What is a regulation soccer net?

High School Soccer

The National Federation of High Schools, (NFHS) is the organization that writes the rules for high school soccer in the United States. In addition to using a standard size 8′ x 24′ goal, the rule for goal size and materials state:

“They shall consist of two upright posts between 4 inches and 5 inches in projected diameter placed an equal distance from the corner flags and 8 yards apart (inside measurement). The tops of the posts shall be joined by a 4-inch, but not more than 5-inch horizontal crossbar, the lower edge of which shall be 8 feet from the ground. Soccer goals shall be white. No markings other than a single manufacturer’s identification/logo may appear on the goalposts or crossbar. Metal pipes of 3 to 4 inches in diameter may be used. If portable goals are used, they shall be adequately anchored, secured or counterweighted to the ground.”

Another common occurrence for high school soccer is a shared field with football, the NFHS states:

If used on a football field, the front of the portable goals should be at least 2 yards in front of the base of the existing football goalposts.

Visit the NFHS Soccer Resources web page

It may come as a surprise to some to learn that soccer goals can vary in size and dimensions and that different soccer organizations have their own requirements when it comes to the goals used within their private leagues and age groups. Generally, mini soccer nets used for youth or indoor soccer are not the same size as a standard soccer goal but are narrower and less tall. The soccer goals found in youth soccer are generally between 16.5 and 21 feet wide and between 6.5 and 7 feet tool, while those in indoor football are 12 feet wide and 6 feet 6 inches tall. 

Here are the Soccer Goal Sizes used by various governing bodies.

FIFA Regulations

According to FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), a soccer goal consists of two upright posts that are joined together horizontally by a crossbar, and are situated equidistant from the corner flags on each side of the pitch. The crossbar and goalposts must be made from wood, metal, or other approved material, and the posts, furthermore, must be either round, rectangular, square or elliptical, and should pose no risk or physical harm to players. The crossbar and goalposts must be white – no other color is permitted.

The posts should be 8 yards apart, while the edge of the crossbar, at its lowest, should measure 8 feet from the ground. Both the goalposts and crossbar should have a uniform width and depth, which must not be greater than 5 inches (12 centimeters). Goal nets can be attached, but they are required to drape on the ground behind the goal, and should not impede or interfere with the actions of a goalkeeper in any way. This is consistent with professional soccer goals.

NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association)

The requirements for US colleges are close to those set by FIFA.

The goal consists of two posts and a crossbar that should be made of the same or similar material. The lower edge of the crossbar should sit 8 feet from the ground, while, at a minimum, the distance from the corner flags to the outside of each post must be a minimum of eight yards on either side.

The posts and the crossbar must be painted white and can be square, round, rectangular, or elliptical. They should be between 4 and 5 inches (10.16 and 12.7 centimeters) in both width and diameter.

Furthermore, the regulations do not allow for any more than one marking – logo or another form of identification – of a single manufacturer to appear on posts or crossbar at any point. 

National Federation of High Schools (NFHS)

The NFHS stipulates that, for high school soccer, a goal should consist of two upright posts that must be placed along a goal line and are between 4 and 5 inches in diameter. They are joined by a horizontal crossbar that must be equal in dimensions. The rear of each goal post must be situated on the outer edge of a goal post, while the goalposts and corner flags should be 8 yards apart. As with a FIFA approved goal, the lower side of the crossbar should be 8 feet off the ground.

They also state that a soccer goal must be painted white, and the only other marking allowed is a single identification or logo of a manufacturer which may appear either on the crossbar or on the goalposts. 

The main differences include the use of metal pipes, between three and four inches thick as an alternative to goal posts and, instead of a net, the vertical portion of the goal can be pad with a manufactured material. This must be secured appropriately, and white, with a maximum thickness of one inch and it should be at least 72 inches in height. Again the rules allow for a single manufacturer marking on it. 

Beach Soccer

Beach soccer goals are slightly smaller than full-size turf equivalents. They are 18 feet wide and 7.25 feet high and are intended to make it a bit easier for the keeper to cover the goalmouth, despite the challenges of having to make diving saves on loose sand. 

Futsal

Indoor football, or Futsal, has its requirements when it comes to goal sizes and dimensions. They should be 9 feet 10 inches wide (3 meters), 6 feet 7 inches high (2 meters), and should have depth behind the goal of 3 feet 7 inches (1 meter).

US Youth Soccer

Different requirements are depending on the age of the child itself. Here is a soccer goal size chart below:

Ages 12 and over: The goal’s dimensions should be 8 ft by 24 ft and is considered a big soccer goal.

The Open Goaaal® Regulation, Large, or Standard is the recommended backyard soccer goal for this age range.

Under 12 years down to 8 years old: The goal should measure 6 ft by 18 ft, at a minimum, or 7 ft by 21 ft as a maximum.

The Open Goaaal® Regulation, Large, or Standard is the recommended backyard soccer goal for this age range.

Children 6 to 7 years old: The minimum dimensions of a goal for this age group are 5 ft by 9 ft, while the maximum allowed is 6 ft by 12 ft.

The Open Goaaal® Standard or Junior are the recommended kids soccer goals for this age range.

Children 4 to 5 years old: For children of this age, the minimum size allowed is 4 ft by 6 ft, and the maximum 5 ft by 10 ft.

The Open Goaaal® Junior is the recommended soccer goal for this age range.

Children 2 to 3 years old: The youngest category of player should use a goal that ranges from 3 to feet at a minimum, through to 4 by 6 feet at the maximum.

It should be noted, however, that for young players, it is not a requirement that goals are of an exact size. What is more important is that they are an appropriate size for them and that they are safe. They should also be the best size for them to learn critical skills and to maximize their enjoyment of the game. 

There can also be a difference between the goals that are used for practice and those which are used in actual match situations. In fact, for older players, there are advantages to train with smaller goals than they will use in a match, because it may encourage them to be more accurate in their shooting or passing techniques.