Soccer Goal Safety

Soccer goalkeepers and players risk injury from their opponent every time they step on the field. What you may not know is that improperly anchored soccer goals can present an added danger that can result in serious injury and even death. To put these players in the best position to succeed and ensure their safety throughout the game, coaches, athletic directors, and league administrators are well-advised to provide the safest soccer goals and goal anchors available on the market.

One of the more tragic but unexpected threats on the soccer field is that of a tipped-over goal. Reports note that these accidents happen when soccer goals - which can weigh more than 400 pounds - are not properly anchored and subsequently tip over onto goalkeepers or other players in the vicinity.

The following soccer goal safety guidelines and standards established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and ASTM International define proper goal anchoring to prevent tip over and player injuries.       

CPSC Soccer Goal Safety Guidelines

Data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) shows that numerous deaths have occurred since 1979 directly as a result of tipped-over soccer goals. In addition, the CPSC estimates that 120 injuries occur per year due to improperly anchored goals.

The CPSC has established specific guidelines for the installation, use, and storage of full-sized, movable soccer goals with an aim to prevent future deaths and serious injuries resulting from soccer goal accidents. The CPSC hopes that these guidelines will raise awareness about the dangers of unanchored soccer goals and improper use. A printable PDF of the CPSC Soccer Goal Safety Guidelines can be accessed through this link.

ASTM Soccer Goal Safety Standards

ASTM International has developed the following two safety standards regarding movable soccer goals:

1) ASTM F2950-14 - Standard Safety and Performance Specification for Soccer Goals

• This standard establishes that all soccer goals with a total weight greater than 40 lbs. be required to follow specified anchoring instructions in an effort to reduce injuries and fatalities.

2) ASTM F1938-98 - Standard Guide for Safer Use of Movable Soccer Goals

• This scope of this standard provides guidelines for the proper installation and use of pegs, stakes, and sandbags as soccer goal anchors to prevent deaths and serious injuries resulting from soccer goal tip overs.