SAFETY STANDARDS FOR SOCCER GOALS

Queensland will soon have mandatory safety standards for portable soccer goals to reduce the likelihood of accidents such as that which seriously injured a young Mackay boy recently, Fair Trading Minister Margaret Keech announced today.

And Local Government and Sport Minister Andrew Fraser will ask Councils throughout Queensland to conduct an audit of their existing facilities to help prevent another tragedy.

Mrs Keech said the accident highlighted the dangers associated with portable goal posts.

“The Office of Fair Trading is working with stakeholders on a proposal to introduce mandatory safety standards for new portable soccer goal posts to reduce the risk of injury,” she said.

“Portable goal posts can weigh up to 200kgs. They can become unstable or collapse when enough force is applied to the cross bar, such as a child swinging on it.

“Everyone needs to take responsibility for the safety of our children. Parents, clubs and Councils need to take extra care when using portable goal posts.

“Parents should always supervise their children when they are playing around this type of equipment.

“Football Queensland has played an active role in ensuring portable soccer goals are safe by developing their own risk management plans, making sure the posts are safe and sound.

“Clubs and Councils need to make sure portable goal posts are securely stowed away when they are not being used by laying them down on the ground and chaining them together to minimise the risk of them toppling over and causing a serious injury.”

Mr Fraser said many local government areas had responsibility for hundreds of sporting facilities and each of them needed to be checked as soon as possible to ensure no more children were hurt.

“This was a terrible accident and our thoughts are with the child and his family but now we need to go back and check that all the soccer goal posts in fields used by children are absolutely safe,” Mr Fraser said.

“I am writing to Councils throughout Queensland to ask them to conduct an audit and give it their immediate attention as soon as it’s reasonably possible.

“Additionally, this week I am scheduled to meet with Football Australia specifically to discuss this issue and ensure that every possible safety precaution is being taken.”

Mrs Keech said she hoped to have the mandatory safety standard in place before the end of the year.

“Standards Australia has produced a comprehensive safety handbook regarding portable soccer goalposts,” she said.

“We encourage clubs and Councils to use this as a safety benchmark, and many already do.

“The handbook includes minimum design and equipment functions, how to safely secure goals when they are being used, instructions and safety warnings. Although compliance with the Handbook is voluntary, it is advisable to do so.

“I urge the community to play their part by contacting their local soccer club or council if they spot moveable goal posts that are not secured to the ground”.

Media contacts: David Smith (Mrs Keech) 0409 496 534 or Chris Taylor (Mr Fraser) 0419 710 874