Multitude Of Anchors Available

All soccer goal manufacturers are keenly aware of the necessity of anchoring their products on the field of play, and also the proper way to store them when not in use.

Most also supply anchoring systems, some as simple as sand bags, and others more complex. Those who don’t have anchors in their product lines, provide sources through affiliate companies.

Warning stickers come in all forms, and are free for the asking. Co[show_disconnected][show_to accesslevel=’Subscriber’]ntact the Coalition to Promote Soccer Goal Safety, % Soccer Industry Council of America (200 Castlewood Dr., North Palm Beach, FL 33408).

A good online source of information can be found at www.anchoredforsafety.org.

Placing warning labels on goals does not relieve owners of the goals and facility operators from liability. Remember, a five-year old does not read labels, and labels placed high on the goalpost or crossbar is above the eye level of young players.

Coaches who allow their players to move goals around the soccer field should be prepared to make the phone call to a parent that no one ever wants to have to make. Adults should have hands-on involvement in moving any soccer goal, and must be responsible for re-anchoring that goal.

Never let a player, regardless of his/her age hang from the crossbar of a soccer goal. Stop the activity and make a point to use that as a “teachable moment” not only for the individual player, but also for the group.

Never allow a player to climb to the top of a goal and sit on the crossbar, and never allow a child to climb on the netting that draps the back of the goal.

If you are a soccer parent walking out to the sidelines before warmups begin for your child’s game, walk by the goals and see if they are securely anchored.

And never forget…accidents happen! And accidents have consequences.

Tragically, sometimes those consequences are fatal!