The field goal post is an integral part of American football and knowing the exact dimensions are essential to ensure fair play. If a ball passes between the uprights and over the crossbar, a field goal is awarded. It’s no wonder that the dimensions of these posts are so important!
Professional football field goal posts have an impressive height of 10 feet (3.05 meters) and a width of 18.5 feet (5.64 meters) across the top of the crossbar. An NFL field goalpost stands at a height of 35 feet (10.67 meters), with a typical depth of 6.5 feet (1.98 meters). The posts are available in a variety of diameters, ranging from 4″ to 6.5″ (10.2-16.5 cm), and the lower post is protected by 6′ (1.83 m) of high-impact padding for added safety.
In this article, we will discuss the standard dimensions of an American football field goal post in deep detail, including the height and width of the uprights and crossbar, as well as the distance from the end line to the goal line.
Football Field Goal Post Dimensions
The dimensions of a football field goal post depend on the level of football it is used for. The size may vary between different levels, with professional-level football posts typically being larger than those used for amateur and youth games.
College football goal posts must adhere to the exact standards set by the NFL, while high school field goals are built according to different dimensional specifications.
Let’s explore the differences between two football field goal posts. These posts may look the same, but they are actually quite different in terms of size, construction materials, and design.
Football Field Goal Posts of NFL and NCAA
Field goal posts in college and professional football fields are the same as each other, with both following the design of a dot. Football field goalposts are composed of three essential components: the horizontal crossbar, the gooseneck post, and the two upright posts.
In both the NCAA and the NFL, football field goal posts must adhere to specific measurement requirements.
The post should be 10 feet tall, measured from the ground to its tip. This post is planted into the ground and is used to elevate the other components. Its height must be precisely 10 feet. The gooseneck shape of a lamp is achieved through the perpendicular positioning of its stem. It stands perfectly straight until it reaches a height of 6 feet (1.83 meters), at which point it bends back to form a distinct curve.
The horizontal crossbar of the goal must be 18.5 feet (5.64 meters) from the inside edges of the two upright posts and its connection with the gooseneck post should be at the precise center point.
Starting from the middle of the connection point, it is essential that there is a distance of 9.25 feet (2.82 meters) to each of the upright posts.
The two upright posts should be securely attached at either end of the horizontal crossbar, extending upwards for a total height of 35 feet (10.67 meters).
The official height of a field goal post for NCAA or NFL games is 45 feet (13.72 meters). This dimension ensures that the post is tall enough to be a challenging target, yet still low enough to make it possible for players to aim, shoot and score.
Related: Long Jump Pit Dimensions
Football Field Goal Posts of High Schools
High school football field goalposts are distinct in comparison to those used in collegiate and professional-level American football. They feature a shorter height and wider width than their NCAA and NFL counterparts. High school football fields are most commonly equipped with gooseneck-style goal posts, which is the same as what’s used in NCAA and NFL games. This is in contrast to the H-style goalposts which are less common but still found in some high school stadiums.
High school football field goalposts typically range in height from 22 to 25 feet. It is important to note, however, that the exact measurements may vary depending on the school.
Let’s delve into the dimensions of a gooseneck field goalpost.
The gooseneck post is designed to measure 10 feet (3.05 meters) in height and should stand upright until the 6-foot (1.83-meter) mark, where it curves back to form the gooseneck shape.
The horizontal crossbar needs to span 23.33 feet (7.11 meters) from the inner side of the two posts, and it should be centrally connected to the gooseneck post.
Starting from the center of the connection point, there should be an equal distance of 11.83 feet (3.61 meters) to each of the upright posts.
The two upright posts should be securely attached to both ends of the horizontal crossbar, with the posts reaching a height of 12 to 15 feet (3.66 to 4.57 meters) above the ground.
The ideal height for a high school gooseneck post is between 22 and 25 feet (6.71 and 7.62 meters).
The H-style football field goal post measures
Two upright posts, measuring between 22 and 25 feet tall are placed in the ground a certain distance apart, connected by a horizontal crossbar.
The horizontal crossbar should span 23.33 feet (7.11 meters), connecting the two upright posts together. The ideal height of a basketball hoop is 10 feet (3.05 meters) from the ground, with the two upright posts standing 12 and 15 feet (3.66 to 4.57 meters) away from the top of the crossbar.
High school H-style posts must have a height of between 22 and 25 feet (6.71 and 7.62 meters) in order to comply with regulations.
The NCAA, NFL, and high school football fields all have distinct dimensions for their field goal posts.
Related: What Are The Baseball Home Plate Dimensions?
FAQs
When the ball hits the goalpost, what happens?
The NCAA deems the goal posts to be beyond the boundaries of the field, meaning that plays that take place in contact with them are considered out of bounds.
What is the difference between the field goal posts in the NFL and in high schools?
High school football players typically lack the kicking strength and accuracy of college and professional football players. In order to create a more suitable environment for field goal kicks that require greater distance, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has made some adjustments. This includes widening the crossbar beams and shortening the upright posts. These changes will help make it easier for high school kickers to execute their ambitious attempts.
Is it possible to kick the football from anywhere?
In American football, the ball can be kicked from anywhere on the field, as long as it is done within the rules of the game. If the kicker does not manage to make a successful kick, it is counted as an automatic fourth down and possession of the ball is given to the opposing team at the line of scrimmage, which is where it was originally kicked from.