US Youth Soccer2008 adidas Workshop & Convention

February 7 - 9, 2008David L. Lawrence Convention Center

Presented By: Pullen Insurance Services, Inc.

GOAL!

Portable Goal Post Risk Management

• Associations must implement portable goal post safety policy

• Policy needs to address:– Portable goal anchoring TECHNIQUES– Inspection prior to each activity – portable goals are

frequently moved– Warning of players and parents of dangers of

unsecured goals to include supervision.– Both coaches and parents are RESPONSIBLE for the

supervision of players while on fields.

Portable Goal Post Risk Management

THREE fatalities reported in 2007 involving unsecured portable goals.

Reducing Goal Post Related Liability Claims

• Eliminate homemade goals. Do not manufacture or design your own goal posts

• Eliminate club owned goals on public property—reduces liability exposure on a 24/7 basis. Let field owners supply goals

• If club owns portable goals on public property, implement inspection procedures for maintenance, security, and storage.

• Any unanchored goal can be tipped with catastrophic results.

Reducing Goal Post Claims Cont.

• Never perform any type of installation or maintenance on the goals. This should be done by an independent contractor with liability insurance

• Never enter into a lease of premises agreement with a field owner where the club assumes the liability for goal posts which it does not own

• Perform periodic inspections of all field locations. Keep records and notify owners in writing of any deficiencies

Reducing Goal Post Claims Cont.

• Coaches must always inspect goals prior to use especially when goals are secured with ground anchor pegs.

• Always properly secure portable goals at the conclusion of play if goal is not anchored in a permanent/semi-permanent position.

• Never allow horseplay on or around the goals.• Goals need to ALWAYS be anchored when they are in

an upright position.• Coaches and parents must supervise all activities. It is a

shared responsibility. Get the message out!

Outdoor Portable Goal Anchoring Techniques

I. Semi Permanent Ground Anchors• Base of anchor and not goal frame secured in ground by

concrete• Best option• Good for all soil types

II. Portable Anchor Pegs• 12” & 16” lengths• Convenient but only for the proper soil condition• Soil Type – hard or clay

III. Portable Anchor Pegs• Convenient• 15” length• Sandy soil conditions

Goal Safety Guideline Standards

I. Consumer Product Safety Commission www.cpsc.gov/

• First to raise issue of homemade goals• Safe handling and storage guidelines

II. American Society for Testing and Materials www.astm.org

• ASTM F1938-98 highlights installation, use and storage of full size goals

• ASTM F2056-00 specifies safety and performance requirements to reduce chances of injury and fatalities

Proper Goal Inspection

Look/Check

• Anchors

• Hardware

• Structural integrity

• Nets

• Warning Labels

• Storage

Proper Goal Inspection

Anchors:

Unanchored goal

Properly anchored goal Proper anchor bag placement

Poor anchor bag placement

Proper Goal Inspection

Hardware:

Proper Goal InspectionStructural

Integrity:

Cracked welds Corners in good shape

Proper Goal Inspection

Nets:

Proper Goal Inspection

Warning Labels:

Proper Goal Inspection

Storage:

-Goal inspection pictures courtesy of: KWIKGOAL

-Safety Resource Guide: KWIKGOAL Safety 1st Program

www.kwikgoal.com/safety_first.shtml