Goalpost Safety                           September 22, 2006

It has come to The FA's attention that across two counties, junior leagues have structured 9-a-side football for U11 teams and have 'suggested' the use of goals sized 16' x 6' for all games.  Because of the cost of obtaining metal or aluminium goals, clubs have purchased extension pieces from manufacturers to covert their 12' mini-soccer UPVC crossbar to a 16' piece, which of course will be in at least three sections.

Having spoken with the manufacturers of the goals in question, it has become clear that none of the section or converter pieces or new 16 x 6' UPVC goals supplied are compliant with the British Standard BS8462 dated October 2005. Thus, their use may contravene each club's public liability and player insurance cover, should any injury occur, as well as not complying with the goalpost safety campaign run by The FA.  

The FA has spoken with the relevant leagues, the County FAs to which the leagues are affiliated and to the goal manufacturers to resolve the problem on this occasion.  However, should any County FA also be aware of UPVC goals above the size of 12' x 6' (for mini-soccer use) which are being used in a higher level of the game, could they please contact Steve Williams on 020 7745 4757 or steve.williams@thefa.com for further guidance.  

The FA promotes the use of 21' x 7' goals for all youth football between the ages of 11and 14 and then 24' x 8' for ages above this, as permitted within the Laws of the Game. 

All purchasers of any goal size, irrespective of material, should ask the relevant manufacturer whether their goals comply with the latest standards BS8462 and if so, to provide a copy of the certificates relating to the goal size to be purchased. A different test certificate is required for each type and size of goal, so one test certificate does not cover a complete range of products.

Your help in communicating this message to leagues and clubs to ensure player safety would be appreciated.

Ray Ward - County Secretary

Surrey County Football Association Limited

Connaught House

36 Bridge Street

Leatherhead

Surrey

KT22 8BZ

email: ray.ward@surreyfa.com