At Net World Sports safety is of paramount importance. We are therefore proud to announce that our FORZA Football Goals have passed a number of highly-regarded safety tests, achieving the BS EN & ASTM safety certification standards. Following rigorous examination by Sports Labs, a renown authority in the field of sports equipment performance, this certification verifies that our football goals adhere to the highest levels of safety & durability. This in turn, provides further assurance & peace of mind for our range of customers including coaches, players and parents.
What are BS EN & ASTM Safety Certificates?
BS EN stands for “British & European Safety Standards”, whilst ASTM stands for “American Society for Testing & Materials”. These safety standards represent the highest benchmarks possible for sports equipment safety and demonstrate our commitment to the highest level of safety and performance.
The certification ensures that FORZA football goals have surpassed mechanical and environmental safety tests, which confirm that they are durable, functional and safe.
BS EN (Europe) Safety Tests
Passing all of the BS EN safety tests, demonstrates that our football goals are compliant with European safety regulations. The tests conducted on the goals include impact resistance, stability, and structural integrity examinations.
The two specific safety standards applicable to football goals are described below:
BS EN 748:2013+A1:2018 – Safety Standard for Full-Size Goals
This is a safety standard specific to full size (24ft x 8ft) and 16ft x 7ft goals.
The tests that are conducted include:
• Measurement checks – to ensure goal size is within +/- 8mm tolerance and net conforms to safety requirements
• Mesh and rope breaking strengths – as per EN ISO 1806 & EN ISO 2307
• Crossbar strength – a force of 1800 Newtons (184kg) is applied to the crossbar to ensure that it doesn’t break or deform
• Stability – a horizontal force of 1100 Newtons (112kg) is applied to the goal frame, to ensure that it remains stable and does not tip
• Net fixing strength test – a force of 1100 Newtons (112kg) is applied to the net to ensure this does not disconnect or break from the goal
• Shear & Crush Point – identifies any hazardous moving parts or mechanisms to ensure that there is minimal risk of entrapment or crushing of limbs or fingers
BS EN 16579:2018 – Safety Standard for Portable & Socketed Goals
This safety standard, covers all types of both portable and socketed goals in a variety of weight and size brackets, excluding those already covered by BS EN 748.
Key Safety Tests Include:
• Measurement checks – to ensure goal size is within +/- 8mm tolerance and net conforms to safety requirements
• Mesh breaking strengths – as per EN ISO 1806
• Crossbar Strength – a vertical force of up to 2000 Newtons (204kg) is applied to the crossbar to ensure it remains straight and does not break or deform. The goal must show no signs of damage after the test is completed
• Stability – a horizontal force of 1250 Newtons (128kg) is applied to ensure that the goal remains stable and does not off-balance or tip
• Entrapment Prevention – a test that checks for potential entrapment of head, limbs, and fingers
• Net Attachment – a horizontal force of 800 Newtons (82kg) is applied to ensure that nets stay in place, to prevent risk of detachment & entanglement
• Net Mesh Size – the maximum net mesh size must be 100mm x 100mm to minimise risk of head entrapment
ASTM (USA) Safety Tests
ASTM is a widely recognised and respected safety standard, that ensures our goals meet regulations in regards to material strength and durability.
ASTM F2950-14 – Safety and Performance Specification for Soccer Goals
This standard represents a comprehensive range of testing relating to safety and performance of goalposts. They ensure that football goals are safe to use for players, coaches and spectators. The tests can be applied to any goal posts that weigh 40 lbs (18kg) or more, with the objective of reducing the injuries that can be caused by tipping, frame weaknesses, instability and improper use. The widely recognised industry standard in the United States of America, it serves as a benchmark for manufacturing and design quality.
Key Safety Requirements & Tests Include:
• Anchoring Requirements – anchoring systems are tested to ensure they prevent tipping & instability during play and any adverse weather conditions
• Tip-Resistance – test simulate external dynamic forces that replicate player impacts and extreme weather conditions, to ensure that the goals remain stable
• Crossbar Load – checks that the crossbar can withstand high-impacts and weighted loads without bending or breaking
• Entrapment Prevention – a test that checks for potential entrapment of head, limbs, and fingers
• Weather Resistance – goalpost materials are tested for moisture, temperature and UV exposure resistance
• Structural Integrity – assessment of the quality & durability of any joints and welds to ensure they remain stable and resilient under heavy loads
ASTM F1938-98 – Safety Specification for Tip-Resistant Movable Soccer Goals
This safety standard is specific to movable/portable goals and evaluates tip resistance, as well as design and construction quality. Tests include:
• Tip Resistance Design – evaluation of features that ensure tip resistance, including weighted backbars, counterweights, etc
• Anchoring System – ensures that anchoring methods are effective and stabilise the goal
• Structural Integrity – tests the quality, and load resistance of the goal frame construction & materials
Tested by The Experts – Sports Labs
To ensure that our goals are as safe as possible, we partnered with Sports Labs, a world-renowned lab and field testing authority for sports equipment.
Their assessment & testing included:
• Load & Impact Testing – verifying structural strength & longevity
• Stability Testing – ensuring that the goals remain stable, even when subject to significant pressure
• Measurement, dimensional and tolerance checks – ensuring our goals adhere to the required sizes outlined by governing bodies
• General Safety Inspections – a meticulous checking for any hazards including sharp edges & weak spots, in compliance with the extensive safety standards outlined by BS EN and ASTM.
What This Means For Our Customers
Whether you run a grassroots club, a school team, a professional academy, or an elite senior organisation, you can rely on FORZA goals for:
• Uncompromising Safety – buy football goals & enjoy peace of mind
• Global Industry Standards – use the football goals with confidence
• Exceptional Durability – invest in football goals that will last for many seasons
At Net World Sports our commitment to innovation and performance is unwavering. However, safety has and always will be, at the forefront of everything that we do. This is demonstrated by our football goals achieving the most robust global safety standards, and underlines our dedication and commitment to supplying world class football equipment to all of our customers.
By: Andrew Griffiths