GB2470132A

GB2470132A - Goal apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2470132A
Application number: GB1012698A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Edward Michael Thornton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-07-29
Filing date: 2010-07-29
Publication date: 2010-11-10
Also published as: GB201012698D0

Abstract

A soccer or other goal (28) comprises a pair of vertical goalposts (16) and a crossbar (18C) extending horizontally between the goalposts. The underside (36) of the crossbar is asymmetrical about the centreline of the goalposts and faces to a greater extent away from the field of play. Accordingly, in the case of a ball bouncing on the ground adjacent the goal line and rising to strike the crossbar, there is a greater chance (than with known symmetrical crossbars) that the ball will be deflected away from the field of play and a goal will more clearly be seen to have been scored. Preferably the goalposts have similarly asymmetrical surfaces. A kit for constructing such a goal its use in a playing field are also described.

Description

TITLE

Goal apparatus

DESCRIPTION

This invention relates to goal apparatus. The invention was conceived as a goal apparatus for use in the game of soccer, but the invention may also be applicable to goal apparatus used in other sports.

Referring to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings, a soccer field 10 has goal lines 12 at each end. A goal apparatus 14 is disposed centrally on each goal line 12. Each goal apparatus 14 has a pair of vertical goalposts 16 planted in the ground and a horizontal crossbar 18 connecting the upper ends of the goalposts 16. Usually, a net 20 is attached to the rear edges of the goalposts 16 and the crossbar 18, is pegged to the ground behind the goal apparatus 14 and is provided with some means, such as posts 22 and tethers 24 or a frame, to ensure that the net 20 does not interfere with the goalkeeper.

In accordance with Law 1 of "Laws of the Game 2010/2011" produced by the International Football Association Board: * the distance between the goalposts 16 is 7.32m; * the distance between the lower edge of the crossbar 18 and the ground is 2.44m; * the goalposts 16 and crossbar 18 are square, rectangular, round or elliptical in shape; * the goalposts 16, crossbar 18 and goal line 12 are of the same width, which does not exceed 12cm; and * the goalposts and the crossbar are of the same depth.

In accordance with Law 2 of "Laws of the Game 2010/2011", the football 26 is spherical and has a circumference of not more than 70cm and not less than 68cm. The ball 26 therefore has a diameter of between 216 and 223mm.

In accordance with Law 10 of "Laws of the Game 2010/2011", a goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line 12, between the goalposts 16 and under the crossbar 18, provided that no infringement of the Laws of the Game has been committed previously by the team scoring the goal.

(In the remainder of this specification, the term "goal" will generally be used for both the goal apparatus and for the result of passing the ball over the goal line.) Referring to Figures 2A&B of the drawings, it should be noted that the cross-sectional shape of the goalposts 16 and crossbar 18 can affect the trajectory of the ball 26. For example, Figure 2A shows the ball 26 descending and touching a crossbar 18A of circular cross-section at a point below the centre of the crossbar 18A. The ball 26 is deflected slightly and drops to the ground completely behind the goal line 12 and the goalposts 16, so that a goal is scored. On the other hand, Figure 2B shows the ball 26 descending in the same direction as in Figure 2A and touching a crossbar 18B of square cross-section. Because the surface of the crossbar 18B is vertical at the point of impact, the ball 26 is bounced back and drops to the ground in the field of play, so that a goal is not scored. It therefore appears to be implicitly accepted by the International Football Association Board that different goal apparatuses can be employed, all in compliance with "Laws of the Game 2010/2011", but which can differently affect whether or not a goal is scored.

A soccer match is controlled by a referee, who may be assisted by two assistant referees and by a fourth official. In accordance with Law 5 of the "Laws of the Game 2010/2011", the decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play, including whether or not a goal is scored and the result of the match, are final. The referee may only change a decision on realising that it is incorrect or, at his discretion, on the advice of an assistant referee or the fourth official, provided that he has not restarted play or terminated the match.

Referees, being human, sometimes make decisions as to whether or not a goal has been scored, which upon subsequent viewing of video evidence, prove to be entirely incorrect. A topical example at the time of writing this specification occurred in the match on 27 June 2010 between Germany and England in the 2010 FIFA World Cup championship. Lampard for England kicked the ball so that it struck the crossbar 18, as shown at 26A in Fig 3. The ball 26 was deflected down, and video evidence shows that it continued to move into the goal 14 SO that it struck the ground having completely passed over the goal line 12, as shown at 26B in Figure 3. The ball 26 then bounced upwardly, but due no doubt to spin of the ball 26, it is moved in a direction out of the goal 14 and struck the crossbar 18 again, as shown at 26C in Figure 3, before departing from the goal 14 and bouncing on the ground at position 26D in front of the goal line 12. The fact that the ball 26 had completely passed over the goal line 12 was not noticed by the referee or assistant referees, and accordingly a goal was not awarded to England.

It has been proposed to use high-technology to assist referees in making goal decisions.

When a soccer match is being televised, this can be done by employing somebody to replay video footage of possibly disputable decisions and to advise the referee when a possibly incorrect decision has been made. Also, so-called "goal line technology" has been developed with the aim of automatically detecting when a goal has been scored. One system known as "Hawkeye" employs cameras and triangulation and is already used in some tennis championships. Another system known as "Cairos" employs a sensor in the ball which can detect magnetic signals generated at least in the goal area and transmit a signal to a central computer from which the ball's position can be calculated. A signal is then transmitted to the referee if it is calculated that a goal has been scored. These known methods have many disadvantages, including cost, possible unreliability, inaccuracy, the creation of delay during the match, and distraction to the referee.

A first aim of the present invention, or at least of specific embodiments of it, is to enable a reduction in the frequency of incorrect goal decisions such as described above with reference to Figure 3. Another aim of the invention, or at least of specific embodiments of it, is to achieve the first aim at minimal cost compared to the known systems described above. A further aim of the invention, or at least of specific embodiments of it, is to achieve the first aim without introducing any unreliability or inaccuracy, without causing any delay during the match and without distracting the referee. Indeed, as will become apparent shortly, the referee need not even be aware that the invention is being employed.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a playing field having a field of play and a goal at an end of the field of play. As is conventional, the goal comprises a pair of elongate goalposts placed in or on the ground and extending up substantially vertically from the ground (for example from a goal line), and an elongate crossbar extending substantially horizontally between the goalposts. The goal is characterised in that, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the crossbar, the underside of the crossbar is asymmetrical about the centreline of the goalposts and faces to a greater extent away from the field of play.

Accordingly, in the case of a ball bouncing on the ground adjacent the goal line and rising to strike the crossbar, there is a greater chance (than with the known symmetrical crossbars discussed previously) that the ball will be deflected away from the field of play and a goal will more clearly be seen to have been scored.

In the case where the ball had completely crossed the goal line before striking the crossbar on its upward bounce (as in the example of Figure 3), the asymmetry of the crossbar will therefore not affect the fact that a goal has been scored, but will be provide a greater chance of the referee(s) being able to make a correct decision that a goal has been scored.

On the other hand, in the case where the ball had not completely crossed the goal line before striking the crossbar on its upward bounce, it may be that the asymmetrical crossbar will deflect the ball across the goal line (so that a goal is in fact scored), whereas a conventional symmetrical crossbar would have deflected the ball towards the field of play (and a goal would not in fact be scored). The asymmetrical shape of the crossbar may therefore cause a goal to be scored which would not otherwise have happened, but it will still provide a greater chance of the referee(s) being able to make a correct decision that a goal has in fact been scored (albeit will the assistance of the crossbar). Given that: (i) the "Law of the Game 2010/2011" does allow for different shapes of crossbar, (ii) the particular shape of known symmetrical crossbars complying with the "Law of the Game 2010/2011" can affect whether or not a goal is scored, as discussed above with reference to Figures 2A&B, and (iii) the two goals on a soccer field are typically identical, and the teams swap ends at half time, it is believed that it is not a disadvantage that the asymmetry of the crossbar may in certain circumstances be instrumental in a goal being scored, whereas the greater chance of the referee(s) being able to make a correct decision is a distinct advantage.

A second aspect of the invention extends to a goal per se comprising a pair of elongate goalposts arranged for placing in or on the ground so that the posts extend up substantially vertically from the ground, and an elongate crossbar extending between the goalposts so that, when the goalposts are so placed in or on the ground, the crossbar extends substantially horizontally between the goalposts and, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the crossbar, the underside of the crossbar is asymmetrical about the centreline of the goalposts.

A third aspect of the invention extends to a kit for constructing a goal. The kit comprises: a pair of elongate goalposts arranged for placing in or on the ground so that the posts extend up substantially vertically from the ground; an elongate crossbar; and means for mounting the crossbar on the goalposts, when the goalposts are so placed in or on the ground, so that the crossbar extends substantially horizontally between the goalposts. The kit is such that, when the goalposts are so placed in or on the ground and the crossbar is so mounted on the goalposts and when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the crossbar, the underside of the crossbar is asymmetrical about the centreline of the goalposts.

Regarding the asymmetry of the crossbar, in preferred embodiments of the invention, when viewed in said longitudinal direction, the underside of the crossbar has a portion which faces downwardly and in a first horizontal direction (away from the field of play) which is greater in extent than any portion which faces downwardly and in the direction opposite said first horizontal direction and/or is greater in extent than any portion which faces vertically downwardly.

When so viewed in the longitudinal direction of the crossbar, the width of the crossbar may be substantially equal to the width of the goalposts, or it may be greater than the width of the goalposts. In the latter case, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the crossbar, the limit of the extent of the crossbar in one horizontal direction (preferably towards the field of play) is preferably substantially aligned with the limit of the extent of the goalposts in said one horizontal direction, but the crossbar has a projecting portion which extends beyond the goalposts in the direction opposite said one horizontal direction. In this latter case, the projecting portion preferably has an underside which faces downwardly and in the direction opposite said one horizontal direction.

Although in the case of the disallowed Lampard goal mentioned above, the ball rattled in the goal mouth as a result of bouncing between the crossbar and the ground, it is also possible that the goalposts may play some part in a such a rattling effect. In order to reduce further the possibility of the ball rattling in the goal-mouth, when viewed a vertical direction, the nearside of each goalpost may be asymmetrical about a line extending between the goalposts, and may have other features similar to the cross-section to the crossbar, as described above.

As is conventional, the width of the goal line is preferably substantially equal to the width of the goalposts, and the goalposts are preferably centrally placed widthwise with respect to the goal line, so that a goalpost does not block the view of an assistant referee standing at the end of the goal line in seeing whether a ball has completely passed over the goal line. Also, the width of the goalposts is preferably not substantially greater than 12cm; the internal distance between the goalposts is preferably substantially equal to 7.32m; and the distance between the ground and the underside of the crossbar is preferably substantially equal to 2.44m.

Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an isometric view of a standard soccer field; Figures 2A&B are sectioned side views of two conventional soccer goals having differently shaped crossbars showing how the shape of the crossbar can affect the trajectory of the ball; Figures 3 is similar to Figure 2A, but showing a different trajectory of the ball; Figure 4A is a sectioned side view of a soccer goal of a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 4B is a cross-section of the crossbar of the goal of Figure 4A. shown on a larger scale; Figure 5A-8B are similar to Figures 4A&B, but showing second to fifth embodiments of the invention; Figure 9 is an isometric view of the fifth embodiment of goal of Figures 8A&B.

Referring to Figures 4A&B, the goal 28 of the first embodiment of the invention has a pair of vertical goalposts 16 planted in the ground and a horizontal crossbar 18C connecting the upper ends of the goalposts 16. The goalposts 16 may be joined to the crossbar 18C by any suitable means, for example, directly by nails or screws, by a bracket or by a spigot and socket joint. The internal distance between the goalposts 16 is 7.32m, and the distance between the ground and the underside of the crossbar 18C is 2.44m. A net 20 is provided, as described with reference to Figure 1. The goalposts 16 and crossbar 1 8C may be made of any suitable material, such as wood, steel, aluminium or plastics.

The goalposts 16 may, for example, be of circular cross-section, having an outer diameter between 8 and 12cm, or they may be of square or rectangular cross-section, having outer dimensions between 8 x 8cm and 12 x 12cm. The goal line 12 has the same width as the goalposts 16. The goalposts 16 may be solid or tubular.

As shown in particular in Figure 4B, the crossbar 1 8C has a substantially trapezoidal cross-section with (i) a horizontal upper side 30 which may have the same width as the goalposts 16, (ii) a longer vertical front side 32 which may have the same depth as the goalposts 16, (iii) a shorter vertical rear side 34, for example half the size of the front side 32, and (iv) an inclined underside 36 which faces downwardly and away from the field 10.

It will be appreciated that, in view of the inclination of the underside 36 of the crossbar 18C, a ball 26 following the same initial trajectory as in Figure 3 from position 26A at the crossbar 18C, via position 26B on the ground behind the goal line 12 and position 26C back at the crossbar 18C, will then be deflected by the inclined underside 36 of the crossbar 18C to a position 26D in the back of the net 20.

Referring now to Figures 5A&B, the goal 28 of the second embodiment of the invention is similar to the first embodiment of Figures 4A&B, except that its crossbar 18D has a differently shaped cross-section. Referring in particular to Figure 5B, the crossbar 1 8D has a substantially triangular cross-section with: (i) a horizontal upper side 38 which may have twice the width of the goalposts 16, (ii) a vertical front side 40 which may have the same depth as the goalposts 16, and (iii) an inclined underside 42 which faces downwardly and away from the field 10. The ball trajectory shown in Figures 5A&B is similar to that in Figures 4A&B.

Referring now to Figures 6A&B, the goal 28 of the third embodiment of the invention is similar to the second embodiment of Figures 5A&B, except that its crossbar 18E has a differently shaped cross-section. Referring in particular to Figure 6B, the rear part 44 of the upper side 38 is inclined upwardly and rearwardly and may be used to bear an advertisement or the like as will be described in greater detail later. Also the rear part 46 of the underside 42 is inclined more steeply upwardly to meet the rear edge of the upper side. Furthermore, the crossbar 18E is hollow and may be formed, for example, from extruded plastics or aluminium.

The ball trajectory shown in Figures 6A&B is similar to that in Figures 4A&B.

Referring now to Figures 7A&B, the goal 28 of the fourth embodiment of the invention is similar to the first embodiment of Figures 4A&B, except that its crossbar 18F has a differently shaped cross-section. Referring in particular to Figure 7B, the crossbar 18F has (i) a substantially semicircular upper surface portion 48 having a diameter substantially equal to the width of the goalposts 16, (ii) a vertical front surface portion 50 which extends downwardly from the front edge of the upper portion 48 over a distance substantially equal to the radius of the upper surface portion 48, and (iii) an inclined underside 52 which faces downwardly and

away from the field 10.

Figures 7A&B show a different trajectory for the ball 26. The ball 26 hits the crossbar 18F at position 26A and drops to the ground at position 26E with the centre of the ball 26 just over the goal line 12, but without the ball 26 having passed completely over the goal line 12.

The ball then bounces upwardly and hits the crossbar 18F at position 26F, where the ball 26 has still not completely crossed the goal line 12. The ball then bounces off the inclined underside 52 of the crossbar 18F, completely crosses the goal line 12 and falls to the back of the net at position 26G. It will be appreciated that, in this example, the ball 26 might well not have completely crossed the goal line 12 if a square section crossbar 18B as shown in Figure 2B had been used, and that the asymmetry of the crossbar 1 8F may have been instrumental in causing a goal to be scored. However, as explained in the introduction of this specification, it is believed that this is not a disadvantage.

Referring now to Figures 8A&B, the goal 28 of the fifth embodiment of the invention is similar to the fourth embodiment of Figures 7A&B, except that its crossbar 1 8G has a differently shaped cross-section. Referring in particular to Figure 8B, a part 54 of the upper surface portion 48 is inclined upwardly and rearwardly from the part-circular portion, for example at an angle of about 45 degrees to the horizontal, and may be used to bear an advertisement or the like as will be described in greater detail later. Also the rear part 56 of the underside 52 is inclined more steeply upwardly, for example at an angle of about 60 degrees to the horizontal, to meet the rear edge of the upper side. The ball trajectory shown in Figures 9A&B is similar to that in Figures 4A&B.

Figure 9 shows a portion of a soccer field 10 provided with a goal 28 of the fifth embodiment of the invention. It will be noted that, because the width (from front to rear) of each goalpost 16 is equal to the width of the goal line 12, an assistant referee standing at the end of the goal line 12 can see whether a ball 26 has completely passed over the goal line 12. It will also be noted that the width, from front to rear, of the crossbar 18G of Figures 8A-9 (and the crossbars 18D,E of Figures SA-6B) is wider than the width of each goalpost 16. However, that will not affect the view of the referee or assistant referees and is therefore not believed to be a disadvantage. It will also be noted that the depth (from top to bottom) of the crossbar 18G of Figures 8A-9 (and the crossbars 18E of Figures 6A-B) is greater than the depth of a conventional crossbar 18A,B of Figures 2A-3. This may increase the chances that a ball 26 striking the crossbar 18E,G will bounce back into the field 10 of play, rather than passing out of play over the top of the crossbar 18E,G. This may therefore affect the game. However, assuming that similar goals 14 are provided at both ends of the pitch 10 and/or that the teams swap ends half way through the match, this will not provide an advantage to either team.

It will also be noted that the flat inclined portion 54 of the crossbar 18G of Figures 8A- 9 (and the similar portion 44 of the crossbar 18E of Figures 6A&B) provides a space for advertising material which will particularly be in the field of view of television cameras high in the stands of the football stadium and trained on the goal 28.

It will be appreciated that many modifications and developments may be made to the embodiments of the invention described above.

For example, in all of the embodiments, substantially the whole of the undersides 36,42,52,56 of the crossbars 18C-G face downwardly and away from the field of play.

However, if desired, the underside of each crossbar 18 may have a minor portion which faces downwardly and towards the field of play and/or faces vertically downwardly. Also, the angles of inclination of the inclined underside portions 36,42,52,56 of the crossbars 18C-G may differ from those shown in the drawings Instead of the crossbars 18C-G and goalposts 16 being provided as separate elements which are joined together, the crossbars 18 and goalposts may be integrally formed. For example, a goal 28 similar to that shown in Figures 7A&B could be formed from a length of circular-section metal tube which is bent sharply twice at right-angles to form the basic shape of the goalposts 16 and crossbar 18. The crossbar 18 can then be partially flattened to form the outer section as shown in Figure 7B. The ends of the length of tube may also be crimped to form portions which are driven into the ground.

Instead of the crossbar 18 being formed by a single asymmetrical member, it may be formed from a first symmetrical member of, for example, circular, square or rectangular cross-section, and a second asymmetrical deflector member attached to the first member.

The goalposts 16 may be provided with a similar cross-section to the crossbar 18. For example, Figures 4B, SB, 6B, 7B and 8B may also represent horizontal sections through the goalposts.

It should be noted that the embodiments of the invention have been described above purely by way of example and that many other modifications and developments may be made thereto within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

-10 -CLAIMS1. A kit for constructing a goal, the kit comprising: a pair of elongate goalposts arranged for placing in or on the ground so that the posts extend up substantially vertically from the ground; an elongate crossbar; and means for mounting the crossbar on the goalposts, when the goalposts are so placed in or on the ground, so that the crossbar extends substantially horizontally between the goalposts; wherein, when the goalposts are so placed in or on the ground and the crossbar is so mounted on the goalposts and when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the crossbar, the underside of the crossbar is asymmetrical about the centreline of the goalposts.
2. A goal comprising: a pair of elongate goalposts arranged for placing in or on the ground so that the posts extend up substantially vertically from the ground; an elongate crossbar extending between the goalposts so that, when the goalposts are so placed in or on the ground, the crossbar extends substantially horizontally between the goalposts and, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the crossbar, the underside of the crossbar is asymmetrical about the centreline of the goalposts.
3. A playing field having:a field of play; anda goal at an end of the field of play;wherein the goal comprises: a pair of elongate goalposts placed in or on the ground and extending up substantially vertically from the ground; an elongate crossbar extending substantially horizontally between the goalposts so that, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the crossbar, the underside of the crossbar is asymmetrical about the centreline of the goalposts and faces toa greater extent away from the field of play.

-11 -
4. A kit, goal or playing field as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: when so viewed in said longitudinal direction, the underside of the crossbar has a portion which faces downwardly and in a first horizontal direction which is greater in extent than any portion which faces downwardly and in the direction opposite said first horizontal direction.
5. A kit, goal or playing field as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: when so viewed in said longitudinal direction, the underside of the crossbar has a portion which faces downwardly and in a first horizontal direction which is greater in extent than any portion which faces vertically downwardly.
6. A playing field as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein: said first horizontal direction is away from the field of play.
7. A kit, goal or playing field as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: when so viewed in said longitudinal direction, the width of the crossbar is substantially equal to the width of the goalposts.
8. A kit, goal or playing field as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6, wherein: when so viewed in said longitudinal direction, the width of the crossbar is greater than the width of the goalposts.
9. A kit, goal or playing field as claimed in claim 8, wherein: when so viewed in said longitudinal direction, the limit of the extent of the crossbar in one horizontal direction is substantially aligned with the limit of the extent of the goalposts in said one horizontal direction, but the crossbar has a projecting portion which extends beyond the goalposts in the direction opposite said one horizontal direction.

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10. A kit, goal or playing field as claimed in claim 9, wherein: when so viewed in said longitudinal direction, the projecting portion has an underside which faces downwardly and in the direction opposite said one horizontal direction.
11. A playing field as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein: said one horizontal direction is towards the field of play.
12. A kit, goal or playing field as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: when viewed a vertical direction, the nearside of each goalpost is asymmetrical about a line extending between the goalposts.
13. A playing field as claimed in any of claims 3 to 12, wherein: the end of the field of play is marked by a goal line; the width of the goal line is substantially equal to the width of the goalposts; and the goalposts are centrally placed widthwise with respect to the goal line.
14. A kit, goal or playing field as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: the width of the goalposts is not substantially greater than 12cm.
15. A goal or playing field as claimed in any of claims 2 to 14, wherein: the internal distance between the goalposts is substantially equal to 7. 32m.
16. A playing field as claimed in any of claims 3 to 15, wherein: the distance between the ground and the underside of the crossbar is substantially equal to 2.44m.
17. A playing field as claimed in any of claims 3 to 16, wherein:the field of play is marked out as a soccer field.-13 -
18. A goal kit, goal or playing field, substantially as described with reference to the Figures 4A to 9 of the drawings.Amendments to the claims have been filed as followsCLAIMS1. A playing field having:a field of play; anda goal at an end of the field of play;wherein the goal comprises: a pair of elongate goalposts placed in or on the ground and extending up substantially vertically from the ground; an elongate crossbar extending substantially horizontally between the goalposts so that: the front edges of the crossbar and the goalposts nearest the field of play are substantially coplanar; and when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the crossbar, the underside of the crossbar is asymmetrical about the centreline of the goalposts and Q faces to a greater extent away from the field of play. a)2. A playing field as claimed in claim 1, wherein:O) when so viewed in said longitudinal direction, the underside of the crossbar has a portion which faces downwardly and in the horizontal direction away from the field of play which is greater in extent than any portion which faces downwardly and in the horizontal direction towards from the field of play.3. A playing field as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein: when so viewed in said longitudinal direction, the underside of the crossbar has a portion which faces downwardly and in the horizontal direction away from the field of play which is greater in extent than any portion which faces vertically downwardly.4. A playing field as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: substantially the whole of the underside of the crossbar faces downwardly and in thehorizontal direction away from the field of play.5. A playing field as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: when so viewed in said longitudinal direction, the width of the crossbar is substantially equal to the width of the goalposts.6. A playing field as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein: when so viewed in said longitudinal direction, the width of the crossbar is greater than the width of the goalposts so that the crossbar has a projecting portion which extends beyond the goalposts in the horizontal direction away from the field of play.7. A playing field as claimed in claim 6, wherein:when so viewed in said longitudinal direction, the projecting portion has an underside which faces downwardly and in the horizontal direction away from the field of play.8. A playing field as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: the crossbar is formed from a single member. a)(\J 9. A playing field as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7, wherein: the crossbar is formed from a first member which is symmetrical in cross-section and a second deflector member which is asymmetrical in cross-section and attached to the first member.10. A playing field as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: when viewed a vertical direction, the nearside of each goalpost is asymmetrical about a line extending between the goalposts.11. A playing field as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: the end of the field of play is marked by a goal line; the width of the goal line is substantially equal to the width of the goalposts; and the goalposts are centrally placed widthwise with respect to the goal line.12. A playing field as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: the width of the goalposts is not substantially greater than 12cm.13. A playing field as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: the internal distance between the goalposts is substantially equal to 7.32m.14. A playing field as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: the distance between the ground and the underside of the crossbar is substantially equal to 2.44m.15. A playing field as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein:the field of play is marked out as a soccer field.16. A playing field substantially as described with reference to the Figures 4A to 9 of the Q drawings. a) (\J