New Law Addresses Soccer Goal Safety

After a tragic accident involving an unsecured soccer goal took the life of 6-year-old Zachary “Zach” Tran seven and a half years ago, requiring organizations like park districts to examine how they store, set-up and secure soccer goals was signed into law by Gov. Pat Quinn on Tuesday.

“It is my hope that this legislation will prevent future avoidable tragedies through increased safety measures and awareness to the dangers of leaving equipment unsecured,” Sente said. “It is important that we work with local organizations that own and use soccer goals to make certain we are taking the necessary steps to ensure our children are safe.”

House Bill 1130 creates the Movable Soccer Goal Safety Act to require organizations such as park districts to investigate the storage and set-up of movable soccer goals in order to make sure goals are secured safely. Organizations are required to develop a policy specifying specific safety practices and standards. 

Additionally, within one year, the manufacturing standards for movable soccer goals will be changed to reduce future risks by making them more tip resistant. These guidelines were established by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to ensure that soccer goals are anchored, secured and counterweighted properly.

“Simply put, these new safety measures will help save lives and prevent future injuries to our children,” Sente said. “It has been a pleasure to work with the Tran family on this legislation and I am glad we can honor their son Zach’s memory. I’m pleased to see the governor act quickly to sign this life-saving piece of legislation.

— Submitted by the Illinois House of Representatives