Soccer goalposts
All moveable soccer goalposts supplied since 1 March 2005 must comply with the applicable product safety standard required by law. The current mandatory standard for Moveable soccer goals applies to goals weighing 28kg and above and requires them to meet certain requirements in the Australian Standard AS 4866.1 -2007 Playing field equipment – Soccer goals – Safety aspects.
Some of the key requirements relate to anchor points, labelling and testing. The laws were introduced because unstable moveable soccer goalposts have been implicated in death and serious injury, both here and overseas.
It is likely that most existing moveable goalposts will not meet the stability requirements. They should always be checked before use to make sure they are safe.
The best option is to have moveable goalposts placed in the ground and there are sleeve systems available which should be to a depth of at least 300mm.
Goalposts purchased prior to 1 March 2005 can be redesigned so that they use an in-ground multiple sleeving system.
If this cannot be done, the moveable soccer goalposts should be secured in such a way to ensure that each goalpost complies with the suggested methods in the Standards Australia Handbook HB 227-2003, Portable soccer goalposts – Manufacture, use and storage. All NSW football authorities have been provided with a copy of the Handbook.
The four steps to soccer goalpost safety
1. Check it
Ensure your soccer goalposts are stable by always performing the following quick safety check:
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make sure there are no children around
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carefully shake the goalpost vigorously by using both hands and pushing from behind
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if the goalpost falls over, or fails to return to its upright position, then it must not be used until it’s properly secured.
Also check the goalpost to ensure:
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there are no sharp exposed corners or edges
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there are no gaps greater than 5mm where the ground frame meets the upright post
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the ground frame doesn’t extend past the front or sides of the upright post.
IMPORTANT: Your existing soccer goalposts should be clearly labelled in three places (shown in red on illustration) with the following words:
‘WARNING – ALWAYS ANCHOR GOAL – NEVER CLIMB ON GOAL OR HANG ON CROSSBAR. Unanchored goals can tip over causing serious injury or death.’
Top of page2. Secure it
While there is no immediate requirement to stop using current goalposts, it is critical to make sure they're stable and secure. If they are not, they will need to be fixed securely or replaced.
Soccer goalposts must be secured by using at least 200kg to evenly weigh down the base of the whole goalpost.
This equates to one of the following:
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10 stakes (at least 300mm long) |
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12 bags of sand |
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10 bags of cement mix |
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3. Test it
Before every use, including games and training, a club official must test all moveable soccer goalposts to make sure they are stable and secure.
You will need to complete the following steps:
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make sure there are no children around
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carefully shake the goalpost vigorously by using both hands and pushing from behind
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if the goalpost falls over or it fails to return to its upright position, then it must not be used until it’s properly secured.
4. Respect it
When the portable soccer goalposts are not being used on the field, they should be securely stored away.
Above all, do not allow people to climb, swing or play on a moveable goalpost. This can be extremely dangerous. If you see anyone doing this, report them immediately to club officials.
Remember, before every soccer game and before all training sessions, follow these 4 steps:
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Check it
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Secure it
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Test it
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Respect it
Completing the necessary safety checks and precautions will ensure that the moveable soccer goalposts are stable and secure.
Always play it safe!
Goalpost testing
An engineer can perform a stability test on your existing moveable soccer goalposts. The stability tests specified in the new safety law require them to be applied without anchoring.
You can find a local engineer by contacting:
Engineers Australia
Tel: 1300 653 113
Website: www.engineersaustralia.org.au
AccessUTS Pty Limited
Tel: (02) 9514 1916
Website: www.accessuts.uts.edu.au
NSW football authorities
If you or your club needs assistance, contact one of the football authorities listed below.
Football Federation Australia
Email: info@footballaustralia.com.au
Website: www.footballaustralia.com.au
Football NSW
Tel: (02) 8814 4400
Website: www.footballnsw.com.au
Northern NSW Football
Tel: (02) 4964 8922
Website: www.northernnswfootball.com.au
Play it safe - soccer goalpost safety CD-Rom
NSW Fair Trading has produced a CD-Rom which has been distributed to football clubs, high schools and local councils in NSW. The CD-Rom assists officials and players to understand the new law and provides information on how to ensure that existing goalposts are secured safely.
Ask your club official to play the CD-Rom for you.
More information
For further information contact NSW Fair Trading's Product Safety Unit
on 02 9895 2049 or email to product.safety@services.nsw.gov.au
To purchase copies of the Australian Standard AS 4866.1-2007 Playing field equipment - Soccer goals - Safety aspects or Standards Australia Handbook HB 227-2003, Portable soccer goalposts – Manufacture, use and storage, contact Standards Australia on 02 8206 6000 or visit their website at www.standards.org.au