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Tragically there have been nine children killed in England since 1991 as a result of accidents with soccer goalposts. The Figure in the United States is 26 deaths since 1979. Deaths have also been recorded in Ireland and Malta SAFETY IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE SO EVERYBODY SHOULD TAKE NOTE. MOBILE GOALPOSTS ARE INHERENTLY UNSTABLE AS THEY ARE OPEN AT THE FRONT. THE CROSS BARS ARE HEAVY AND CAN CAUSE FATAL INJURIES IF THEY LAND ON SOMEONE’S HEAD. WHAT CAN YOU DO ? ü
CHECK THEM ü
SECURE THEM ü
TEST THEM ü RESPECT THEM CHECKInspect them before they are erected for any cracks missing bolts etc Make sure they are properly maintained Sharp cup hooks for nets should be eliminated. Use tape or Velcro strips to secure nets. SECURE THEMGoals should be erected in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Sufficient anchor pins and or weights should be used as per the manufacturers recommendations. Care needs to be taken on wet days. Constant use of the same anchor points for pins could make anchors slack. Sufficient weights would need to be used to augment these anchors. Similarly on artificial pitches it is essential that the required weights are used at all times. After use the mobile goals should not be left in position. They should removed and chained and locked in a safe position so that no youngstaer is tempted to play with them. TESTTest by pulling/pushing on goal posts. They must be tested before the match and at halftime. They should also be tested after any player should swing on bar or after there is an incident involving the goals. HOME MADE GOAL POSTS SHOULD NOT BE USED ALTERED GOAL POSTS SHOULD NOT BE USED If buying goals make sure they have a recognised BS/CEN or PAS standard mark. RESPECTEnsure those who erect goals have proper instructions and know what they are doing. Give them a copy of this leaflet. Never allow children to erect them. Never allow children to play with them unsupervised. On no account should players swing from the bars or climb on goal posts. Never allow children to carry the parts of the goals or help with the storage. There have been a number of incidents where cross bars have fallen on to children in storage sheds. Heavy items are best stored at ground level with clear access to enable easy and safe storage and removal. GOAL POST SAFETY
USEFUL LINKS http://www.thefa.com/Grassroots/FacilityDevelopment/GoalpostSafety/ |
