WRAL, a television station in the Raleigh, Durham and Fayetteville areas of North Carolina, recently posted an article on the tragic death of a 9-year-old boy who was killed by a falling soccer goal. ”Maria Escalera says her son, Juan Escalera, 9, was visiting his cousins and decided to play soccer after church. “My husband said that it happened in less than 2 minutes,” Escalera said, adding that the goal post’s metal bars were not secured. “They yelled and screamed that something had happened to my son, that the goal thing had fallen on top of his head.”"
Unfortunately, this happens too often, and can be prevented through proper safety precautions.
The following tips should be followed to avoid potential soccer goal tip-overs.
- Securely anchor or counterweight movable soccer goals at all times.
- Never allow individuals to climb on the soccer goal’s net or goal’s framework.
- Always instruct soccer players and coaches on the safe handling of potential dangers associated with movable soccer goals.
- Use movable soccer goals only on level (flat) fields.
- Always check all connecting hardware before every use.
- Always replace damaged or missing fasteners immediately.
- Always ensure safety labels are clearly visible.
- Always remove nets when goals are not in use.
- Always anchor or chain goals to nearby fence posts, dugouts or similar sturdy fixtures when not in use.
- Always fully disassemble goals for seasonal storage.
Here are some additional resources on soccer goal safety:
- YMCA: http://www.redwoodsgroup.com/YMCA/Y_RMT_SoccerGoalSafety_8.31.09.pdf
- JCC: http://www.redwoodsgroup.com/JCCs/documents/J_RMT_SoccerGoalSafety_8.31.09.pdf
- Camp: http://www.redwoodsgroup.com/Camps/Camp_RMT_SoccerGoalSafety_8.31.09.pdf
