Portable Soccer Goal Safety

Portable soccer goals (also known as movable soccer goals, as they are referred to by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission) are one of the best pieces of soccer equipment for skills development and for the convenience of a soccer goal when and where you want it. However, since these soccer goals are not permanently fitted into the ground, they do come with an element of risk. To make using portable soccer goals as safe as possible, follow both the manufacturer's instructions and the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for the safe use of portable soccer goals. Follow All Safety Guidelines for Portable Soccer Goals We stress the safe use of all the soccer goals we sell. While we work to ensure that all the portable soccer goals on our website are built sturdily, there is no substitute for following the CPSC's guidelines for the safe use of portable soccer goals.

Besides adhering to all of the CPSC safety guidelines for the use of portable soccer goals (listed below), there are still more precautions that you can take to ensure your portable soccer goals provide years of enjoyment and avoid portable soccer goals accidents:

• Be sure to educate children and other players about the safe use of portable soccer goals.
• Supervise children while they are using portable soccer goals.
• Never use portable soccer goals that have been damaged.
• Never use hardware, soccer goal anchors, or soccer goal stakes that have been damaged.

We're sure that you will get the most enjoyment out of your portable soccer goals if you follow these vital safety guidelines. Not only will these guidelines keep players safe, but they will also protect the soccer goals themselves, thus ensuring years of quality practice and safe, fun soccer.

The following is from the CSPC's website:

Potential Hazards of Portable Soccer Goals if not Used Properly

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
• 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 soccer nets when goals are not in use.
• Anchor or chain goals to nearby fence posts, dugouts, or similar sturdy fixtures when not in use.
• Fully disassemble goals for seasonal storage.

A voluntary safety standard for portable soccer goals and a guide for safer use of portable soccer goals are available from ASTM International at www.ASTM.org.