Goalpost Care & Maintenance
ITSA Goal Posts provides detailed information regarding the maintenance of all types of goal posts. Specific care and maintenance of goalposts can be downloaded as a PDF file below. Should you require any further information please contact our technical director john@itsagoal.net 0797 474 5768
All ITSA GOAL post fitting instructions are available in this section of the website – to view or download additional copies for your club members click on the relevant section to find the goalpost instructions. Care & maintenance information is also available in each category of goal post that will help extend the life of your product.
Plastic goal instructions
Footiegoal.com garden goals
Metal flat pack goal posts
Antivandal steel goal posts
Freestanding moveable aluminum goals
Folding football goals
Goalpost Care & Maintenance for Folding Elliptical Goals
Football Goalposts must at all times be used in accordance with the fitting instructions provided. When freestanding moveable goalposts are being positioned prior to a game, children should not be allowed to use the goalposts until they are secure and anchored safely. Never position the goalpost and then go for the second goal before first making sure the first goal is securely anchored down.
Goalpost should be checked regularly and must be stored away safely as per instructions when not in use. This care and Maintenance information follows our own risk assessments and those of the Football Association Guidance Notes of ‘best practice’ to help ensure goals are safe. Sufficient counterbalance weights or anchors must be attached to the goal at all times if it is left in its play position. When stored against a wall the goal frames MUST be secured on suitable brackets. If brackets are not available they should be stored flat face down on the ground. They should never at any time be lent against a wall unsecured. All Heavier free standing goal frames above 45 kilos in weight require additional care and attention when used around children. The elliptical foldaway goal was designed specifically with transportation and storage in mind. The goal is designed to be used on a grass with multi-surface anchors or on artificial grass with counter balance weights. Permanent anchor points can also be used to secure the goal in a fixed and permanent match position. Note:- LARGER GOALPOSTS MUST BE MOVED WITH REAR GROUND FRAME ATTACHED.
Goal post assembly
FOOTBALL GOALPOST ASSEMBLY – IMPORTANT
To ensure alignment of goal post sections it is important to assemble the goal post on level ground. The corners of the crossbars are marked inside the insert and should be matched up with the same markings inside the top of the welded side frames that the insert slides into. Each goal is individually made by craftsmen and assembled in the workshop before despatch with the order number and corner identification. The crossbars and side frames will need matching up before the assembly especially if you have numerous goals. The numbering is the final quality control check before goal posts are despatched. This is why our football goal posts are accepted as the Rolls Royce in goalpost engineering design. We recommend if freestanding goals are to be moved any distance at your site that our wheel transporters are used which are placed under the uprights and make transporting of the goals safer & easier. By using these wheels they will also extend the life of your freestanding goal posts.
To avoid damage when assembling the goal follow these guidelines:
1. A competent adult should assemble the FOLDING GOAL and follow the fitting instructions provided. Individuals taking over future use of the goal posts should be instructed on the safe usage of the goal posts, how they are used in play, whilst being moved around and when in storage. Copies of goalpost fitting instructions can be attained on the website (www.itsagoal.net) for any new users of the goal posts.2. Always observe and Follow the warning labels attached to the goal. During the life of any goalposts, warning labels may become worn and these should be replaced. Goalpost spares including warning labels are readily available from ITSA Goal.3. Always fold out the side frames on a flat section of ground and return back to a flat area when folding sides under the crossbar after use. (Ideally a boarded area by your container or store )4. Assemble the goals on a flat surface, if it is not flat the bolt holes my not line up correctly.
Goal post frame
If the folding goals are to moved frequently any distance we recommend using wheels or dollies and adding the optional a back bar. Never allow one person to drag the goals along the ground as this will damage the corners and may twist the connectors and jam the locks in place making them difficult to remove after use. Prolonged misuse like this will permanently damage the goal frame.(see Fig 2)
1. NEVER use net stanchion supports to lift or drag the goal. This may cause the stanchions to bend and deform. Net supports are designed to support goal nets not people swinging on them.
2. Ensure you have an adequate number of physically fit and capable adults available when moving goalposts. Never allow children to move goalposts or play with the goalposts whilst they are being positioned for a game.
3. It is advisable not to drag the goal across the ground as this may damage the goal and playing surface. Lift the goal and carry with upright in one hand and side ground frame in the other (two people) or lift from the rear and pull when wheels are attached at the front (one person can then move the goal frame)
4. Do not place fingers at the top of the upright ( inside the void created by the upright being oval in shape) when side frames are rotating.
5. ALWAYS lock the side frames in position when in play.
6 We would recommend Pneumatic wheels to move yourr goal on wet muddy surfaces and smaller hard wheels be used on artificial grass.
Goal with sides folded out for Use
Goal posts must NEVER be left up if unsupervised. Side frames must be locked during use to prevent the sides from swinging about which will make the goalpost unstable.
The folding Goal frame must be anchored immediately the side frames have been locked in the play position. NEVER walk away from the assembled goal frame until it is securely anchored.
NEVER allow anyone under any circumstance to climb or swing on the crossbar prior to the goal being anchored. Discourage this activity of swinging on crossbars at all times at your football club. It is a very common practice with young children but highly dangerous (see goalpost safety section on our web site)
DO NOT use any components, nets or parts if they are damaged or broken. Goal post Repairs & spare parts are readily available from our web site. Do not tamper with Goalposts.
The folding goalpost is not designed to be dragged as this can weaken and damage the corners of the goal frame. Always move the goalposts with sides folded out in the play position as shown on the fitting instructions. The folding goal can be moved easily by one person with wheels. (See moving the goalposts on www.soccertackle.com web site) We recommend Goals transporter dollies for moving larger folding goalposts.
Goal with sides folded under crossbar for storage
Do not move goalposts with sides locked underneath the crossbar, for play fold out into the play position before moving if at all possible. The goalpost can however be moved in the none play position (side frames under crossbar) in certain tight access locations however it is important that individuals walk on the side the wind is blowing to prevent the frame blowing over onto them if a sudden gust happens ; however, it is not adviseable to move the goals in extreme windy conditions.
When removing the goal post from the playing surface ensure that all fittings are packed away and that non are left on the pitch.
NEVER leave the goal post frame with sides folded under the crossbar and lent against a building or wall without first securing the goal post from toppling forward.
When folding the side frames back under the crossbar do it on a flat area.
Locks & Keys Do not force the key. A gentle movement of the side frame outwards past the ninety degree position) as you turn the key helps push the lock out after use. We suggest that furniture polish be applied to the lock housing and the corners to make movement of the parts easier.
If the key breaks in the lock and you do not have enough of the key exposed to pull it out then we advise to turn the upright around and tap the outside of the post with a rubber mallet and gravity should see the key drop out or sufficiently down from the lock to pull out with pliers.
Replacement and spare keys are readily available.
As these are the only locking secure side frames on any folding goal it is important to tell everyone using the folding goals that they are locked and do not just push in and out like other less stable folding goalposts. We have had volunteers actually push the side frames with the locks secured until they broke them as they had never seen locking frames only loose ones that swung about. Explain to all users how the goals work and the safety benefits they offer.
Moving the heavier elliptical goal
In order to move the Elliptical Foldaway goal ideally wheel attachments should be attached. If moved manually it should be lifted and carried fully assembled Carried with rear ground frame attached with left hand on upright and right hand on side frame (and vice-verse at the other side of the goalpost) as set out above. Goals must be fully assembled ideally when moving the goals.
please take note that additional measures need to be taken into account when moving this goal.
1. When moving the goal ensure that you NEVER have anyone walking directly behind in the path of the goalpost frame or underneath the frame.
2. Freestanding goalposts should NEVER be moved without an adequate number of physically fit and capable people who have been fully trained to use proper lifting techniques. A full size goal should never be manually moved using fewer than four adults or two adults with wheels or dollies.
3. Goalpost Wheels should be of a type suitable for the surface in which it will aid the goal to move across. Hard wheels are designed for firm or indoor surfaces while pneumatic wheels are for soft ground.
Recessed Net Fixings
Fit the recessed goal net fixings into the rear slots on the goal post sections and twist 90 degrees to secure. Position the fixings not more than 340mm apart. The Recessed net fixings are Designed to fit ITSA goal rear slotted aluminum goal posts. When goal nets are left attached they can also be secured with a 4mm rod that can slide down through the net fixings to prevent unauthorized removal of the net fixings or goal net
Multi-surface anchors
Multi-surface anchors are designed to secure the freestanding goalposts to normal grass surface pitches ( to1100Newtons forward pull test). On a grass surface use the ground pegs provided in conjunction with the multi-surface anchors. If the ground is softer then more ground anchors can be used to spread the load or longer pegs can be inserted. The safety ground pegs can also be used to retain your net if rear ground frames are not used with the folding goal. Always angle the pegs as shown on the fitting instructions to give maximum effect. To remove stubborn pegs use another peg to lift out do not pull out with the anchor itself or it may damage the securing cross holding the peg in place. This is a strong system designed to twist under stress and will not easily be damaged. If you are planning to anchor your goal post on tarmac the fixing positions for the multi-surface anchors need to be secure.
We advise:-
1. Dig holes in your tarmac (to sizes specified in fitting instructions ).
2. Fill holes with concrete, and drill two 14mm holes 12cm apart and 70mm depth.
3. Position goal and multi-surface anchors and use a suiable10mm concrete bolt instead of the safety grass pegs.
For other surfaces such as wooden sports hall floors, wood screws in our multi-surface anchor or counterbalance weights can be used. The total weight to conform to the current standards for the goal post topple test can be worked out from the equation worked out in conjunction with Sheffield University.
Goalpost Nets
All our square mesh nets are made to the shape of the net. If you are putting nets up each week we recommend that you locate the top corners first and mark them using tape so that you can easily identify them each time. Folding goal posts, however, are designed to enable the net to be left on the goal frame in the non- play position to allow swift match day installation. Place the net over the frame and fit each end onto top stanchion by securing on each corner of the crossbar and uprights using twist and lock net fixings.
Folding goalpost net fixing instructions
we recommend only nets with 100mm x 100mm mesh be used With children, to cover head entrapment regulations, Nets with 120mm x 120mm mesh are acceptable for use by adults.
Nets can be tied into a bundle and placed into a pillowcase (not to damage washing machine) and washed at 40 degrees Celsius with normal washing powder to keep them in tip-top condition.
Be aware rabbits and rodents have been known to nibble at the base of nets. If nets are left outside we advise lifting off from ground level. If you have this problem sprinkle pepper along the bottom of the net and this should help deter most wild animals.
Counterbalance weight system
The ITSA GOAL posts counter balance weight system consists of two counterbalance weights each weighing 11kgs fastened together to offer 22 kilos of counterweight spread over 500mm.
The counterbalance weight system is used on flat level playing surfaces or where multi-surface anchors cannot be used. ie. Sports halls, artificial grass pitches, etc. The two connected weights together can be lifted on the frame and used externally.
If anchoring your freestanding goalpost is not possible, the guidance and technical notes set out by The Football Association give clear instructions for the use of counterbalance weights. If you are unsure what weight you are required to use on your freestanding goal posts, you can work out the weight needed by using the following procedure.
1 Measure the height of the crossbar.
2 Measure the length of the goal’s sidebars.
3 Divide the height by the length. Multiply the result by 112Kg and make a note of the answer.
This is the total weight in kilograms that should stabilize the goal to safety standards.
Example: A Regulation Goal, 2.44m high with a 2.025m ground side frame the calculation would be: 2.44 divided by 2.025= 1.205 therefore 1.205 x 112Kg = the total weight required for this goal would be 135Kg (less the weight of the back ground bar).
Test each goal post before use to satisfy yourself that you have enough counterbalance weights attached to the goal to prevent topping.
Chain and cable attachments
Whatever method is used to stabilize a goal, any attachment chain or a wire cable between the goal and the weight, anchor, eye bolt or other fixing point should be as short as possible and not allow the back bar to lift more than 50 mm.
Goalpost Care and Maintenance
1. NEVER use our goalposts without securing locks or correct fittings or in non-conforming ground sockets.
2. DAMAGED COMPONENTS requested under guarantee must be returned for inspection. Failure to follow the warnings, assembly and fitting instructions contained in this document, may invalidate your guarantee.
IT IS ADVISABLE FOR ANY CONTACT SPORT TO TAKE OUT THE RELEVANT INSURANCE’S TO COVER ALL UNFORESEEABLE CIRCUMSTANCES.
IT IS ADVISABLE TO CHECK YOUR GOALS WEEKLY AND UNDERTAKE ANY MAINTENANCE, CHECK PAINTWORK, CHECK NETTING, MAKES SURE ANY LOCKS OR BOLTS ARE IN PLACE, ENSURE THE FRAME IS ASSEMBLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FITTING INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE EACH GAME. ANY NEW PEOPLE USING THE GOALS SHOULD BE PROVIDED WITH THIS LEAFLET AND THE FITTING INSTRUCTIONS AVAILABLE FROM www.itsagoal.net . BS 8461:2005+A1:2009 Football goals. Code of practice for their procurement, installation, maintenance, storage and inspection is available from http://shop.bsigroup.com. Safety standards are expensive to buy however most can be viewed in the larger reference libraries in the UK. This encompasses Youth football, Futsal, Mini Soccer and 9v9 small sided games. Adult goal posts are currently covered by EN 748 . If the text is too small to read a larger easier to read copy is available upon request.
Registered Design 5000197 5000198 5000199
European & USA Patent GB 2423260
WORLDWIDE © COPYRIGHT 2001 ITSA GOAL POSTS LTD,
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED A REGISTERED DESIGN
For video demonstrations visit : www.youtube.com/Footballgoalposts
Click on the image below to download the care and maintenance information on folding aluminium elliptical goals
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A wide product range of goalposts & goalpost accessories are available at our premier:
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