|
|
|
|
Friday, September 12, 2008
Tie 'Em Down
Greater Louisville, KY
|
|
|
If they’re not anchored properly, soccer goals can tip and injure (or even kill) players. Make sure your goals are securely anchored or tethered.
When you participate in a game of soccer this fall, or cheer on the sidelines, chances are you will not be thinking there is dangerous equipment on the field.
Think again. Thirty-four deaths have been reported in the United States from injuries sustained by soccer goals since 1979. Of these, six occurred to those of high school age, and another six 14 to 18-year-olds were injured, including serious injuries to players in Bardstown, Kentucky, and Lafayette, Indiana.
They’ve been caused by gusts of wind and players swinging from the cross bar. It happens during practice and during games. In a lot of cases, it is because the goals have not been anchored securely enough, and it was one such tragic incident in Illinois in 2003 that resulted in the Tran family setting up a nationwide initiative to help raise awareness of the issue.
Michelle Tran’s six-year-old son, Zachary, died when a soccer goal tipped and fell on him. The 18’ x 6’, 186-pound soccer goal in use that day was designed to be anchored with up to four metal stakes, but they were not in place, Michelle says. Michelle says she and her husband, Jayson, are pretty clued in when it comes to child safety, but it had never crossed their minds that soccer goals could be lethal objects. She wants parents and coaches to be aware of the danger of loose goals.
“We want it to be second nature to check goals to make sure they are secure before putting a child on a soccer field or playground,” says Michelle.
To this end, the Trans, with the help of family and friends, founded Anchored for Safety, which they hope will prevent deaths like Zachary’s through education and awareness. Their website (www.anchoredforsafety.org) includes information on short and long-term solutions for goal safety.
“There is an easy way to make soccer goals safer,” she says. “Keep goals securely anchored with pegs or stakes at every use—whether it’s during practice or a game. And re-anchor goals after moving them for mowing or storage. This short-term solution is easy and inexpensive and can help stop completely preventable injuries and deaths.”
The family is working on patenting a tip-proof goal with the help of an engineer. They are not sure exactly when this will be available, but Michelle says it will not be expensive.
“In their current design, soccer goals can weigh up to 400 pounds and are top-heavy because the bars are made of metal,” says Michelle. “While anchoring unsafe goals goes a long way to prevent incidents, the ultimate answer is to revamp soccer goals, using lighter materials and tip-resistant design.
“The most important thing we need to do is to help create awareness among parents, coaches, administrators and kids—it is everyone’s responsibility.”
Aidan Kelly is a freelance writer living in New Albany. He is originally from Dublin, Ireland, where he edited a newspaper for 11 years. Read his blog at soccerindiana.blogspot.com.
|
|
| No comments added! Click [ add a comment ] to be the first! |
|
|
|
|
Fall Sports and College Tests: Do They Mix? ...
More 
|
|
|
|
|
|
How do you prepare your players to stay focused and keep nerves in check for regional or state tournaments? ...
More
Archives
|
|
 ™
|
|
A collection of this month's best action photos.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hoops & Justice
by: Paul Najjar
As Susan Yates, she was a standout basketball player for Sacred Heart Academy from 1982-1986. Her awards and accolades included:...
More
Archives
|
|
|
|
|
You need to upgrade your Flash Player to version 9 or newer.
|
|
|
|
™
