This landed in my inbox today and I feel the message needs to be spread. What better way to do it than to blog it?! This message came from the Maryland State Youth Soccer Association. The website – Anchored For Safety – is definately worth checking out!

As we head onto the soccer fields today, the affects of severe weather have made their way across Maryland with strong winds and rain. PLEASE CHECK TO MAKE SURE EVERY GOAL IS ANCHORED!

Anchored for Safety reports that with the rise of soccer in America, there have been over 35 deaths and 52 injuries in the U.S. from falling soccer goals since the 1980′s. To see a list of all soccer goal-related incidents, see: http://www.anchoredforsafety.org/incidents.html

The risk of injury or death from an unanchored soccer goal IS real. The responsibility for protecting our children lies squarely upon all.  We must be vigilant in our education and risk management practices. Every club, every coach, every referee, every manager and every parent can help to make a difference by checking to make sure that goals are anchored every time our kids step on the fields.

Soccer goal injuries and deaths have been reported at playgrounds, in neighborhoods, at schools and on soccer fields. Please help us spread the word and awareness about goal safety – tell a friend, tell a coach, tell a teacher, tell your neighborhood association. Get involved at the local soccer club/organization level to help ensure goal safety education and risk management. Forward this email to everyone you know who is involved in soccer!

You can also help by educating your child about the dangers of falling goals. According to Anchored for Safety, in their current design, it only takes 22 pounds of force to topple an unanchored 400 pound goal. Please educate your children about the dangers of climbing on or hanging from goals. Also, please help them be aware of the dangers of moving a soccer goal.

For a checklist of safety tips, please see http://www.anchoredforsafety.org/coaches_clubs_safety_checklist.html

For more information on how to properly anchor a goal, please see: http://www.anchoredforsafety.org/coaches_clubs_safe_goal_handling.html

Together, we can make a difference. Take the time to make sure all goals are anchored before the kids step foot on the fields. Spread the word about goal safety and how everyone can help to save lives and prevent injuries.

Have a great day at the fields, and remember – Anchor a Goal, Save a Life!

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