SPRINGFIELD, IL – Legislation sponsored by Senator Terry Link (D-Waukegan) to increase the safety of soccer goals recently earned the approval of the Illinois Senate.  The measure creates the Moveable Soccer Goal Safety Act and places strict guidelines on how goals are manufactured, set up and secured.

"So many of our children participate in these recreational sports that it is absolutely crucial we ensure their safety while they are doing so," Senator Link said. "By passing this bill today, we set guidelines so that every child is safe while on the field."

Senator Link worked very hard with his Representative in the House, Carol Sente (D-Vernon Hills) to ensure that this measure passed. This initiative is a direct response to an incident that occurred in 2003 where a 6-year old boy was killed after a movable soccer goal fell on him during a practice.

Under HB 1130, all soccer goals are required to be tip-resistant, to prevent the goal from falling at any time while children are playing. Regulations will change in regards to how park districts, schools and other organizations set up and secure soccer goals. Also, within the next year, guidelines will change for how these goals are manufactured to further safeguard our children from any potential accidents.