Policy Purpose and Scope
DC
Stoddert Soccer recognizes the inherent dangers associated with unanchored or
improperly anchored soccer goals tipping over, and that care must be taken to
ensure proper installation, setup, maintenance, and transportation of movable
soccer goals. The purpose of this policy is to inform and instruct anyone
involved with soccer goals of the potential dangers posed by soccer goals and
ways to ensure safe operations around goals. This policy intends to
promote the safe use of soccer goals in DC Stoddert Soccer, with the purpose of
preventing, to the extent possible, injury or death as a result of soccer goal
tip-over. The guidelines in this policy have been adapted from safety
tips provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
This
policy applies to all DC Stoddert Soccer management, coaches, managers,
parents/guardians, spectators, and athletes. The use of the term “goals”
in this document refers to metal framed soccer goals, typically with dimensions
ranging from 6’ x 18’ to 8’ x 24’. Such goals may be anchored in place in the
ground, or they may be moveable.
This
policy does not apply to small “pop up” goals like PUGG and KICKSTER goals
(usually 4’ x 6’ flexible frame goals) or plastic framed portable goals that
are 4’ x 6’. These goals are deemed safer than larger, metal framed goals;
however, much of the information on the safe usage of portable goals that
follows still may still be taken into consideration when handling these smaller
goals.
Policy Overview
A
primary objective of DC Stoddert Soccer is for youth athletes to have access to
safe recreational areas. This policy includes details governing the safe use,
movement, and storage of soccer goals and can effectively be summarized by the
following guiding principle.
“Any use of a soccer goal that is inconsistent with
soccer-related activity, including without limitation, playing, climbing, or
hanging on any part of the soccer goal is strictly prohibited.”
Goal Use
A
primary objective of DC Stoddert Soccer is for youth athletes to have access to
safe recreational areas. The following policies are in place to keep goals and
nets secure and youth athletes safe. Coaches, parents/guardians, and
spectators should advise children, youth athletes, and any other person
accompanying them for whom they are responsible of these policies.
Any
use of a soccer goal that is inconsistent with soccer-related activity,
including without limitation, playing, climbing, or hanging on any part of the
soccer goal is strictly prohibited.
This
especially applies to children climbing on or hanging from nets or goal frames.
If
a coach, parent/guardian, or spectator observes any child inappropriately using
a soccer goal or net, they are to immediately and politely ask that child to
stop. If the activity continues, they are to notify a coach, referee, or the
child's parent, if known, as soon as possible.
According
to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, playing, climbing, or hanging
on any part of a soccer goal can result in serious injury, including death.
Properly Anchored Goals
The
following policies relate to properly anchored goals:
- All goals
used by DC Stoddert Soccer must be anchored or secured in some fashion so that
they are less susceptible to tipping over
- If a
coach, parent/guardian or spectator sees any soccer goal that is not anchored
down or otherwise secure during a training session, practice, tryout, or other
DC Stoddert Soccer-sponsored activity, they are to contact the coach or DC
Stoddert Soccer management immediately, and under no circumstances should that
goal be used until secured
- If a goal
needs to be moved for a practice session, then it the coach’s responsibility to
ensure the goal is properly anchored
- If a
coach, parent/guardian or spectator sees any soccer goal that is not anchored
down or otherwise secure during a game or tournament, they are to alert the
referee immediately
Goal Storage
DC
Stoddert Soccer works with a variety of private and public field entities to
obtain access to natural grass and synthetic turf fields across the greater
Washington, DC area. In the District of Columbia, DC Stoddert Soccer
collaborates with the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and private
schools to observe the recommended goal storage guidelines below. The
CPSC reports most accidents occurred when the goal was unattended. When goals
are not being used, DC Stoddert, in concert with the Parks Department and
private schools, must take appropriate steps to secure goals such as:
- Placing
the goal frames face to face and securing them at each goalpost with a lock and
chain;
- Locking
and chaining to a suitable fixed structure such as a permanent fence, dugout,
or any other similar sturdy fixture;
- Locking
unused portable goals in a secure storage room after each use;
- Anchoring
unused goals in a folded down position;
- If the
above steps are not practical, storing movable soccer goals in a place where
children cannot have access to them;
- Fully
disassembling the goals for seasonal storage; and
- Removing
the nets.
Movement of Soccer Goals
The
following policies relate to moving goals:
- 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 club personnel, which includes volunteer coaches and
team managers
- Always
instruct players on the safe handling of and potential dangers associated with
movable soccer goals. Younger players should leave goals alone. Older players
(ages 16 and up) should only move goals with appropriate adult supervision and
involvement
- Movable
soccer goals should only be used on level (flat) fields
General Goal Safety
DC
Stoddert soccer management must inspect goal equipment to identify and remedy
any safety issues at the start of each soccer season. DC
Stoddert Soccer management, coaches, team managers, parents/guardians,
spectators, and athletes should be aware of, and, to the extent possible,
follow the following goal safety guidelines, provided by the U.S. CPSC:
- Check for
structural integrity and proper connecting hardware before every use; replace
damaged or missing parts or fasteners immediately
- Securely
anchor or counterweight movable soccer goals at ALL times
- NEVER
allow anyone to climb on the net or goal framework
- Ensure
safety/warning labels are clearly visible (placed under the crossbar and on the
sides of the down-posts at eye level)
Policy Enforcement
Any
DC Stoddert coach or manager who does not adhere to this policy will be
considered in violation of DC
Stoddert Soccer Sideline Ethics and/or subject to disciplinary
action by the DC Stoddert Board of Directors. Any parent/guardian who
does not adhere to this policy will be considered in violation of the DC Stoddert Soccer Parent
Code of Conduct and/or subject to disciplinary action set by the DC
Stoddert Board of Directors. Any player who does not adhere to this policy will
be in violation of the DC
Stoddert Soccer Player Code of Conduct, which may result in
disciplinary action, such as being required to sit out, at the coach's
discretion.
Policy Resources
Additional
information on goal safety is available at the following links:
- http://www.kwikgoal.com/safety
- http://www.vysa.com/programs/RiskMgmt/373907.html
(From the Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA): Goal Safety Guidelines and
Goal Safety Brochure)
- http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Safety-Education/Safety-Guides/Sports-Fitness-and-Recreation/Guidelines-for-Movable-Soccer-Goal-Safety/