Players InformationGoal Setup |
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It is the responsibility of the teams playing the first game of the day on each field to set up the goals. This is fairly easy and can be done in about 15 minutes when you know how. The text below describes the process to set up the goals for U8 thru U19 divisions. The goals come in three sizes: U8, U10, and U12 & up; and any differences will be noted below.
This is at least a two person job, so get a partner. With more it is even easier.
The
goals are stored in long canvas bags (black or blue), and should be located at each end of
the field. The U8 goal consists of 5 crossbars, 1 crossbar with an attached
connector, 4 corners, 1 net, at least 6 goal stakes, and 1 hammer. The U10/U19
goal has 7 crossbars and 2 separate connectors. There should also be 2 corner
flags.
To thread the net on the goal, spread the net out flat on the ground. Start at
the lower back corner of the net, pick up one string and put it over your arm.
Traveling along the outside edge of the net, thread every
other string
over you
arm. Continue this process until you have reached the lower back corner on the
other side of the net.
Grab the end of one of the crossbars and transfer the net
to the crossbar.
Congratulations, you have just completed the most difficult
part of the task.
For
the top crossbar; U8 – connect the crossbar with the threaded net to the
remaining crossbar; U10/U19 – using the 2 separate connectors,
connect 3 crossbars (the one with the threaded net should be in the middle).
Put
a corner on each end and attach another crossbar down
each side. You should now
have a squared off U shape.
Attach a corner to each side so that it points up
into the air. Get the remaining 2 crossbars and attach one to each corner.
Presto, you have an assembled goal. However, it still might be a little
difficult to use, since it is laying on the ground.
With the goal still on the ground, lift/drag it into
position. The goal needs to be placed in the middle of the goal area. Do this by
pacing off the distance between the uprights and the goal area lines. As
you are standing up the goal, have your partner spread the net across the
crossbars, down
the uprights and to the end of the ground support bars.
When the goal is
standing, make sure the uprights are directly above the goal line.
When it is in
the correct position, have your partner stake both ground support bars at the
open end. Be sure to stake the net to the ground support bar.
On the U12/U19
goals, push the bottom of the uprights towards each other to prevent it from
sagging in the middle. This should straighten out the crossbar. When in place,
pound in another stake near the front of the support bar. 
Using at least 2, and
preferably 3 stakes, stretch the net back, and stake it down.
After
the goal is up, take the corner flags and place them in the very outside corners
of the field. Drag the goal bag back behind the goal, and put all the remaining
items (this should only be the hammer) inside the bag. Now, go back and check
each stake to make sure it is pounded all the way down. One of the leading
causes of injury is having the goal fall on one of the players. When you are
satisfied, pat each other on the back, go sit down, and enjoy the game.
The teams playing the last game of the day gets to tear them down.
Have
one person hold the goal upright while another pulls out all the stakes. While
you
are laying the goal down, push the threaded part of the net up each upright,
around the corner and to the center crossbar. This one small act will save 10 minutes when setting up
the goal the next time. With the goal on the ground, disassemble, leaving the
net on the center crossbar. Roll
the net around the crossbar and place it in the bag. Place all remaining parts,
including corner flags, stakes, and hammer, in the bag.
One
more thing: Thank you!