IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FOOTBALL GOALS

During the summer of 2018, the European Standards Committee (CEN Committee) introduced a newly developed standard for football goals. BS EN 16579 specifies the safety requirements, test methods and functional requirements for all types of portable and permanent socketed goals, representing the most significant changes in goal post safety in recent times.

Replacing BS 8462:2012 and BS 8461:2012, the new European standard applies to playing field goals used for competition, training and recreational play for indoors or outdoors, including educational establishments and public recreational areas. For the first time ever, the new BS EN 16579 standard includes safety requirements to regulate rugby posts.

What products are affected?

The standard will relate to all football goals weighing more than 10kg (excluding full size and 5m x 2m goals over 42kg, as these are covered by BS EN 748).

Safety standards for rugby and Gaelic posts are included, the first standard to provide regulations.

Among the changes are:

Introducing new categories of goals with an overall weight less than 42kg, which includes a full-size football goal that meets this requirement.

Remove the risk of finger entrapment from the goal and crushing or shearing from moving parts.

Reducing the maximum net mesh size for football nets to 100mm from 120mm to remove the risk of head entrapment.

What is covered in BS EN 16579:2018?

Strength and stability requirements and test methods.

Test methods for head and neck entrapment.

Installation of sockets in permanent fixed foundations.

Guidelines for providing safe assembly, installation, maintenance, transportation and storage instructions.

What about your current goals?

Goals conforming to the now withdrawn BS 8462 standard are still considered to be good and safe by the Football Association's and can continue to be used until they need replacing in time through natural wear and tear.

What needs to happen now as an operator of a sports facility?

Nothing. All Universal Services goals in the market place are safe and conform to the old standard. The FA's take on previous purchased goals is, there is no reason to replace old standard with new. There will be a transitional period for manufacturers to make the necessary changes for the new standard.