GAA goal posts are different to goal posts used in any other sport played around the world. They consist of a crossbar and net with two extended vertical uprights, making the overall structure look like a mix of a football goal and a rugby post. The goal posts are a fundamental element of GAA games as Gaelic football and hurling players will look to either get the ball past the goalkeeper in the goal mouth for 3 points, or over the crossbar in between the two uprights for 1 point.
There are distinctions between senior and junior goal posts, with each designed to meet specific standards and requirements, so choosing the right goal posts for Gaelic sports is crucial.
With this in mind, we have created a comprehensive, illustrated guide that will provide you with all the information needed to make an informed decision when it comes to buying goal posts for Gaelic sports. We will cover topics such as the size dimensions of Gaelic goal posts at senior and junior level, the materials used to make the goal posts, and the types of nets used, so you can ensure you have the right goal posts for your sports field.
GAA Goal Post Sizes
For hurling and Gaelic football, the GAA set out specific size regulations for goals used in competitive matches. Junior Gaelic goal posts are different sizes depending on the age of the participants, so it is important to know exactly what size goal post you are looking for. Below we will go through all the regulation size dimensions of a Gaelic goal post for senior play and the recommended goal sizes for junior GAA sports to help simplify the buying process for you.
Senior GAA Goal Posts
The regulation height of the whole structure should be no less than 23ft (7m) above the ground with the crossbar fixed to both goal posts at a height of 8ft (2.4m). The width of the of the goal should be 21ft (6.4m).
The goal posts are then securely fixed securely to the back of the cross bar and the back of each goal post. The diagonal length of the mesh of the net for Gaelic football should not exceed 150mm and for hurling, the diagonal length of the mesh should not exceed 50mm. This will prevent the football or sliotar from travelling through the mesh of the net. There are no regulations surrounding the overall depth of the goal.
At Net World Sports all of our GAA posts contain net mesh with a diagonal length of 50mm. This means our goal posts can be used for all GAA games, as both Gaelic footballs and sliotars won’t fit through the net mesh. This completely removes the need for you to change the net every time you switch between the Gaelic sports.
Junior GAA Goal Posts
Goal posts used for junior play are smaller than those used by adults. Finding the right size goal for you or your child is important, as using smaller goals enhances younger players skill development. The lower cross bar height gives players the opportunity to enjoy greater success whilst working on their kicking or ball striking technique. This also increases confidence and enjoyment levels, keeping more juniors involved in Gaelic sports.
Use our table below to find out which size goal is recommended for each age group.
| GAA Goal Dimensions by Age | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goal Width | Goal Height | Upright Heights | Overall Height (Including Uprights) | Under 6 |
| 8ft (2.4m) | 5ft (1.5m) | 6ft (1.2m) | 11ft (3.7m) | Under 6 |
| 10ft (3.4m) | 6ft (1.8m) | 8ft 8in (2.7m) | 14ft 8in (4.5m) | 6-8 |
| 12ft (3.7m) | 6ft (1.8m) | 8ft 8in (2.7m) | 14ft 8in (4.5m) | 9-10 |
| 15ft (4.6m) | 7ft (2.1m) | 16ft (4.6m) | 23ft (7m) | 11-12 |
| 21ft (6.4m) | 8ft (2.4m) | 15ft (4.6m) | 23ft (7m) | 12+ |
GAA Goal Post Materials
Gaelic sports goal posts can be made using a variety of materials. Each material has its pros and cons, which need to be considered when finding the best goal to fit your needs. In this section, we’ll cover the three most common materials used to make GAA goal posts, including the performance characteristics of each material and the scenarios each goal type is most suited to.
Aluminium
Aluminium is the most common material used for Gaelic Football and Hurling goal posts in competitive matches at all levels of play. This is due to aluminium’s quality performance, despite its higher price point than other materials. Aluminium is highly durable and can withstand ball or player impacts without denting the goal post. This material is also weatherproof and rust resistant, which helps to retain the goals structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. Due to its durability, aluminium requires minimal maintenance compared to other materials making it a practical choice for Gaelic sports goal posts.
Steel
Steel is another reliable material choice for a GAA goal post. It is used more commonly for junior GAA goal posts and GAA sports teams with smaller budgets, due to steel’s comparable durability but cheaper price to aluminium. However, some steel goal posts are slightly heavier than aluminium goal posts, so can be more difficult to transport. If you’re looking to buy a steel goal post, opt for one made from galvanised steel, as this form of steel is both completely weatherproof and rust resistant. Rust will massively impact the performance of the goal post, decrease the aesthetic appeal of the goal, and will make the structure much more difficult to assemble or take down.
PVC
If you’re looking for a GAA goal post for your garden, PVC goal posts are the ideal choice. The cheapest of the three goal types, these goal posts give players the perfect opportunity to work on their shooting skills without having to leave their home. The PVC structures are lightweight so can be transported or repositioned anywhere with ease and can be assembled or dismantled in minutes. PVC goals still offer sufficient durability for schools and clubs to use in lessons, training or matches, and can be used in all weather conditions with no impact on the goal’s performance. The goals tend to be fixed to the ground with steel pegs that can be easily removed if you wish to move your goal post.
If you’re looking to buy a GAA goal post for your garden, why not purchase a ball stop net as well? At Net World Sports, we stock a comprehensive range of ball stop nets in various lengths, ranging from 10ft to 50ft. This will save you from annoying your neighbours or your wayward shots causing damage!
Goal Post Net Material
The most common material used to make goal nets is high-density polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE is fully waterproof, ensuring that the net's performance isn't impacted by wet weather conditions. The twine material is ultra-durable and can repeatedly stop shots without becoming damaged. Additionally, you won't need to worry about your net rotting over time, as HDPE is fully rot-proof. This quality makes these goal nets a cost-effective option, as they won't need replacing often.
Freestanding vs Socketed GAA Goal Posts
GAA goal post structures come in two main forms: freestanding and socketed. The type you choose to buy will ultimately depend on the location for which you are purchasing the goal. In this section, we'll explore both freestanding and socketed goal posts, explaining the scenarios each goal type is most suited.
Freestanding GAA Goal Posts
Freestanding goal posts are fully portable and can be transported easily between locations. These can be fitted with lever type wheels for easy and safe movement of the structure. GAA goal posts with wheels can be used on all playing surfaces and are typically found on club training grounds, where the goals need to be moved around quickly for different drills, or on school fields that are used for different sports.
These goal posts are also secure enough to be used for matches. Our freestanding FORZA Alu110 GAA Goal Post use a heavy-duty aluminium structure with wheels that can be locked into place using a lever, to prevent the goal moving during use. Internal weights are also optional to give your goal post even more stability.
Freestanding goal posts can also be temporarily fixed to the ground with steel anchor pegs. This method is slightly less stable than those on wheels and socketed goal post structures, which is why they are less common in competitive matches. These goals can be disassembled easily and transported between facilities. When in place, the steel pegs are typically used to temporarily fix the goal into the ground, until the goal needs to be moved again. Goal posts that use ground anchor pegs are more common for garden goal posts or goals used for junior GAA games, where shots are much less powerful and there is less pressure on the structure.
Our freestanding PVC and steel GAA goal posts are equipped with steel anchor ground pegs to keep your structure from falling over under the pressure of a Gaelic football or a sliotar. Alternatively, if you don’t think ground anchor pegs are secure enough, our Alu60 FORZA Freestanding Aluminium GAA Goal Post has the option of sandbags or 17kg counterweights.
Socketed GAA Goal Posts
Socketed GAA goal posts are permanently fixed into the ground. These goal posts are most common in professional GAA stadiums or GAA specific sports fields where the structure won’t need to be moved. Socketed goal posts are the most secure type of goal as the posts are fitted into ground sleeve sockets that are concreted into the ground. However, you need to be absolutely certain on the position of the goal, as once the ground sleeve sockets are concreted into the ground they can’t be moved.
The FORZA Alu110 Socketed GAA Goal Post is securely fitted into the ground using ground sleeve sockets. These require concreting into the ground by a qualified contractor to ensure the structural integrity of the surface and correctly anchor the goal into the ground, so that the goal post doesn’t collapse and cause serious injury during use. This goal post can be fitted into a variety of surfaces such as grass, 3G/4G pitches, astroturf and concrete.
The ideal choice for first class Gaelic and Hurling facilities, these aluminium goal posts are robust, strong and ultra-durable. Suitable for a wide range of pitch surfaces, the goal posts are weather and corrosion proof and come complete with competition grade 5mm HDPE nets, clips and ground pegs. The goal posts also come with optional internal counterbalance weights.
If you are looking for competition and tournament grade GAA goal posts that conform to I.S. EN 16579:2018+AC:2019 when correctly anchored - then look no further than the FORZA Alu110 Socketed Gaelic (GAA) & Hurling Goal.
Now you’ve read our complete guide to GAA goals why not check out our complete range of FORZA GAA goal posts. We stock premium quality, ultra durable, PVC, steel, and aluminium goals in a variety of sizes that are perfect for gardens, schools and GAA clubs. No matter your age or ability, we’ve got you covered!
At Net World Sports, we pride ourselves on the quality of our GAA equipment. Whether it’s Gaelic footballs, sliotars, hurling sticks, goal posts, rebounders or other training gear, we’ve got everything you need to fully equip your school or GAA club.
