HAMPSHIRE FA is throwing its weight behind a nationwide initiative to promote and educate clubs, parks and schools on how to ensure their goalposts meet new safety standards being instigated by manufacturers and the British Standards Institution.

During the 2001/2002 season, the FA carried out a programme of on-site inspection and testing of goalposts across the country, and the findings were disappointing.

Of all the goalposts tested, 41 per cent of mini soccer goals, 50 per cent of 5-a-side goals and 22 per cent of junior goals failed to meet stability standards.

"Tragically, several children across the country have been killed in the past few years by falling goalposts," said Laurence Jones, chief executive of Hampshire FA.

"Football should be fun, enjoyable and, above all, safe - whether you play in a park, at school of for a local club.

"The FA, with its partners, is looking to set new standards in goalpost safety and through staff training in the assembly, erection and handling of goalposts, endeavour to avoid any further tragedies occurring on the pitch."

For a copy of the FA's guidelines on goalpost safety contact Nicky Whiteman, assistant development manager at Hampshire FA on 023 80 706813.