There
are approximately 225 000 to 500 000 soccer goals in the United States.
Many of these soccer goals are unsafe because they are improperly
designed, manufactured, or installed (unstable and are either
unanchored or not properly anchored or counterbalanced). These soccer
goals pose an unnecessary risk of tip over to children who climb on
goals (or nets) or hang from the crossbar.
Many of the serious
incidents occurred when the soccer goals tipped over onto the victim.
Almost all of the goals involved in these tip overs appeared to be
homemade by high school shop classes, custodial members, or local
welders, not professionally manufactured. These homemade goals are
often very heavy and unstable.
The majority of movable soccer
goals are constructed of metal, typically weighing 150 to 500 lbs (68
to 227 kg). The serious injuries and deaths are a result of blunt force
trauma to the head, neck, chest, and limbs of the victims. In most
cases, this occurred when the goal tipped or was accidentally tipped
onto the victim.
Movable
soccer goals can fall over and kill or injure children who climb on
them or hang from the crossbar. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) has reports of at least 28 deaths since 1979
resulting from soccer goals falling over. Both homemade and
professionally manufactured soccer goals are involved in these
incidents. To help prevent deaths and injuries associated with soccer
goals, follow these safety suggestions.
Securely anchor or counter-weight movable soccer goals at all times (see illustration).
Never climb on the soccer net or goal framework.
Always instruct soccer players on the safe handling of and potential dangers associated with movable soccer goals.
Use movable soccer goals only on level (flat) fields.
Check all connecting hardware before every use. Replace damaged or missing fasteners immediately.
Ensure safety labels are clearly visible.
Remove nets when goals are not in use.
Anchor or chain goals to nearby fence posts, dugouts, or similar sturdy fixtures when not in use.