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Fields‎ > ‎

Goal & Net Management


The first teams playing at a field are responsible for putting out the goals and putting up nets on the larger goals that do not have integrated nets.  The last teams playing at a field are responsible for taking down nets and, except for the full-size chained-down goals, for returning the goals to their safe storage location, which is usually against a fence.  Portable goals and nets must be safely locked up after the last game.  Never leave an empty field with goals left out.  

Games are scheduled very tightly and if no team is ready to play after you, that  is a good indication that you had the last game of the day.  Do not allow non-AYSO groups to use the goals.

Games often start late because goals and nets are not put up in time.  This may cause all games that day to run late, inconveniencing everybody.  Allow at least 15 minutes to put up a full-size net.  Each team should assign volunteer parents to this task.  It should not be the coach's responsibility - the coach will be busy preparing the team to play.

Net Boxes

Nets are stored in green wooden lock-boxes adjacent to the field - usually on a fence.  The lock combination is provided to the coaches at the coaches' meeting, and is forwarded in a link to an online document to the commissioners.  The commissioners should forward that email to the coaches.

How to Set Up a Net

Retrieve the net from the net box and unroll on the ground between the goal p
osts. Unfortunately it is sometimes very difficult to tell which is the front and which is the back. There may be a cord running the length of the net at the back top-corners, in which case the edge closest to that cord is the front and attaches to the crossbar. Another clue is a long tie-cord at the back top-corners. Otherwise the side panels usually provide a clue! If you get it wrong it will eventually be obvious, but only towards the end of the process.

All Palo Alto AYSO nets are inside nets and go inside the goal frame, not over it! Refer to the diagram below in the following step-by-step instructions.
  1. First, (using a step stool for full-sized goals) tie the net to the main crossbar of the goal. Do this working from one side only, otherwise you will likely have droopy part in the middle.  Make sure the net is inside and below the rear struts.  Another way to do this (with some goals) is to carefully tip the main crossbar down part way by lifting the rear pipe about three feet off the ground. Make sure the net corners meet the corners of the goal posts.
  2. The tie the front vertical edges of the net to the main vertical posts.
  3. Now tie the bottom edges of the net to the side and rear bar on the ground.  It may be necessary to lift the rear bar.  Make sure the net meets the bottom corner of the goals posts (if this is difficult it is a clue to having the net back to front).
  4. Lastly, use the ties at back vertical corners to tie the net to the curved rear struts.  This will lift the net back up and give it a nice shape (and keep it from obstructing the goalkeeper).

Goal Placement and Storage

All of the U12 and up fields in Palo Alto have goals which are moved on and off the fields for practices or games. Lock combinations are distributed through division commissioners to coaches.  It is important to put away goals and have them locked when they are not in use.

Maps attached at the bottom of the page show goal storage locations.

Reminders

  • Don't tip the goals to attach or remove nets!!  They are very heavy and can hurt someone if they fall.  A small stepladder or sturdy plastic bucket can be used as a booster.
  • Lock the lock on the lockbox when the nets are out for the games.  Open locks seem to walk away.
  • Nets fit better if you hang them inside the goal instead of draping them over the outside.
  • Nets have rope ties, either attached to the net or loose in the box.  Don't use tape to attach nets - it's hard on both nets and goals.
  • If you find goals out and unlocked, put them away, and lock them.
  • AYSO nets go in net boxes.
  • At Greer and JLS, do not store soccer goals on the softball fields.
  • For practice, let the heavy use parts of the fields rest.  Try to stay out of the middle of the fields. Don't put goals in their game positions.

Portable Goals

Divisions U7 - U11 use reduced size goals that are not permanently installed. These goals must be restored to their storage location and locked up using the chain and lock. The U7, U8 and U9 goals are very light, have integrated nets and are therefore very simple to manage. In U10-U11 we use either 6.5' x 12' or 6.5' x 18' aluminium goals which are considerably heaver, around 100lbs. If improperly moved these goals can cause considerable damage to the fields. Some goals may have wheels. If not, the goals must be lifted and carried, by at least two people. 

Information on Anchoring goals is here Anchoring Goals.

If you forget the lockbox combination call a coach or another parent, or send a messenger to another field.  The combination is the same at all fields.

If you have questions, you can contact goal@ayso26.org.   Home: 650-858-2436   Cell: 650-804-1245

Attachments (3)

  • GreerNetsGoals.pdf - on Sep 18, 2010 1:00 PM by Regional Commissioner (version 1)
    29k View Download
  • JLSSoccerGoalPlacement.pdf - on Sep 18, 2010 1:05 PM by Regional Commissioner (version 1)
    926k View Download
  • TermanNetsGoals.pdf - on Sep 18, 2010 1:06 PM by Regional Commissioner (version 1)
    21k View Download

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