The size of a football goal post is a fundamental aspect of the game, regulated by the Laws of the Game as set forth by FIFA and other football governing bodies. However, the dimensions can vary depending on the level of play and the age of the participants. This outline will detail the standard sizes for various levels of football.
Standard Size (11-a-side Football)
Width: The distance between the inside of the two goalposts is 7.32 meters (8 yards).
Height: The distance from the ground to the lower edge of the crossbar is 2.44 meters (8 feet).
Shape and Material: The goalposts and crossbar must be made of wood, metal, or other approved material. They can be square, rectangular, round, or elliptical in shape and must not be dangerous to players.
Width and Depth: Both goalposts and the crossbar must have the same width and depth, which should not exceed 12 cm (5 inches).
Color: Typically, goalposts are white.
Variations for Different Levels and Formats
Youth Football: Goal sizes are often smaller for younger age groups to be proportionate to their size and abilities. Examples include:
Under 7/8 (5-a-side): 3.66m wide x 1.83m high (12ft x 6ft) - Note: Some guidelines suggest 12ft x 4ft for 5-a-side.
Under 9/10 (7-a-side): 3.66m wide x 1.83m high (12ft x 6ft)
Under 11/12 (9-a-side): 4.88m wide x 2.13m high (16ft x 7ft)
Under 13/14 (11-a-side): 6.40m wide x 2.13m high (21ft x 7ft)
Futsal (5-a-side indoor football): The goal dimensions are 3 meters wide x 2 meters high (approximately 9.8ft x 6.6ft).
American Football: It's important to note that the dimensions for American Football goalposts are different, being wider (18 ft 6 in for NFL & NCAA, 23 ft 4 in for high school) and having a crossbar height of 10 feet with uprights extending higher. This outline focuses on association football (soccer).
Regulations and Markings
Placement: The goalposts must be placed on the goal line, equidistant from the corner flags. The rear of the goalposts must be in line with the outer edge of the goal line.
Goal Line Width: The width of the goal line must be the same as the width of the goalposts and the crossbar.
Nets: Nets may be attached to the goals, provided they are safely secured and do not interfere with the goalkeeper or the flight of the ball.
Conclusion
The size of a football goal post is strictly regulated to ensure fair play at all levels of the game. While the standard dimensions for 11-a-side football are 7.32 meters wide and 2.44 meters high, these dimensions are often adjusted for youth leagues and different formats of the game like futsal. Understanding these regulations is crucial for players, coaches, and officials alike.
About
Q: What is the standard width of a professional football goal? A: The standard width of a professional 11-a-side football goal is 7.32 meters (8 yards).
Q: What is the standard height of a professional football goal? A: The standard height of a professional 11-a-side football goal is 2.44 meters (8 feet).
Q: Are football goal posts always the same size? A: No, the size of football goal posts varies depending on the age group and the format of the game (e.g., 5-a-side, 7-a-side, 11-a-side, futsal).
Q: What are the dimensions of a goal post used in youth 7-a-side football? A: The recommended size for a 7-a-side football goal is 3.66 meters wide x 1.83 meters high (12ft x 6ft).
Q: What are the dimensions of a futsal goal post? A: A futsal goal post measures 3 meters wide x 2 meters high (approximately 9.8ft x 6.6ft).
Q: What material are football goal posts typically made of? A: Football goal posts can be made of wood, metal, or other approved materials.
Q: Is there a specific color that football goal posts must be? A: Typically, football goal posts are white.
Q: Are the goal lines related to the size of the goal posts? A: Yes, the width of the goal line must be the same as the width of the goalposts and the crossbar.
Q: Do the regulations specify the shape of football goal posts? A: The regulations state that goalposts can be square, rectangular, round, or elliptical in shape, as long as they are not dangerous.
Q: Where are the goal posts positioned on the field? A: The goalposts are positioned on the goal line, equidistant from the corner flags.