Portable Soccer Goals

No, but you may fail in your duty of care if an accident occurs and a student or teacher is injured.

As of 31 December 2010 the supply of moveable soccer goals weighing more than 28kg must comply with Playing field equipment – Soccer Goals – Safety aspects – AS4866.1-2007. A key requirement of the standard is to ensure that moveable soccer goals have permanent labelling and informing of the dangers of improper use or goals installation.

If you have to comply, what do you have to do?

You should review all goalposts at your school, or at any ground where your students may play. The following principles should be adopted:

• Check It – is the goalpost in good condition, can it fall or topple?
• Secure It – ensure it is properly anchored into the ground.
• Test It – shake it and push it, is it stable?
• Respect It – only use the goalpost for what it was intended.

There is the possibility of legal action against the school in the event of an injury.

Peter Roberts
Director, School Services
Ph. 03 9825 7211
peter.roberts@is.vic.edu.au

Kieren Noonan
Head of Innovation
Ph. 03 9825 7275
kieren.noonan@is.vic.edu.au

• Australian Competition and Consumer Commission: Product Safety, Moveable Soccer Goals
• Australian Standards Handbook: Portable Soccer Goalposts – Manufacture, Use and Storage
• Vic DET: Safety in Physical Education and Sport
• Product Safety Australia: Mandatory Standard – Moveable Soccer Goals