My 5-year-old son was seriously injured when a basketball hoop fell on him during youth basketball practice at Saugus Middle/High School.

This incident was preventable.

The basketball hoops at Veterans Memorial School were reportedly broken and had not been repaired. Instead, temporary outdoor hoops were being used for children’s practices.

The temporary hoops were not secured in the manner intended by the manufacturer. Rather than being properly filled with sand or water to stabilize the base, they were being held down with removable weights.

Before practice ended, the weights were removed, leaving the hoop unstable. The hoop then tipped over and struck my child.

No parent should have to worry that unsafe equipment could seriously injure a child during a school sports program.

This raises important questions about equipment safety, maintenance, supervision, and accountability in youth athletics within the Town of Saugus.

We are asking the Town to:
• Conduct a full review of all athletic equipment used by children
• Ensure all basketball hoops and sports equipment are properly secured and maintained
• Implement clear safety protocols before youth practices and games
• Prioritize child safety over budget shortcuts

Children deserve safe places to play.