Goalpost Safety Policies

General Statement

Too many serious injuries and fatalities have occurred in recent years as a result of unsafe or incorrect use of goalposts. Safety is always of paramount importance and everyone associated with Bessacarr Football Club, MUST play their part to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Guidelines

1.   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 Goalposts must be secured, by the use of chain anchors or appropriate anchor weights to prevent them from toppling over.
• It is essential that under no circumstances should children or adults be allowed to climb, swing or play with the structures of the Goalposts.
• Particular attention is drawn to the fact that if not properly assembled and secured, portable Goalposts may topple over.
• Regular inspections of Goalposts.

2.   Portable Goalposts should not be left in place after use. They should be dismantled and removed to the nominated place of secure storage.

3.   It is strongly recommended that the nets should only be secured by plastic hooks or tape and not by metal cup hooks. Any metal cup hooks must be removed and replaced. New Goalposts should not be purchased if they include metal cup hooks, which cannot be replaced.

4.   Goalposts, which are 'home made' or which, have been altered from their original size or construction should not be used.

5.   To prevent toppling:

Always follow the Manufacture's guidelines in assembling Goalposts.

6.    Before use Adults should always:

a)      ensure each Goalpost is anchored securely in place

b)      exert a significant downward force on the cross bar

c)      exert a significant backward force on both upright posts

d)      these must be repeated until it is established the structure is secure.

If not, alternative goals/pitches must be used .

Note, whist it may be the responsibility of the Schools to erect and maintain goalposts, it is the responsibility of the team managers and coaches to ensure that they are safe and fit for purpose.

REMEMBER TO USE ALL EQUIPMENT,

NOT JUST GOALPOSTS, SAFELY AT ALL TIMES