As with all parents, we at Promats® Athletics are extremely concerned about the safety of our student athletes. It is with that concern we present the following information as we realize that no matter how many safety innovations are built into our products, athletes will be athletes and will always “test the envelope”. Please read the somewhat sobering message below and then observe the safety tips that we suggest to be sure that our athletes are as safe as possible.
Between 1979 and 1994, 21 deaths were caused by improperly installed soccer goals according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. To increase stability, an evaluation of free-standing goals was created in the ASTM F2056-00 Standard Safety and Performance Specification for Soccer Goals. The specification was developed by a task group of Subcommittee F15.43 on Soccer Goal Safety in ASTM Committee F15 on Consumer Products, consisting of goal manufacturers, soccerindustry representatives, and safety specialists.
This standard applies to soccer goals used for training and competition in outdoor sports facilities and indoor arenas whose inside measurements are 61/2 to 8 ft high and 18 to 24 ft wide. This standard specifies safety and performance requirements aimed at providing for safer use of soccer goals and reducing injuries and fatalities and addresses the risk of accidental tip-over or pull-over of soccer goals based upon ASTM EN 748 Safety & Design Requirements.
Promats® Athletics soccer goal products not only conform to but exceed these ASTM requirements and we offer the following safety tips to help ensure that your soccer goal is safely installed:
Securely anchor or counterweight movable soccer goals at ALL times (see prior illustration).
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 (see Appendix C) 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.
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