•••
Tearing down the goalposts is a time-honored tradition in college football, especially after the home team pulls off an improbable victory. This custom, however, can result in serious injury or even death. And most fans underestimate the risks that accompany the collapse of a large, heavy, metal structure.

In 2005, a University of Minnesota-Morris student died from head trauma after a goalpost was torn down. According to the school's chancellor, quoted in a blog by Greg Skidmore, it appeared that "a small group of overly enthusiastic students acted without thinking carefully."

The NCAA has left it up to schools to create policies for crowd control, and most athletic administrators acknowledge it is almost impossible to prevent football fans from walking onto the field. In fact, some athletic directors are concerned about the legal ramifications of using force to keep spectators from reaching the field.

Are colleges and universities liable for injuries caused by toppled goalposts? In Cimino v. Yale University (1986), courts found institutional liability and determined that athletics personnel should or could have foreseen that injury could occur if the goalposts fell. Evidence showed an insufficient number of security officers surrounding the goalposts, and the court decided Yale had failed to provide reasonable care. The plaintiff received $925,000.

In another case, Bourne v. Ball State University (2005), foreseeable risk was central in determining institutional liability. Investigators found that university athletics administration discussed the toppling of goalposts prior to the game, and that the scoreboard operator, a Ball State employee, included a pre-programmed message on the scoreboard that read: "The goalposts look lonely."

Bourne, who was injured when a goalpost fell on his back, chose to settle with Ball State. Nevertheless, courts found that security personnel did not discourage or attempt to prevent fans from rushing the field, and found the university negligent in providing appropriate care to game attendees. Bourne also brought a claim against the manufacturer, stating the goalposts were defective and dangerous. In its defense, the manufacturer persuaded the court that the goalposts were not made to be pulled down, and was not found liable.

In The University of Texas at El Paso and the University of Texas System v. Moreno (2005), an injured fan argued that university personnel had a duty to control the crowd through the use of barriers, gates, link chains, and security devices. The court found the university not negligent in the fan's injuries, which it blamed on criminal acts by other fans acting destructively.

These legal examples illustrate the growing need for athletic directors to address crowd control. In rethinking postgame practices, administrators should consider:

•Types of goalposts. Among the many options available on the market, retractable goalposts can be securely lowered within seconds, reducing the threat of injury.

• Proper security planning. Increasing the number of security personnel around the field can greatly decrease the chances of fans rushing onto the field. Despite the expense of increased security, institutional liability can be dramatically reduced with added personnel.

• Proper installation. Whenever possible, administrators should allow manufacturers to properly install their goalposts. To protect the institution from liability, documentation should be kept to show the goalposts were installed properly.

•Place warning signs. Warnings about the dangers of rushing the field should be placed on electronic scoreboards, announced over the public address system, and posted throughout the stadium.

•Inspect playing fields and equipment. Regularly inspect goalposts along with all other equipment on the field. Retain documentation of all inspections.

•Create new policies. In 2006, The Southeastern Conference initiated a policy that prohibits spectators from entering a competition area before, during, or after a game. A Florida statute allows any unauthorized spectators who enter the playing field to be charged with trespassing, and at Texas Tech University, administrators enacted a rule to arrest any fan who comes on the field.

Through thoughtful, careful planning, foreseeable injuries can be avoided. By anticipating large, emotional crowds, athletic directors can ensure that proper event management operations are in place--including securing the goalposts.

David LaVetter, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Sport Management at Arkansas State University. His research has focused on legal issues in amateur athletics. Dr. LaVetter is a member of Sport and Recreation Law Association and has published in national journals and presented at national conferences.

References

Bourne et al. v. Marty Gilman, Inc. 452 F.3d 632; 2006 U.S. App. (IN) LEXIS 15083, 2006.