Soccer goal safety must be taken very seriously.  Soccer goal safety is one of the most critical issues relative to any soccer program.

As a member of the Kansas Youth Soccer Association (KSYSA) our club must have a goal safety policy with procedures strictly enforced.  Our club must certify on an annual basis to the state association that we have a goal safety program in place.  Basic elements to our goal safety program are as follows:

1. Nets must be removed when goals are not in use.
2. Portable goals must be securely anchored at all times
3. Goals must be anchored or chain one goal to another, to itself in a folded down position, or the nearby fence post, dugouts or an similar sturdy fixture when not in use.  We may fully disassemble goals for seasonal storage.  If this is not practical, we need to store movable goals in a place where children cannot have access to them.
4. Never allow anyone to climb on the net or goal.
5. We must check for structural integrity and proper connecting hardware before every use.  We must clearly identify goals which are unsafe so they are not used until repairs are made.
6. Always exercise extreme caution when moving goals and of varied sizes and weights.  Movable soccer goals should only be moved by authorized and trained personnel.
7. Players should be instructed on the safe handling of and potential dangers associated with movable soccer goals.  Players should not be moving goals.
8. Movable soccer goals should be used on level fields.

The implementation of this goal safety policy is required to assure that our players participation in the sport of soccer promotes a safe environment and positive experience.

For information related to statistics and reports about goal related injuries go to www.anchoredforsafety.org.  The Consumer Products Safety commission website maybe accessed at  www.cpsc.org/dpscpub/pubs/326.html.