Keeper Goals Invited To Serve On ASTM Committee On Soccer Goal Safety

April 3, 2012 - PRLog -- Keeper Goals Invited To Serve On American Society For Testing and Materials, (ASTM), Committee On Soccer Goal Safety

Milwaukee, WI – March 30, 2012 – Keeper Goals, a sporting goods manufacturer/distributor located in Butler, WI, will be part of an ASTM committee charged with revising ASTM guidelines for movable soccer goals.  

Soccer goal safety is a vitally important issue.  There have been 37 fatal accidents and 56 other serious accidents involving movable soccer goals reported in the United States since 1979.  Three states, Wisconsin, Illinois and Arkansas have all recently passed laws governing movable soccer goal safety.  

The ASTM and Consumer Product and Safety Commission, (CPSC), have published standards and recommendations for those owning and using movable soccer goals.  The ASTM is in the process of reviewing and revising these guidelines.

“We are pleased to serve as part of the group taking on the challenge of reviewing and revising the safety standards for movable soccer goals.  At Keeper Goals we have always taken soccer goal safety very seriously.   In 1983 my father designed the first type of Keeper Goals soccer goal that would be mass produced.  He took great care to ensure the goal was counter-balanced.  He reasoned the first step toward soccer goal safety was to start with a safer goal,” said John Moynihan, current president of Keeper Goals.  

In Moynihan’s opinion the next step is to develop measurable standards for what a safe soccer goal is.  The third step is to communicate these standards, as well as recommendations for safe use of any movable soccer goal, with those who manufacture, purchase and use the goals.

The CPSC’s recommendations for those using movable soccer goals are;

         •  Securely anchor or counterweight movable soccer goals at ALL times.
         •  Anchor or chain one goal to another, to itself in a folded down position,
            or to nearby fence posts, dugouts, or any other similar sturdy fixture when
            not in use. If this is not practical, store movable soccer goals in a place
            where children cannot have access to them.
         •  Remove nets when goals are not in use.
         •  Check for structural integrity and proper connecting hardware before every use.
         •  Replace damaged or missing parts or fasteners immediately.
         •  NEVER allow anyone to climb on the net or goal framework.
         •  Ensure safety/warning labels (see Appendix C) are clearly visible (placed under
             the crossbar and on the sides of the down-posts at eye level).
         •  Fully disassemble goals for seasonal storage.
         •  Always exercise extreme caution when moving goals and allow adequate
            manpower to move goals of varied sizes and weights. Movable soccer goals
            should only be moved by authorized and trained personnel.
         •  Always instruct players on the safe handling of and potential dangers associated
            with movable soccer goals.
         •  Movable soccer goals should only be used on LEVEL (flat) fields.

More information on soccer goal safety including information on the laws passed in Wisconsin, Illinois and Arkansas at http://www.keepergoals.com/safety/.

Keeper Goals will manufactures soccer goals and other products in Butler, WI.  You can find them at http://www.keepergoals.com/.

For over 30 years Keeper Goals has been offering the best in sporting goods equipment including soccer goals and nets, basketball hoops, bleachers, team benches and shelters and much more.  Located in Butler, Wisconsin Keeper Goals is a family owned and operated business, proudly producing high quality soccer goals made in the USA since 1978.  

Find out more by contacting us at 800-594-5126 M-F 8 am – 5 pm CST, emailing us at info@keepergoals.com or view our website; www.keepergoals.com.

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Manufacturer/Distributor of soccer goals and nets, basketball hoops and backboards, volleyball and tennis nets, barrier netting, bleachers, team benches, hockey goals, rugby goals, lacrosse goals, football goalposts, custom athletic facility equipment