19/07/06
A new product safety order aims to make moveable soccer goals safer in the wake of deaths and serious injuries which have occurred across Australia.
Consumer Protection Minister Michelle Roberts said the product safety order required manufacturers of moveable soccer goals to comply with higher safety standards.
"Unanchored or inadequately anchored goals can tip over when children swing on the horizontal crossbar," Mrs Roberts said.
In 1999, a 10-year-old boy in New South Wales died when another young child swinging on the goals pulled the moveable soccer goal down on to him.
In 2003, a young girl in NSW also died in similar circumstances.
"In the past 20 years, there have been seven deaths and one case of paraplegia recorded in Australia," the Minister said.
"With soccer becoming more popular with children following Australia's recent World Cup success, it is important we ensure they are safe."
Mrs Roberts said while the new order specifically targeted manufacturers, the Department of Consumer Protection had announced an education campaign alerting the public to the dangers associated with moveable soccer goals.
"It is unlikely that existing goals will comply with the new manufacturer standards, therefore Consumer Protection is suggesting users of existing goals follow a four-step safety program designed to safely anchor the goals," she said.
"Users of moveable soccer goals will be encouraged to 'Check it, Secure it, Test it, and Respect it' before every match and training session.
"Since many of the accidents occurred when children had been unsupervised, Consumer Protection is also suggesting users ensure that goals are stored away safely at all times when not in use."
Football West goalkeeper of the year 2005 Cory Hugo endorses the soccer goalpost safety campaign.
"Moveable soccer goalposts can be dangerous if not used correctly," Mr Hugo said.
"Safety is important in the game so I encourage all football supporters in Western Australia to get behind this important initiative."
It generally takes 200kg to anchor a moveable soccer goal with weights distributed evenly on the ground bar and both side supports.
Hooked pegs, sandbags or bags of cement mix can be distributed on the goal ground bar according to specifications detailed in the Australian Standards Handbook HB227-2003.
Alternatively, and preferably, moveable goals can be secured by inserting the frame into a ground sleeve.
All schools, soccer clubs and local government authorities will receive a CD and brochure outlining steps they can take to ensure the safety of their existing soccer goal posts.
A flyer in the education kit encourages children to enter a web-based competition for their chance to win a Football West State Education and Development coaching clinic valued at $2,500. Soccer goalpost warning stickers will also be provided.
For more information go to http://www.docep.wa.gov.au/goalsafety or telephone 1300 304 054.
The 'Play It Safe' soccer goalpost safety education campaign was developed with the support of Football West, the WA Local Government Association, the Department of Sport and Recreation, the Department of Education and Training, and KidSafe.
Minister's office: (08) 9213 6600
