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Governor Quinn Signs ‘Zach’s Law’ for Movable Soccer Goal Safety


Law Requires Soccer Goals be Designed to Resist Tipping

CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–August 2, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed “Zach’s Law” requiring all movable soccer goals manufactured and sold in the state of Illinois to be tip-resistant. House Bill 1130, the Moveable Soccer Goal Safety Act, will also require organizations that own moveable soccer goals to create soccer goal safety and education policies.

“Improperly secured soccer goals present a serious threat to our athletes, especially children,” Governor Quinn said. “Illinois is leading the nation in recognizing and preventing these types of safety concerns. I’m proud to sign “Zach’s Law” today, and help improve soccer safety in Illinois.”

On October 1, 2003, six-year-old Zachary Tran of Vernon Hills was at soccer practice when an improperly-secured 184-pound metal soccer goal fell, striking his head. He later died of his injuries. Zach’s death was the 27th death reported in the United States from a falling goal post since 1979.

The legislation requires that soccer goals with inside measurements between 6.5 to 8-feet high and 18 to 24-feet wide must conform to tip-resistant standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials. Additionally, the Illinois Department of Public Health will post soccer goal safety guidelines from the American Society for Testing and Materials and the Consumer Product Safety Commission on its website by June 2012.

Illinois is the first state to ban the manufacture and sale of soccer goals that do not meet new tip-resistant standards. This is the most recent in a series of public safety laws signed by Governor Quinn. In June, the Governor signed HB 219 requiring all passengers in a vehicle to wear a seatbelt, and last week signed HB 200 to protect Illinois’ student-athletes from concussions and other brain injuries.

Zach’s parents, Michelle and Jayson Tran, created the Zachary Tran Memorial Fund, as well the ‘Anchored for Safety’ initiative to educate parents and organizations on proper anchoring of movable soccer goals.

House Bill 1130, sponsored by Rep. Carol Sente (D-Vernon Hills) and Sen. Terry Link (D-Lake Bluff) goes into effect immediately. The ban on the manufacture or sale of non-tip-resistant movable soccer goals begins Aug. 2, 2012.

Source: illinois.gov



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