How Big is a Football Goal?
"The round thing must go into the square thing," is a popular saying in football event reporting. Sports enthusiasts know, however, that the "round thing" is often not perfectly round but geometrically a truncated icosahedron. Footballs are typically composed of a network of pentagons and hexagons, even though FIFA does not explicitly require this. But if the "round thing" isn't always perfectly round, what does this mean for the "square thing"? What are the rules for the construction and safety of football goals, and how did they come to be?
Standardized Construction
The construction of a football goal is precisely defined. It is detailed in the football rules of the German Football Association (DFB) and the International Football Association Board (IFAB). Additionally, regulations from the German Football League (DFL) regarding the structural, infrastructural, organizational, and operational requirements of football stadiums also apply. Furthermore, the standards of the German Institute for Standardization (DIN) cover various types and sizes of football goals, such as DIN EN 748 and DIN EN 16579, which establish functional and safety requirements as well as testing procedures. These standards are applicable across Europe.
Location and Construction
According to DFB rules, each football goal comprises two vertical posts equidistant from the corner flags, positioned in the center of the goal line. A crossbar connects these posts at the top. The posts and the crossbar must have the same shape. Manufacturers have significant freedom in choosing the form, with elliptical, square, rectangular, or circular shapes, and even mixed forms, being allowed.
The net must not obstruct the goalkeeper and must be securely fastened to the goal and the ground behind it.
Safety
The ground anchoring applies to the goals themselves, even portable versions, which must also display a warning about the risk of tipping. Standards DIN EN 748 and DIN EN 16579 define exactly how various types of goals must be secured.
In addition to football-specific rules, general traffic safety obligations as outlined in the German Civil Code also apply. Unsecured sports equipment can pose hazards due to its risk of tipping. Consequently, clubs or municipalities operating sports facilities must ensure compliance with minimum safety standards.
Corners, Edges, and Safety Features
Tipping is not the only safety concern; sharp edges and corners can cause injuries. DIN standards require these to be rounded with a minimum radius of 3 mm.
Openings for net hooks, considered potential finger-trapping hazards, must be either smaller than 8 mm or larger than 25 mm. The former prevents fingers from getting caught, while the latter allows easy release.
Approved Materials and Colors
The materials used for posts and crossbars must be safe and approved under DFB rules. The type of material depends on the goal's classification. For example, DIN EN 748 applies to four types and two sizes of goals used in training and competition in outdoor and indoor facilities. According to this standard, goal and ground frames must be made of plastic, steel, or lightweight metals such as aluminum.
In professional leagues like the Bundesliga, clubs use aluminum goals, a decision influenced by a game in 1971. Back then, goals had wooden frames, one of which broke during a match when a player caught in the net pulled himself up.
Material choice also impacts color: posts and crossbars must typically be white. However, metallic materials, such as naturally silver-colored aluminum, may retain their original color.
Dimensions
For national and international adult matches, goals must be 2.44 m high and 7.32 m wide, measured from the ground to the underside of the crossbar and from the inside of one post to the other. The width and depth of the crossbar and posts must be identical, with a maximum of 12 cm. Their precise width is essential because the goal line width must match: if the posts are 12 cm wide, so must the goal line.
Historical Origins of Goal Dimensions
The width of a football goal was first defined by the English Football Association in 1863 as 8 yards, equivalent to the modern 7.32 meters. At the time, no crossbar was used, allowing goals to be scored at any height. In 1866, a tape was introduced to limit goal height to 8 feet (2.44 m). A fixed crossbar replaced the tape in 1883, and the dimensions have remained unchanged since then.
Rule Modifications
Football rules may be adjusted in certain contexts, such as veteran, disabled, amateur, or youth football. Changes may include altering the distance between posts or the height of the crossbar. These adjustments allow goals to be larger or smaller than those in professional matches. National football associations must approve such changes, and for broader modifications, clubs must seek permission from IFAB.
Ensuring Quality
FIFA has established a quality program for all equipment, surfaces, and technologies used in football. These standards, based on scientific research, are recommended for FIFA and confederation matches but are not mandatory under DFB rules.
Compliance with Rules
The host club is responsible for ensuring compliance with rules regarding construction, anchoring, and maintenance of the goal, as well as marking the field. Before each match, the referee checks compliance. If any deficiencies threaten player safety or prevent proper gameplay, the referee will request corrections. If these cannot be made in time, the match must be canceled.
Damage to Goals and Match Impact
Despite safety measures, damage to goals can occur during play. If the crossbar shifts or breaks, the referee must halt the match. The crossbar is then repositioned or repaired, and play resumes with a dropped ball. If the crossbar cannot be repaired, the match is abandoned.
The crossbar cannot be replaced with a flexible or unsafe material. For example, a rope cannot substitute the crossbar. Alternatively, the entire goal may be replaced.
Additional Regulations for Goals and the Goal Area
Football rules also dictate where advertising is permitted, excluding the net and the space it encloses.
5 Funny Facts Involving Football Goals
The Duck Goalkeeper
In a Brazilian amateur match, a duck waddled onto the field and perched near the goal line. A poorly aimed shot hit the duck, deflected, and accidentally went in—goalkeeper assist?
The Ghost Goal
In 2009, a Bundesliga game saw a "ghost goal" when the ball hit the side netting but was counted as a goal because of a referee’s mistake. Even the scorer looked confused!
The Disappearing Goalpost
In a snowy 1980s English league game, players couldn’t find the goalposts buried in snow drifts. They had to dig them out mid-game with shovels!
The Sneeze Save
A goalkeeper once sneezed just as a shot came flying toward him. The unexpected reflex caused him to stumble into the post but hilariously deflected the ball away.
Goal Celebrates Back
During a South American match, a player celebrated a goal by hugging the post. It snapped back like a spring, knocking him flat on his back!
