Goalpost Safety Guidelines | Dexter Sports CIC

goalpost safety

Goalpost Safety Notice

In collaboration with the FA and Health & Safety Executive, we urge all members to follow these crucial guidelines. Unsafe goalpost use has resulted in serious injuries and fatalities. Safety is paramount.

1. Anchoring & Use

All goalposts must be securely anchored to the ground at all times.
Portable goals must follow manufacturer instructions exactly.
Never climb, swing, or play on any goal structure.

2. Storage & Assembly

Portable goals should be dismantled and stored securely after use.
Never leave portable goals in place when unsupervised.
Perform regular inspections for maintenance and assembly.

3. Prohibited Equipment: Metal cup hooks are strictly prohibited. Nets must only be secured by plastic hooks or tape. Match officials will not commence games if metal hooks are present.

4. Altered Goals: Never use homemade or altered goalposts. These are not built to safety standards and are associated with severe injury risks.

Standards & Compliance

All club goalposts should comply with BSEN 748 or BS 8462. We recommend replacing all wooden goals with compliant metal, aluminum, or plastic alternatives, as wooden structures often fail stability tests.

Funding for Replacements

Funding for safety-compliant goalposts is accessible through the Football Foundation.

Visit Football Foundation Website →