Soccer Enthusiasts to Keep Safety in Mind
Soccer enthusiasts around Victoria were reminded of the risks of using unsafe equipment.
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Michael O'Brien emphasised the risks that come from using moveable soccer goalposts that do not meet the mandatory safety standard.
"Not everyone may realise that there is a national standard in place to ensure that soccer goalposts that are used at clubs, schools and parks are safe and to reduce the risk of injury," he said.
There have been seven deaths and one paraplegic injury related to moveable soccer goalposts in Australia since 1986.
In 2003, a three-year-old child died in NSW when an unsecured soccer goal toppled over and struck her on the head. The soccer goal weighed 180kg and had no rear ground bar.
Since June, staff from Consumer Affairs Victoria have been visiting soccer clubs and schools, educating them about the standards and checking the soccer goalposts which they use.
Under the safety standard, moveable soccer goalposts weighing more than 28kg must:
- have at least one anchor point at each side of the rear ground bar
- have three permanent warning labels, one on the crossbar and one on each upright post
- not fall over or fail to return to its original position when tested in accordance with the national standard.
There are a number of steps that anyone involved in soccer can take to ensure that goals used in soccer matches are used appropriately and safely.
If your club uses moveable soccer goalposts:
- check it: ensure the goal is in good condition and stable
- secure it: anchor the goalposts to the ground to prevent them from tipping
- test it: adults should always test moveable soccer goalposts to make sure they are stable
- to do this, make sure there are no children around and shake the goalpost vigorously by using both hands and pushing it from behind
- respect it: do not allow anyone to climb on the goals or leave them unattended on the playing field
- store moveable goals away or chain them together on the grounds.