Goal Post Safety

Metal Cup Hooks are still prevalent in the game despite being deemed unsafe and the British Standards Institute (BSi) stating they must not be used on goals structures. The use of metal cup hooks on goals will be banned from the commencement of season 2007/08 and match officials will be instructed not to commence matches where such net fixings are evident for safety reasons. 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 cup hooks.

The metal cup hook can cause severe lacerations to various parts of the body if entrapped. Sadly, The FA has pictures of fingers either having been lost or stripped to the bone or lower limb injuries which are too gruesome to describe. This has either happened during or before a game when nets are being fitted to the goal or a player defends or attacks a corner, or goalkeeper makes a high save near the crossbar. You will no doubt be fully aware that players should not wear any jewellery, which may harm themselves or another player, but still some accidents are reported for this type of accident. Furthermore, should a player be wearing a necklace, if caught on the hook, the strain to the neck can be extreme. These hooks will not give and thus the force on the body can be high.

Advice given by The FA

Clubs, Leagues and County FAs have been advised that different types of net fixings should be used, such as plastic arrow heads, plastic grips (if used properly), tape, or in some cases Velcro. More modern goals have channels inserted at the rear of the post or crossbar to keep the net attached. The quick option where metal cup hooks are evident is for these to be removed using an angle grinder by an appropriately trained individual several clubs or providers have performed this task already this season, ensuring the surface is then rubbed down to clear any sharp areas.