Goal posts may be made from heavy metals and if not properly installed or maintained, may cause accidents leading to fatal injuries. Sports are fun, and it can be sad if the goalkeeper or players get injured while on the field. Note some measures you need to take to ensure the safety and maintenance of goal posts.

During Installation

There will always be instructions from the manufacturer on how to install goal posts. Even if you have had experience installing other goal posts, do not ignore these instructions. Secondly, always use trained people to do the installation, from experienced goal post installers to experienced heavy lifting equipment operators. Thirdly, always ensure that protective equipment is worn during installation. These may include gloves, hard hats, steel toe cap boots, etc.

Freestanding Goals and Socketed Goals

You may come across two types of goals: Socketed goals that have to be set in concrete and freestanding goals that are placed on the ground and anchored with weights. For socketed goals, you have to make sure that the concrete foundation is strong enough to hold the goal post in position. There will be instructions available to help you achieve this. Care should be taken with freestanding goals, as it is very possible to place the incorrect anchor weights leading to the goal post falling. It is also crucial to check whether the weights are in good condition before anchoring.

Goals That Can Be Moved

Moving goals can be risky, especially if you use unskilled or unfit people. This can result in injury or even damage to the goal post. Therefore, the first thing is to do is to use qualified persons. Secondly, do not leave the goal post in an unstable condition during storage. Always make sure it is lying down and not accessible.

Inspection

Goal posts should be inspected regularly. You want to check for missing or loose nuts, missing or broken net fixings, bent sections, broken cords, movement in sockets, etc. Swinging or hanging on the crossbar is no way to check if a goal post is stable. The crossbar may drop on your head and cause a serious injury. Keep a goal post record. It should include when the goal post was purchased and installed and how inspection is carried out. You need to be able to see what repairs have been made and the condition of each goal posts before any game.

Following these tips will not only help you maintain your goal posts but also ensure their safe use.