Field Safety
Soccer Field Safety Checklist
Prior to each practice or game, coaches, officials and/or designated volunteers should develop the habit of a field and area safety check. This checklist is designed to be a general guide for all fields. Certain fields will have other specific areas of concern that should be inspected.
Goal Post Safety
- Portable goal properly secured and anchored. Confirm anchoring system is not a hazard to participants.
- Permanent goals properly secured and anchored. Confirm anchoring system is not a hazard to participants.
- Inspect goal net and goal post for sharp corners, loose bolts and general integrity
- Instruct all players and parents of the potential dangers associated with movable soccer goals
- Forbid any horseplay by players or members of the general public on or around any goal post
- Remove nets when goals are not in use
- Portable goal posts should only be moved by authorized personnel
- Anchor or chain one portable goal to another or to a nearby fence when not in use
Field and Area Safety
- Inspect for foreign objects such as stones, glass, etc.
- Check field for holes, depressions, torn sections (if artificial turf), etc. Notify your field owners and your club of unsafe field conditions in writing. Keep a copy for your records.
- Make sure sprinkler heads are seated
- Make sure water drains beyond the touch line are marked for player awareness
- Observe 3' restraining line from the touch line. Area must be obstruction free, except for coaches.
- Review fencing. Make players and spectators aware of unsafe fencing. No climbing to retrieve balls.
- Check bleachers for safety. Make spectators aware of bleachers that may not be safe.
- If the field is used for other sports, inspect for fixtures or equipment that may have been left by the previous user. Any equipment for other sports should be secured and not accessible by players or spectators.
- Inspect the condition of and access to locker rooms, restrooms and portable toilets.
- Survey parking lots, concessions and vendors areas for any obvious hazards. Make spectators and players aware of any hazardous conditions; and notify your field owners and your club of unsafe conditions in writing as soon as practical.
Game Camera Policy
- Permitted Use of Cameras
- Cameras and recording devices are permitted for team use only.
- All cameras, including Veo systems, must be operated at all times by:
- A licensed coach positioned behind that team’s bench area; or
- A parent or designated adult positioned on the official parent/spectator sideline.
- Cameras may not be left unattended at any time.
- Operation of recording equipment must not interfere with players, referees, spectators, or match play and must be at minimum of 5 feet off the touchline of that field and any adjacent field.
Sideline & Field Positioning
- The middle area of each team sideline is designated exclusively for referees and match officials.
- No cameras, tripods, mounts, or operators may occupy or obstruct this referee-designated area.
- Equipment must be positioned safely so as not to create a tripping hazard or safety risk.
Referee, Field Marshal and Facility Authority
- At any time, a referee, field marshal or facility manager has full discretion to require:
- Repositioning of a camera or operator; or
- Immediate removal of any camera or recording device from the field area
- Please be advised if a facility has their own policies surrounding video equipment.