Free-standing soccer-goal frames maim or kill people each year. Between 1979 and 1994, 21 deaths were caused when frames tipped over, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. To increase stability, an evaluation of free-standing frames is provided in ASTM F 2056, Standard Safety and Performance Specification for Soccer Goals.

Weight-bearing, anchoring, and other performance tests are provided for moveable soccer goals with inside measurements of 6.5 to 8 ft. [2.0 to 2.4 m] high and 18 to 24 ft. [5.5 to 7.3 m]wide. The specification was developed by a task group of Subcommittee F15.43 on Soccer Goal Safety in ASTM Committee F15 on Consumer Products, consisting of goal manufacturers, soccer-industry representatives, and safety specialists.

“The majority of movable soccer goals are constructed of metal, typically weighing 150 to 500 lbs.,” the task group wrote in F 2056. Many are unsafe due to improper design, manufacture, or installation, posing an unnecessary risk to those climbing or hanging from crossbars or nets. Poorly anchored or unbalanced goals have caused injury or death from tipover in high winds.

“Individual groups and institutions which purchase fullsize moveable soccer goals should be informed of the importance of using this standard in making a purchasing decision or when manufacturing their own soccer goals,” said ASTM member Jim D. Moynihan, Keeper Goals, Wauwatosa, Wis.

“The serious injuries and deaths are a result of blunt force trauma to the head, neck, chest, and limbs of the victims,” the task group stated. Among the accidents cited were a 20-year-old male who died after pulling a goal on himself doing chin-ups; and a man who lifted the back base of a goal to tighten the net to the frame, causing it to tip over and fatally strike his three-year-old child on the head. The task group is attempting to improve stability with anchoring and weight-bearing tests offered in F 2056.

For further technical information, contact Jim D. Moynihan, Keeper Goals, Wauwatosa, Wis. (phone: 414/257-1126; fax: 414/257-0397). To learn about ASTM Committee F15 membership or meetings, contact Director Kathie Morgan (phone: 610/832-9721). //

Copyright 2001, ASTM