the mesh is
too wide or the cords too thin. Check the net periodically to
see if cords are coming loose. If enough cords come loose that
a players head can fit through then there is an additional risk
of becoming strangled in the net itself.
Soccer nets with smaller mesh prevent entrapment and also discourage
climbing. There is also more overall netting so these nets often
last a little longer than the large mesh nets.
Note that bird enthusiasts request that we take down our soccer
nets when not in use. The nets can pose a hazard to birds who
can get caught up in them.
Safely Putting Up and Taking Down the Soccer Net
The first issue to consider here is how the net attaches to the
frame of the goal. Some systems use a hook. This presents incredible
danger if a player or coach attempts to attach the net to the
crossbar by jumping up. Players and coaches have received terrible
cuts and even amputations as a result.
When attaching the soccer net to the goal frame, we recommend
either carefully tipping the goal, using at least 4 adults, or
using a system that extends one's reach. The Goal-Tek Innovations
Quick-Pic (GTI Soccer net Kit www.goal-tek.com)
is one such option, but one can use a sturdy ladder just as well.
This concept applies when putting up and taking down the net.
Storing Soccer Goals
Never leave a soccer goal accessible while upright and unanchored.
If you can't lock them securely while upright then leave them
flat on the ground. Two upright goals can be locked together face
to face for stability. Some clubs and parks may have storage areas
for the goals. If no reasonable option is found then it may be
best to leave the goal anchored in its place.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission agrees. The following
guidelines were set by them in 1995 in recognition of the dangers:
- Securely anchor or counterweight movable soccer goals at ALL
times.
- Anchor or chain one goal to another, to itself in a folded
down position, or to nearby fence posts, dugouts, or any other
similar sturdy fixture when not in use. If this is not practical,
store movable soccer goals in a place where children cannot
have access to them.
- Remove nets when goals are not in use.
- Check for structural integrity and proper connecting hardware
before every use. Replace damaged or missing parts or fasteners
immediately.
- NEVER allow anyone to climb on the net or goal framework.
- Ensure safety/warning labels are clearly visible (placed
under the crossbar and on the sides of the down-posts at eye
level).
- Fully disassemble goals for seasonal storage.
- Always exercise extreme caution when moving goals and allow
adequate manpower to move goals of varied sizes and weights.
Movable soccer goals should only be moved by authorized and
trained personnel.
- Always instruct players on the safe handling of and potential
dangers associated with movable soccer goals.
- Movable soccer goals should only be used on LEVEL (flat)
fields.
Additional Soccer Goal Safety Resources
U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission: www.cpsc.gov
326 Guidelines for Soccer Goal Safety
5118 Movable Soccer Goals Can Fall Over On Children
American Society For Testing And Materials: www.astm.org
F1938-98 Guide For Safe Use of Movable Soccer Goal
F2056-00 Safety and Performance Specification for Soccer Goals
The Football Association (The FA): www.thefa.com
Goals for Football Technical Details
Goals for Football Guidance Notes
Anchored for Safety, Zachary Tran Memorial: www.anchoredforsafety.org
For further information on soccer goal anchors and/or to obtain
free soccer goal warning labels, safety alerts and bulletins,
contact:
The Coalition to Promote Soccer Goal Safety
c/o Soccer Industry Council of America
200 Castlewood Dr.
North Palm Beach, FL 33408 |
