For safety reasons goalposts of any size (including those which are portable and not installed permanently at a pitch or practice field) must always be anchored securely to the ground;
- Portable goalposts must be secured as per the manufacturer’s instructions; - Under no circumstances should children or adults be allowed to climb on, swing or play with the structure of the goalposts;
- Particular attention is drawn to the fact that if not properly assembled and secured, portable goalposts may overturn; and
- Regular inspections of goalposts must be carried out to check that they are properly maintained.
- Portable goalposts should not be left in place after use. They should be dismantled and removed to a place of secure storage.
The use of metal cup hooks on goals has been banned since season 2007/08 and match officials are instructed not to commence matches where such net fixings are evident for safety reasons.
Nets should only be secured by plastic hooks (top right) or tape and not by metal cup hooks. Any metal cup hooks should be removed and replaced. New goalposts should not be purchased if they include metal cup hooks.
Goalposts which are “home made” or which have been altered from their original size or construction should not be used. These have been the cause of a number of deaths and injuries.
There is no BS/CEN standard for wooden goals and it is unlikely that wooden goals will pass a load or stability test. The FA recommends that wooden goals should be replaced when necessary with compliant metal, aluminium or plastic goalposts. All wooden goals previously tested by independent consultants have failed strength and stability tests.
Funding for new and replacement goals is available via the Football Foundation's Goalpost Safety Scheme (see 'related links' on the right of this page for more information).
The following clubs and organisations have successfully gained Goalpost Safety funding from the Foundation since September 2008 resulting in nearly £40,000 being invested into new goalposts in the county:
AFC Brightwell
AFC Fritwell
Carterton Community College
Chadlington FC
Charlton United FC
Chinnor FC
Chinnor Youth FC
The Cooper School
Crowmarsh Parish Council
Crowmarsh Youth FC
Ducklington Sports FC
Exeter Rangers FC
Florence Park Boys FC
Goring Utd FC
Kennington United FC
Kidlington Parish Council
Kidlington Youth FC
Littlemore Youth FC
Marston Saints FC
Oxford & Cherwell Valley College
Oxford Bluebirds FC
Thame Youth FC
Tower Hill FC
Woodcote Stoke Row FC
Wroxton Sports FC