Soccer Goal Safety Recommendations

Two wheeled soccer goals pushed together and locked together for safety at Murray Park in Murray, UT.

Soccer goals locked together for safety.

You’ve probably already heard  the bad news:  Movable soccer goals can be dangerous – they can injure and even kill people if improperly used.  The good news is there are many things you can do to make sure your movable soccer goals are safe.  See the checklist below for specifics soccer goal safety suggestions >

The American Society For Testing and Materials, (ASTM), developed a standard for tip-resistant soccer goals.  It is titled ASTM F2673 – 08 Standard Safety Specification for Special Tip-Resistant Movable Soccer Goals.  You can read a summary of this standard or purchase it in its entirety on the ASTM website.

As ASTM F2673  indicates the first step towards movable soccer goal safety is to start with a safer goal.  This does not mean that goals labeled tip-resistant are tip-proof.  Any movable goal can tip in the right conditions unless it is properly anchored.  See some of Keeper Goals soccer goals meeting the criteria of ASTM F2673 >

In accordance with ASTM F2673 we urge the purchaser of ANY movable soccer goal to make certain all movable soccer goals are anchored and secured at all times. Additional weights, stakes and anchors are always available that can help you help make your goals even safer for the users. We encourage the use of these items for your soccer goals at all times.

Duckbill underground anchor on a wheeled soccer goal.

Underground duckbill anchor – an excellent way to secure a movable soccer goal.

A few points to be aware of regarding ASTM F2673:

  • ASTM F2673 sets standards for soccer goals that are tip-resistant, not tip-proof.  (All movable goals should always be anchored or secured regardless of whether or not they meet the ASTM Standards For Tip Resistant Soccer Goals.)
  • Tests to pass ASTM 2673 simulate 2 110 lb. children hanging and swinging from the crossbar.
  • ASTM 2673 only applies to soccer goals 6.5 x 18’ and larger.) However, any size movable soccer goal can tip under the right conditions, (high winds, uneven ground, enough force/weight applied to the goal.)
  • Smaller goals that are exempt from ASTM 2673 are often heavy enough to cause serious injury or death if over-turned.

Education and awareness are also critically important to enhanced soccer goal safety. You can help by educating the users of movable soccer goals, (players, parents, maintenance staff, coaches, ect.) You can find more information by visiting our website’s safety page. Soccer goal safety information is also available upon request. Please feel free contact us with any questions at info@keepergoals.com or 800-594-5126;

Soccer Goal Safety Checklist:

  • Movable goals must be properly anchored or secured at all times.
  • Wheeled goals must be properly anchored or secured at all times and additionally the wheels must be locked and the vertical slide must be in a down position at all times, (other than when the goals are actually being moved.)
  • Do not set-up, use or store any goal on a slope or hill.
  • Check that all fastenings are tightened securely.
  • Consistently check to ensure that no one has tampered with fasteners.
  • Regularly inspect the structural integrity of the goal.
  • Check for broken welds or parts. Do not use a goal with broken parts.
  • NEVER climb on, or hang from, the framework of a goal. This message should be repeatedly told to kids, coaches and parents.
  • Regularly check to insure warning labels are visible on all movable soccer goals.
  • Goals should only be moved by trained adults. Have adequate manpower when moving goals. Use caution when moving goals.
  • Goals should be re-anchored after each move.
  • Remove nets when goals are not in use.
  • Never leave children unsupervised with soccer nets.
  • Make sure goals are secured by locking them together, or anchoring them to the ground, before leaving the field.
  • Make sure the goals you buy meet the standards set by the Consumer Product and Safety Commission and the American Society For Testing and Materials.