Hinged Base Systems Make Rugby Goal Post Installation Easy

There's more to installing rugby union goal posts than just sticking some posts in the ground and attaching the crossbar, but with the right equipment and guidance it can be a very simple process.

Rugby goal posts can be installed either directly into a ground sleeve or on a hinged base. While a ground sleeve is perfectly suitable for shorter goal posts as it is easy enough to insert the post spigot into the ground sleeve with a few people, this becomes exponentially more difficult the taller the post becomes as the increased weight and height make it harder to safely and readily manoeuvre it. The solution is a hinged base system.

The hinged base, as its name implies, is a base that hinges at the base to raise or lower the post safely. A base plate is attached to the goal post and a hinged plate is fixed to the base. This system is then held to the ground by the bolts provided that are set into a concrete footing. Once properly bolted to the footing, the goal post can be easily raised from a horizontal position by walking it into the upright position either by hand or with a roller system or field tractor.

With the top of the bolts at least 20mm below the surface, the hinge plate can be covered by the sod removed to dig the hole. Recessing the system is important to avoid any protrusions that may cause injury.

The added benefit of the hinged base system is that the posts can be levelled in situ. Hinged base systems allow for finer tuning to ensure the posts are truly straight the first time.

A hinged base system makes installation and removal easy and safe, meeting OH&S compliance for heavy lifting. Full DIY installation details are provided with all PILA goal posts or talk to us about a delivered and installed package. Hinged base systems are also available for AFL goal posts and rugby league goal posts.

For more information contact PILA sport on 13 7452 or info@pilagroup.com.au 

How to Tell if it's Time to Replace Your Goal Posts

Even the best quality goal posts have to be replaced eventually, but how can you tell when's the right time? This guide will provide advice to help you determine if it's time:

 Unsafe Goal PostsSometimes it's not so obvious if your goal posts are unsafe, but certain materials are particularly unsafe. If your goal posts are made from substandard materials like timber, PVC or steel, they present a real danger for players as they may not be structurally sound and are prone to decay. Goal posts made from aluminium provide the safest, longest lasting structure.
 ComplianceAll competitive sports have governing bodies that set safety standards, however there are still many goal posts around Australia that do not comply. Compliance is not optional and heavy fines apply for clubs or organisations that don't meet the standards. These standards have helped reduce injury and fatalities, especially in football (soccer) where the most stringent regulations have been put in place for portable goal posts.
 Wear and TearGoal posts undergo a lot of stresses over their lifetime including standing out in the harsh Australian weather extremes and being battered by enthusiastic players. Moving them off-field to be stored out of season will also increase wear and tear. While top quality goal posts can sustain many years of this (PILA offers a 7 year manufacturer's warranty with the option of an extended warranty), there are certain things to look out for:
-       wobbly frame
-       loose joints
-       damaged net hooks (football)
-       chipped paint
PILA offers a free safety audit to assess your goal posts.
 Club GrowthYour posts should progress with your club. When your club started you may have only needed small goal posts, but now the club's grown or the age groups have changed, you will need taller or larger goal posts. Junior goal posts will not suit adults, and if you've moved into state level or televised competition your senior goal posts will no longer suffice.
 ResurfacingIf it's time to upgrade your playing field it may also be time to upgrade your goal posts. Resurfacing is a great opportunity to work on a project like goal post upgrading, whether you're upgrading your footings or not.
 ModernisingAs with all products, goal post manufacturing technology improves and newer versions can offer greater benefits. PILA is constantly improving our processes and products and meeting new standards as they are published. We have always produced the highest quality goal posts and stand by our products as demonstrated by our long warranty.
 Psychological AdvantageWe all love new! New goal posts are shiny and exciting and offer a psychological advantage on the home field, especially when you've upgraded your size. The larger size offers a more tantalising challenge for players - trying to kick over the tall AFL or rugby goal posts, or shooting for the top right corner of the football (soccer) goals.
 And if it is time to replace your goal posts, PILA offers the safest goal posts at the most competitive prices. Our goal posts are standing in most of Australia's major stadiums including the MCG, SCG and ANZ Stadium.

PILA's Pro-Series Goal Posts on the World Stage as MCG Hosts Soccer Friendlies

While the MCG is better known for cricket and as the venue for the AFL Grand Final, it has more than a century of history hosting soccer as well. From the first match played in 1912 there have been a variety of games ranging from friendlies to World Cup qualifiers and Olympic competition. Some of the best teams in the world have played at the MCG including Manchester United, Brazil, Argentina and Liverpool. And this year the Victorian Government has lured reigning European champions and FIFA Club of the 20^th Century, Real Madrid, along with the world’s current best player, Cristiano Ronaldo.

International Champions Cup

Previously confined to North America, the International Champions Cup has expanded to include Australia for 2015, bringing three of the biggest names in European club football – Real Madrid, Manchester City and AS Roma. They will play an exclusive three-match round robin tournament at the MCG from 18 – 25 July, using PILA’s new international broadcasting standard Pro-Series football goal posts.

Pro-Series

PILA’s Pro-Series football goal posts are specifically designed for elite level televised events. In order to comply with FIFA’s regulations, football goal posts in televised games are required to have black free hanging net support posts (as opposed to the more common white ones). PILA's Pro-Series goal posts meet Australian and international standards and have already proven popular with Football NSW choosing them for their Valentine Sports Park fields.

With their new turf and new goals, the MCG is set to welcome these elite teams and put on a spectacular show. Learn more about PILA’s new Pro-Series goal posts here.