The Football Association, in collaboration with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Health and Safety Executive, and the British Standards Institute, wants to bring your attention to crucial guidelines for the safe utilization of goalposts. Recent years have seen too many serious injuries and fatalities resulting from the unsafe or improper use of goalposts. Safety is of paramount importance, and everyone involved in football must contribute to preventing similar incidents in the future.

1. **Anchoring Goalposts:**
– All goalposts, regardless of size (including portable ones not permanently installed), must be securely anchored to the ground.
– Portable goalposts must be secured according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
– Children or adults should never climb on, swing, or play with the goalpost structure.
– Regular inspections are necessary to ensure proper maintenance and assembly of goalposts.

2. **Storage of Portable Goalposts:**
– Portable goalposts should not be left in place after use; instead, they should be dismantled and stored securely.

3. **Net Fixings:**
– The use of metal cup hooks on goals is prohibited from the start of the 2007/08 season.
– Match officials are instructed not to commence matches if metal cup hooks are evident. Nets should only be secured by plastic hooks or tape.

4. **Homemade or Altered Goalposts:**
– Goalposts that are homemade or altered from their original size or construction should not be used, as they have been associated with deaths and injuries.

5. **Wooden Goals:**
– There is no BS/CEN standard for wooden goals, and it is unlikely that they will pass load or stability tests.
– The FA recommends replacing wooden goals, when necessary, with compliant metal, aluminum, or plastic goalposts.

For reference, The FA and BSI, along with the industry, have developed two standards for goalposts – BSEN 748 (1998) and BS 8462 (2005). It is strongly advised to ensure that all purchased goals comply with the relevant standard. A Code of Practice BS 8461 has also been completed, and copies of these standards are available from the British Standards Institute. Funding for replacement goals is accessible through the Football Foundation, with eligibility criteria and further details available on their website: [www.footballfoundation.org.uk](www.footballfoundation.org.uk).