 Goal Post Safety
Tragically in recent years 13 children have been killed and thousands more injured as a result of unsafe goalposts.
During the 2001/02 season, The FA carried out a programme of on site inspection and testing of goalpost sets at a number of sites across the country. The FA found from this survey that 42% of mini soccer goals, 50% of 5-a-side goals and 22% of junior goals failed stability tests. A set of full size metal goal posts was blown over this year during an under 12's game at a professional club.
Englands Goalkeepers support the FA's Goal Post Safety Campaign
The FA has sent out more than a million leaflets to schools and sports clubs warning them that home-made posts should not be used as they "have been the cause of a number of deaths and injuries".
The British Standards Institution has warned goalpost makers that if their goals do not pass strict tests they will be unable to display its BSI kitemark logo. This threat backed by FA and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport will hopefully lead to companies improving their equipment.
Mrs Brenda Smith, whose son, Jonathan, died aged 11 in 1991 when a goal post fell on him has been a leading campaigner to ensure better safety. She said: "My constant concern is that the 'man down the street' will continue to make home-made goalposts and take no notice of the safety guidelines.
I would urge all parents to check goalposts before their child plays, to make sure they are safe and secure and to prevent any further needless accidents."
Goals are often freestanding and at the moment there is no legal obligation to secure them, so when children play on them they come crashing down. |
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Key Areas of FA Concern
- The stability of goalposts
- Wooden Goals
- 5-a-side or goals on artificial pitches – not properly weighted
- Mini soccer goals – not erected properly
- Metal cup hooks – dangers of cuts, gouging
- Modifying of existing goals and DIY changes or welding of equipment
Key Message
When buying goalposts for your club/school/Local Authority, ask manufacturers if the goals comply with The FA Technical Parameters & Guidance Notes.
If you would like a copy of The FA's Goalpost Safety leaflet, please send your full name and address, along with the quantity of leaflets you require to Emma.Clark@TheFA.com
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