FATALITY CAUSED BY AN UNSECURED PORTABLE GOAL
Pullen Insurance was recently advised of a fatality which was caused by an unsecured portable goal. This most unfortunate event occurred during school recess at a local Arkansas elementary school.
While this loss is not connected with US Youth Soccer or any state association, portable goal safety policies and procedures need to be an integral part of a club’s risk management loss prevention program.
“The Indiana soccer family invests thousands of hours every year to provide fun, safe, soccer activities to nearly 60,000 soccer playing members. The accident, that resulted in the death of nine-year-old Jonathan Nelson of Arkansas, is something that all of want to avoid. Please allow me to urge each club to implement a disciplined process that checks, rechecks all goals on a regular basis as well as educates all members of the dangers associated with an unsecured goal. A few dollars and a few minutes can prevent your community from experiencing a similar tragedy.” Dave Guthrie, Executive Director said.
Key elements of a portable goal safety program are as follows:
- All portable goals must be inspected prior to any activity taking place on the field to assure that portable goals have been secured.
- Coaches need to communicate with players and their parents the dangers of unsecured portable goals to include horseplay at and around portable goals.
- Supervision of players
Spring, along with another soccer season, will be here shortly. Please get this most important message out to your clubs & coaches.