Goalpost Safety

1. In order to avoid serious injuries and fatalities as a result of unsafe or incorrect use of goalposts, safety is always of paramount importance and everyone at TJFC must play their part in order to prevent incidents occurring.

2. 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 goals must be secured by the use of chain anchors or appropriate metal pegs to prevent them from toppling forward. It is essential that under no circumstances should children or adults be allowed to climb, swing on or play with the structures of the goalposts.

3. Particular attention is drawn to the fact that if not properly assembled and secured, portable goalposts may topple over. Regular inspection of goalposts should be carried out by team managers/coaches to check that they are kept properly maintained.

4. Portable goalposts should not be left in place after use. They should be dismantled and removed to a secure place/storage. Nets should only be secured by plastic hooks 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 hooks that cannot be replaced.

5. Goalposts which are "home-made" or which have been altered from their original size or construction should not be used.

6. Guidelines to prevent toppling:
   • Follow the manufacturer's guidelines in assembling goalposts.

7. Before use, adults should:
   • Ensure each goal is anchored securely in its place.
   • Exert a significant downward force on the cross bar.
   • Exert a significant backward force on both upright posts.
   • Exert a significant forward force on both upright posts.
   
   These must be repeated until it is established that the structure is secure. If not, alternative goals/pitches must be used.