Safety

Prior to the start of the match a manager must undertake a pitch inspection to ensure the pitch is playable and that there are no specific hazards.  This would include, inter alia:

• Dog mess;
• Glass;
• Manhole covers;
• Loose stones;
• Frozen ground;
• Ice.
  

Manager should adopt a zero risk tolerance to a pitch and any hazard must be dealt with before a game is played.  Managers should not weigh up the risks of a hazard against the disappointment of not playing a match.  The risks must be addressed.

In wet conditions a manager must not only consider whether the pitch is playable, but also whether or not playing the game will damage the surface.  A match should be called off if it is felt that playing the game will damage the surface.  If in doubt, contact Graham Smith for home games.

Goal post safety is paramount.  In the past few years there have been a number of serious injuries and deaths arising from the use of unsafe or incorrect use of goalposts.

1. For safety reasons goal posts of any size (including those which are portable and not installed permanently at a pitch or practice field) must always be anchored securely to the ground.
2. Portable goal posts must be secured by the use of chain anchors or appropriate anchor weights o prevent them from toppling forward;
3. It is essential that under no circumstance should children or adults be allowed to climb, swing or play with the structure of goalposts;
4. Particular attention is drawn to the fact that if not properly secured and assembled, portable goalposts may topple over;
5. Regular inspections of goalposts should be carried out to check that they are kept properly maintained.
6. Portable goalposts should not be left in place after use – they should be dismantled and removed to a place of secure storage;
7. It is strongly recommended that nets be secured using plastic hooks.  Metal hooks should be replaced.  New goalposts should not be purchased if they include metal hooks;
8. Goal posts, which are “home-made” or have been altered from their original construction, should NOT be used.  These have been a cause of a number of fatalities;

Guidelines to prevent toppling:

• Follow the manufacturers instruction in assembling goal posts;
• Ensure each goal is anchored securely in its place;
• Exert a significant downward force on the cross bar;
• Exert a significant backward force on both upright posts;
• Exert a significant forward force on both upright posts;
• Be alert of any pieces of metal which are insecure, stick out or have the capability to inflict injury.
• These must be repeated until it is established that the structure is secure.  If not alternative goals/pitches must be used.