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Safety First
Soccer Goal Buying Guide:
Soccer Goal Purchasing Guideline
More and more clubs and schools are becoming aware of the dangers of owning and using homemade or dilapidated soccer goals. Purchasing safe and reliable replacement goals can be daunting, especially when most goal models look alike in print or on the internet.
The following Soccer Goal Buying Guide Checklist focuses on the three key areas soccer goal purchasers should investigate when researching and comparing the qualities and specifications of soccer goals: design and construction; ease of assembly; and, of course, anchoring systems.
(You may also download a PDF version of the guide below)
Design and Construction
Poorly designed goals provide hidden dangers to the teams using them. Goal frame design redundancies provide built in safeguards should pre-match and post-match inspections be overlooked.
The questions posed below may reveal shortcuts taken in the product design and manufacturing processes.
Yes No
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1. Does the goal frame or net attachment systems have sharp edges, particularly near the playing field? |
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2. Does the goal frame or net attachment system pose child entrapment, protrusion or pinch point dangers? |
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3. Does the goal post design allow for easy pre-match inspection by officials or coaches? |
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4. Does each goal frame attachment point have multiple bolts for safety redundancy? |
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5. Is there at least three inches of frame material overlap with all telescoping parts for safety redundancy? |
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6. Are all goal parts through bolted to ensure goal frame parts stay connected even if fasteners become loose? |
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7. Is a quality, durable finish like powder coating used? |
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8. If an artificial surface is utilized, is the goal frame’s base smooth and free of edges that might damage the playing field? |
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9. Are wheel options available for easy goal frame movement and can they be engaged simply without the continual removal or replacement of components? |
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10. Are goal frame ends open or uncovered? |
Ease Of Assembly
Shortcuts are taken when the goal assembly process is difficult and lengthy. For complexes with many fields, additional on-field construction steps (like drilling) limits the likelihood that mixed goal parts will easily fit together when goals are reassembled the following season.
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1. Are comprehensive, professionally rendered instructions provided with the goal? |
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2. Can the goal be assembled with simple hand tools as opposed to power tools or tools requiring special knowledge? |
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3. Are goal safety warning labels included and affixed to the goal by the manufacturer ( instead of the customer) prior to shipping? |
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4. Does the manufacturer ask the customer to perform multiple construction steps like drilling holes or connecting many small components at the time of assembly? |
ANCHORING
An “all-soil” condition anchor should be included with your goal at the time of purchase. Portable or above-ground anchors should be purchased additionally according to the soil conditions of the playing field and the overall usage logistics of the facility (i.e. multiple sports).
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1. Will the anchoring system included with the goal function in all soil conditions per ASTM standards? |
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2. Do assembly instructions include directions on how to test the goal after installation to ensure proper anchoring? |
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3. Can additional types of anchors be used within the goal’s design? |
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4. Has the manufacturer tested the goal’s design against ASTM and FA Standards? |