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DC Stoddert Soccer

Goal Safety Policy


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/

 

Contact Us

DC Stoddert Soccer
4620 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite A
Washington, District of Columbia 20016

Phone: 202-338-1910
Email: [email protected]