National action to introduce government regulations mandating a safety standard for basketball rings and backboards was announced today by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, The Hon Chris Pearce MP, who has responsibility for consumer affairs at the federal level.
There have been three deaths attributed to basketball rings falling whilst a player is slam-dunking a ball. More recently, a ten-year-old boy in Western Australia was seriously injured after swinging from a wall mounted hoop. The hoop on its backboard, along with bricks and guttering fell onto the boy severing both his hands and one foot.
“The number of injuries resulting in hospitalisation is of equal concern and the Federal Government is working towards a mandatory standard which will align product warnings and consumer information across Australia”, said Mr Pearce.
Whilst basketball rings themselves are not dangerous if used correctly, when they are purchased for use at home, installation and usage instructions should always be followed and any warnings taken seriously.
The first step for delivering the national regulations for basketball rings and backboards across Australia has been completed. A regulation impact statement has been developed through consultation with States and Territories (available from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s website www.accc.gov.au).
“I am pleased to see Commonwealth, State and Territory Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading agencies working together to formulate a national plan to safeguard and educate consumers about correct installation and maintenance of basketball equipment, including the dangers of “hanging off” the ring for players”, said Mr Pearce.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission which has responsibility for the product safety provisions of the Trade Practices Act will also develop a national public education campaign to complement the introduction of the mandatory standard. The proposed mandatory standard is expected to take effect from September 2005.
The number of basketball rings/backboards installed on walls of homes or garages in Australia is conservatively estimated at tens of thousands.
24 June 2005
Contact: Gillian Harvey 03 9887 3890 or 0411 567 060