And the injuries and deaths just keep happening. In 2007, a Virginia boy, just 10 years old died, when a goal he was defending came crashing down on him. I remember the incident well because I represented the boy’s family. And now, almost 10 years later, I’m watching my own 10 year old run out onto to the soccer field and I know that the goals are still falling and killing kids. According to Anchored for Safety, 39 people have been killed and 57 more have been injured by this dangerous product. Most of the victims have been children and most of them were playing on University, public school, or public municipal fields.
So What Should a Parent Do? Inspect the Goals, Ourselves?
Yes, that is exactly what parents should do. Although it is the responsibility of the game officials and the coaches to inspect the goals and make sure they are securely anchored into to the ground, it is not always done. A few weeks ago, at a regional tournament, I spoke to a young referee that said he’d never been told to inspect the goals and he didn’t know how to do it. I took the liberty of showing him, and while we were on the field, I noticed a sandbag that was laying beside the goal, not even touching the frame!
I Don’t Know How to Inspect a Goal. What do I do?
These 400 pound goals can be tipped over with a mere 20 pounds of pressure. Goals have reportedly tipped due to strong gusts of wind, children getting caught in the net, or children jumping up and tapping the crossbar. Experts compare the force of a falling goal to that of a sledgehammer. Carry this checklist for goal inspection with you at all times.
Pre-Match Soccer Goal Checklist
- Are goals in place and secured properly to the goal and ground surface?
- If anchor bags are being used, are they in good condition?
- Are anchor bags adequately filled with sand or stone?
- Are anchor bags placed over the base of the goal frames at the back corners?
- Is all connecting hardware, such as nuts and bolts, in place and secure?
- Has the structural integrity of the goal been compromised?
- Are welds cracked?
- Are corner joints secure?
- Is the goal on a level surface?
- Are the goal nets attached properly to the goal frame?
- Do sharp edges exist in any part of the goal and net attachment system?
- Do the nets have large holes or tears?
If you find any of these circumstances, you should bring it to the coaches and game official’s attention immediately. No child should play in or around the goal until the problem has been corrected.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed by a defective product, call product liability lawyer Paul Thomson of The Thomson Law Firm for FREE consultation (540) 777-4900.
