Goalposts
In recent years there have, sadly, been a number of serious injuries and fatalities as a result of unsafe or incorrectly-used goalposts.
To prevent further harm, The FA, along with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the Health & Safety Executive and the British Standards Institution, have come together to endorse a set of guidelines for the safe use of goalposts.
Everyone must play their part to keep the game safe and follow the advice on this page. More detailed information on goalpost safety can be found in the full ‘FA Guide to Pitch and Goalpost Safety’ guidance below. For information on funding to upgrade or secure new goalposts, please refer to the 'Football Foundation Facility Grants' information.
Goalpost safety notes
* For safety reasons, goalposts of any size, whether portable or otherwise, must always be anchored securely to the ground
* All goalposts must be installed and/or secured as per the manufacturer’s instructions
* Under no circumstances should children or adults be allowed to climb on, swing on 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
* Regular inspections of goalposts must be carried out to check 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
* Nets should only be secured by plastic hooks, net grips or tape. Any metal cup hooks should have been removed and replaced as they are now banned
* 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
* Due to previously-failed strength and stability tests The FA recommends that wooden goals should be replaced when necessary with compliant metal, aluminium or plastic goalposts
