Whether you’re a school football team or part of a professional league, the safety of your equipment is one of the most important parts of your game. Football goal posts, in particular, must meet specific standards to avoid becoming serious safety hazards.
At Mark Harrod, we are leading specialists in goal post safety. With over 20 years of expertise, we’re committed to crafting high-quality, durable goal posts and helping you keep them in top condition.
Whether you’re a PE teacher, club manager, or groundskeeper, this guide is here to help you ensure your goals are safe, stable and compliant.
Why goal post maintenance matters
Safety first
A goal post that’s loose, damaged, or improperly secured can collapse, putting players and spectators at risk of serious injury. Staying on top of maintenance keeps everyone safe on the pitch.
Compliance with safety standards
Football equipment must meet strict safety regulations. All Mark Harrod goals comply with BSEN 748:2004 or BS EN 16579:2018 standards. From strength testing to requirements for instructions and warning labels, these guidelines ensure the goals comply with current European standards. Regular inspections also help to ensure you’re not falling short of these requirements.
Money saving
Well-maintained goals have an extended lifespan, saving you from frequent and costly replacements.
Simple steps to maintain your goal posts
Inspect regularly
Detailed inspections should be performed at key occasions to ensure the safety of your goals posts. You should be performing weekly visual inspections and more thorough inspections when a goal is repositioned, alongside booking a detailed annual inspection. You can find more information about our recommended safe practices for inspection here.
Professional annual inspections, like our ‘Fit for Use’ service, go beyond visual checks to assess strength, stability, and compliance with official standards. Contact our team at 01785 594421 to book yours today.
Repairs to damaged goals
If goals are found to be damaged, the goal should be withdrawn from service until repaired. Repairs should only be made with the correct parts supplied by the original manufacturer/supplier.
Mark Harrod offer a range of spares, from nets to fixings, to help get your goal repaired safely and to BSEN 748:2004 or BS EN 16579:2018 standards.
Anchor goals securely
While socketed goals must be concreted securely into the ground, freestanding goals must be anchored at all times.
Ensure your goal posts are secured with the right anchors for your playing surface. Whether you need internal weight anchors, counterweights or anchor chains, your goals must be correctly anchored to conform to the latest safety standards and avoid damage.
Handle with care
A goal can be at its most dangerous when being moved. Goals should be moved by those who are fully trained to use proper lifting techniques and never dragged. A full-sized goal shouldn’t be moved by fewer than four adults to avoid bending or weakening the frame.
The Mark Harrod difference
At Mark Harrod Ltd, we’re proud to supply certified, independently tested goals to FA and British safety standards. From expert inspections to durable spares and easy-to-follow installation guides, we’ve got everything you need for reliable goal post maintenance. Our expertise ensures your goals remain safe, stable, and fully compliant with the latest regulations.
Book your inspection today
Your safety is our priority, which is where our Fit for Use inspection service comes in. Our fully trained operatives will perform a thorough visual inspection of all equipment on-site, providing a full written report of the inspection. Contact Mark Harrod Ltd at 01785 594421 to book your inspection today.
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