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Goal Post Safety - Protecting Youth Soccer Players

This analysis highlights the importance of goal post safety in youth soccer. It discusses the risks, causes of injuries, and provides recommendations for anchoring and securing goalposts. Soccer associations, clubs, and schools are urged to prioritize player safety.

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Goal Post Safety - Protecting Youth Soccer Players

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  1. Maryland State Youth Soccer AssociationJune 1, 2008 Goal Post Safety Maryland State Youth Soccer Association June 1, 2008

  2. Goal Post Safety Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report Centers for Disease Control March 11, 1994 “Epidemiologic Notes and Reports Injuries Associated with Soccer Goalposts --- United States, 1979-1993” Analysis of 27 injuries and deaths associated with soccer goalposts. Maryland State Youth Soccer Association June 1, 2008

  3. Goal Post Safety Analysis of Data CDC report submitted to Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) • 18 of 27 cases were FATAL • 23 of 27 were MALE • Mean AGE of all cases = 10 years old • Head Trauma – principal cause of death Maryland State Youth Soccer Association June 1, 2008

  4. Goal Post Safety Analysis of Data – Status of Goalposts • 26 of 27 goalposts involved were METAL • 23 of 27 goalposts were PORTABLE • 25 of 27 cases where goalposts fell FORWARD • Crossbar striking the victim • 18 goalposts – NOT ANCHORED • 1 goalpost – POORLY ANCHORED • 3 goalposts – ANCHORED PROPERLY • 5 goalposts – status unknown Maryland State Youth Soccer Association June 1, 2008

  5. Goal Post Safety Analysis of Data – Location • 15 cases occurred on a SCHOOL FIELD • 11 cases - LOCAL / PRIVATE FIELD There are between 225,000 – 500,000 portable goalposts in the United States with 12 million players under the age of 18 playing soccer. Maryland State Youth Soccer Association June 1, 2008

  6. Goal Post Safety Analysis of Data – Circumstances • 4 incidents occurred during a soccer GAME • 4 incidents occurred during PRACTICE 19 incidents occurred during times NOT involving a GAME OR PRACTICE. Maryland State Youth Soccer Association June 1, 2008

  7. Goal Post Safety Analysis of Data – Supervision All 27 incidents were witnessed • 6 cases –ADULT was directly supervising (visual contact) • 8 cases – ADULT was in vicinity (not in visual contact) • 4 cases – victim was climbing the goalpost • 7 cases – victim was swinging / chin-ups on crossbar • 6 cases – victim involved in lifting the goalpost • 4 cases – goalpost fell forward due to WIND GUST • 20 mph wind gust can topple a goalpost that is unanchored Maryland State Youth Soccer Association June 1, 2008

  8. Goal Post SafetySafety Recommendations • 1990 – CPSC (Voluntary labeling standard) • Warning labels on crossbar and posts • 1992 – Manufacturers adopted standards to anchor the goalposts using stakes, etc….. 4 stakes are recommended (2 on rear, 2 on sides), counterbalances with sandbags, etc., etc., etc., Goalposts not used should be secured to permanent structure with goal-face down on ground or disassembled. Maryland State Youth Soccer Association June 1, 2008

  9. Goal Post SafetyRecommendations Design / Construction Guidelines • Design change to increase the depth of the goal with more weight farther away from the goal opening. • Lighter material for the posts and crossbar • Heavier rear framework and ability to fold when not in use. Maryland State Youth Soccer Association June 1, 2008

  10. Goal Post SafetyRecommendations Anchoring / Securing /Counterweighing • Auger Style anchor – “helical” screwed into ground • Peg or Stake (varying lengths) – driven into ground • J-Hook shaped stake – hammered at an angle • Sandbags or counterweight – artificial turf All goals must be stored properly when not used. Remove the net, place goal frames face to face, and secure to permanent fence or structure. Maryland State Youth Soccer Association June 1, 2008

  11. Soccer Goal Post SafetyAre we getting the message? • Risk Management Report by Lori Windolf Crispo, CPCU. Executive VP, Bollinger, Inc. “…there has been no appreciable reduction in goal-related claims, despite the safety guidelines that have been put in place by soccer associations.” 2002 Maryland State Youth Soccer Association June 1, 2008

  12. Goal Post Safety What can be DONE? Soccer State organizations, Clubs, Leagues, Parks and Recreation, Schools, Camps, Private soccer facilities should ATTACK this issue. • Written safety guidelines and standards • Educate coaches, league officers, referees, parents. • Empower coaches, officers, referees to enforce safety standards. • Communicate safety guidelines to ALL members of your soccer association and COMMUNITY. Maryland State Youth Soccer Association June 1, 2008

  13. THANK YOU ! Maryland State Youth Soccer Association June 1, 2008

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