US20030144091A1

US20030144091A1 - Adjustable field goal post apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20030144091A1
Application number: US10/060,435
Authority: US
Inventors: W. Dickson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-01-29
Filing date: 2002-01-29
Publication date: 2003-07-31

Abstract

An adjustable field goal assembly is provided. Adjustable field goal assembly permits a user to adjust the width of the field goal posts to widen or narrow the displacement between the field goal posts. The field goal assembly includes a support pole, a cross bar, a first upright post, a second upright post, and a displacement mechanism. The displacement mechanism permits the user to move the first and/or second upright posts to vary the distance between the first and second upright posts.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of athletic equipment. More specifically, the present invention relates to a field goal assembly having adjustable upright posts.

2. Background of the Invention

Field goal assemblies, often referred to as field goal posts, are an integral component of the game of football which provide an additional component of complexity and interest to the game. To score points utilizing the field goal posts, a team must kick the football through an area defined by the cross bar and uprights posts of the field goal assembly. The bottom boundary is defined by the cross bar of the field goal assembly with the side boundaries being defined by the upright posts of the field goal assembly. There is no upper boundary to a field goal. An attempt is considered successful if the football passes between the upright posts, or the area that would be between the upright posts if they reached to a height corresponding with the height to which the football is kicked.

During a football game, the field goal posts are utilized both as an alternative to the touchdown and during the extra point after a touchdown has been scored. A team can obtain a single point in addition to the six points scored as a result of a touchdown by kicking the football through the field goal posts. Alternatively, a team can score an additional two points after a touchdown by running or passing the ball into the end zone from a pre-selected spot on the football field. Teams will typically attempt the point after field goal attempt due to the higher probability of completing a kick than moving the ball into the end zone for two points.

The field goal posts also are provided as a means of scoring points alternative to the touchdown. To score points, the football a team in possession of the ball can opt to attempt to kick the football through the field goal posts from the line of scrimmage. By successfully kicking the ball through the field goal posts, the team is awarded three points. Due to the difficulty in completing a successful kick from long distances, a team must either move the line of scrimmage sufficiently close to the field goal posts to have a high probability of successfully completing a kick, or face a high risk of not completing the attempt. Where the risk of not completing a successful field goal attempt is high, a football team will typically opt to punt the ball to prevent the opposing team from obtaining a field position close to the opposing team's end zone. Thus a team faces a low probability of scoring unless they can move the ball to a spot on the field sufficiently close to the end zone. Typically, a team will attempt a field goal when they are within 40 yards of the end zone and have been stopped short of a first down on the previous three plays.

One of the limitations of field goal posts relates to their construction. The components of the field goal posts are immovably coupled together, thus making the boundary defined by the cross bar and the upright posts invariable. Accordingly, the boundary through which the football goal post must be kicked is the same regardless of whether the football is one yard from the end zone or 80 yards from the end zone.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an adjustable field goal assembly allowing a user to change the distance between upright posts of the field goal assembly. The first and/or the second upright posts are moveable along the cross bar. A displacement mechanism is adapted to provide the necessary force to move the upright posts. This allows a user to move the field goal posts closer together or farther apart from one another.

The adjustable field goal assembly can facilitate practicing field goal attempts by providing a more narrow target, or a wider target, depending on the needs of the player practicing the field goal attempt. Alternatively, the adjustable field goal assembly can be used to increase the complexity of a football contest. For example, when the ball is positioned further than 40 yards from the end zone, the upright posts are positioned at a maximum displacement from one another. As the ball moves closer to the end zone, the upright posts are moved closer toward each other. A minimum displacement is reached when the ball moves within 10 yards from the end zone. While this is provided as only one example as how the adjustability of the field goal assembly can be utilized in a football game, it provides an illustration of how the adjustable football goal post can add complexity and interest to a football game.

In one embodiment of the present invention, both the first and second upright posts are slideably coupled to the cross bar of the adjustable field goal assembly. A motor provides rotational force to an internal output shaft which is positioned interior to the cross bar. The internal output shaft is coupled to the upright posts of the adjustable field goal assembly. As the internal output shaft rotates in a first direction, the upright posts move closer to each other. As the internal output shaft rotates in a second direction, the upright posts move further from each other.

In one embodiment of the present invention a controller and/or input mechanism is/are provided for controlling operation of the motor. This allows the user to adjust the displacement between the first and second upright posts either from a position proximal to the adjustable field goal assembly, or a position removed from the adjustable field goal assembly.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the field goal assembly is also coupled with sensors. The sensors allow the controller to automatically adjust the distance between the first and second upright posts to predetermined positions, the positions representing predetermined displacements between the first and second upright posts. Thus, when a user selects a displacement, the controller will move the upright posts to positions representing the displacement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: [0013]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary adjustable field goal assembly illustrating the moveable upright posts. [0014]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary adjustable field goal assembly illustrating various displacements at which the first and second upright posts might be positioned. [0015]
FIG. 3 illustrates one manner in which the adjustable field goal assembly of the present invention can be utilized. [0016]
FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the displacement mechanism. [0017]
FIG. 5 is a depiction of the displacement mechanism for the output shaft illustrating the motor gear and the output shaft gear. [0018]
FIG. 6 is a top view of the cross bar illustrating the bearings and upright post tracks of one embodiment of the present invention. [0019]
FIG. 7 is a cross section illustrating the upright post and the mechanism by which the internal output shaft displaces the upright post. [0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference now to FIG. 1, an adjustable field goal assembly [0021] 1 is shown according to one embodiment of the present invention. Adjustable field goal assembly 1 permits a user to adjust the width of the field goal posts to widen or narrow the displacement between the field goal posts. The field goal assembly comprises a support pole 10, a cross bar 20, a first upright post 30, a second upright post 40, and a displacement mechanism 50.
[0022] Support pole 10 provides support for the adjustable field goal assembly 1. Support pole 10 extends perpendicularly from the ground. In the preferred embodiment, a portion of support pole 10 is buried underground to provide the strength needed to support the entire adjustable field goal assembly 1. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of methods of securing the support pole 10 can be utilized including, but not limited to a moveable base, a immovable weighted base, a spring biased assembly, or the like. Support pole 10, and other components of adjustable field goal assembly 1, can be manufactured from a variety of materials including but not limited to cast iron, steel, aluminum, plastic, or composite materials. Support pole 10 can be a hollow pole, or can be a shaft of solid construction. Additionally, support pole 10 can be covered with a rubberized layer, or padding to provide additional safety to the adjustable field goal assembly.
[0023] Cross bar 20 is attached to the upper end of support pole 10. Cross bar 20 extends parallel to the ground, thus lying substantially horizontal to the playing field. Cross bar 20 forms the bottom boundary through which a football must pass to constitute a successful point after attempt or field goal during a football game. Cross bar 20 is comprised of a cross bar first end 22, a cross bar second end 24, and a cross bar center 26. Cross bar first end 22 and cross bar second end 24 are the traditional positions where the field goal upright posts are attached. Cross bar 20 is coupled to support pole 10 at cross bar center 26.
First [0024] upright post 30 is vertically and moveably coupled to cross bar 20 at a position distal to the cross bar center 26 in the direction of cross bar first end 22. In the preferred embodiment, due to the adjustable nature of first upright post 30, the exact point of contact with cross bar 20 is variable. While the exact point of contact is variable, it is always distal to the cross bar center 26 in the direction of cross bar first end 22. The maximum displacement between the first upright post 30 and the cross bar center 26 is reached when first upright post 30 is coupled to cross bar first end 22. First upright post 30 is slideably coupled between cross bar first end 22 and cross bar middle 26, thus allowing first upright post 30 to be selectively moveable between cross bar first end 22 and cross bar center 26. First upright post 30 forms a first side boundary through which a football must pass to constitute a successful point after attempt or field goal during a football game. By making first upright post 30 adjustable, the area through which the football must be passed is reduced, thus increasing the difficulty of successfully completing a point after attempt or field goal.
Second [0025] upright post 40 is vertically and moveably coupled to cross bar 20 at a position distal to cross bar center 26 in the direction of cross bar second end 24. In the preferred embodiment, due to the adjustable nature of first upright post 30, the exact point of contact with cross bar 20 is variable. However, the point of contact is always distal to cross bar center 26 in the direction of the cross bar second end 24. The maximum displacement of the between the first upright post 30 and the cross bar center 26 is reached when the first upright post 30 is coupled to cross bar second end 24. Second upright post 40 is slideably coupled between cross bar second end 24 and cross bar middle 26, thus allowing the second upright post 40 to be selectively moveable between cross bar second end 24 and cross bar middle 26. Second upright post 40 forms a second boundary through which a football must pass to constitute a successful point after attempt or field goal during a football game. By making second upright post 40 adjustable, the area through which the football must be passed is reduced, the increasing the difficulty of successfully completing a point after attempt or field goal.
[0026] Displacement mechanism 50 is configured to move the first and second upright posts 30, 40 closer to, or further from, each other. Displacement mechanism 50 can be placed in a variety of positions and configured in a variety of configurations. For example, the displacement mechanism 50 can be configured such that a motor assembly is positioned underground, with a series of shafts and gears imparting the moving force to first upright post 30 and second upright post 40. In an alternative embodiment, the displacement mechanism 50 is configured such that a motor assembly is positioned at the level of cross bar 20. Gears and a shaft impart the moving force to the first upright post 30 and second upright post 40. In yet another alternative embodiment, the displacement mechanism 50 comprises a hand crank that allows a user to manually move the first upright post 30 and/or second upright post 40 (see FIG. 3). The hand crank, with a crank arm, can be provided as the sole method of moving first upright post 30 and/or second upright post 40. Alternatively, the hand crank can be provided as a supplement to a motorized displacement mechanism. Exemplary embodiments of displacement mechanism 50 will be discussed in greater detail with reference to FIG. 4.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary adjustable field goal assembly illustrating various displacements at which the first and second upright posts might be positioned. As previously discussed with reference to FIG. 1, [0027] displacement mechanism 50 provides the force necessary to move first upright post 30 and/or second upright post 40. By making the first and second upright posts adjustable, a user can vary the distance between first upright post 30 and second upright post 40. The potentially large number of uses for an adjustable field goal assembly include, but are not limited to: varying the distance between upright posts for refining players' abilities in a practice setting; varying the distance to add an additional degree of complexity and difficulty to a football game; or similar adaptations.
In the illustrated embodiment, the distance between first [0028] upright post 30 and second upright post 40 are variable and predetermined for varios distances between goal line and the field goal assembly.
In one exemplary embodiment where the distance between the goal line and the end zone is greater than, or equal to, 30 yards, the first [0029] upright post 30 is positioned at the cross bar first end 22. The second upright post is positioned at the cross bar second end 24. The distance between the first upright post 30 and second upright post 40 is eighteen feet six inches.
In the same embodiment, where the distance between the goal line and the end zone is between 20 and 30 yards, the first [0030] upright post 30 is positioned at a location between the cross bar first end 22 and the cross bar middle 26. The second upright post is positioned at a location between the cross bar second 24 and the cross bar middle 26. The distance between the first upright post 30 and the second upright post 40 is sixteen feet and six inches.
Where the distance between the goal line and the end zone is between [0031] 10 and 20 yards, the first upright post 30 is positioned at a location between the cross bar first end 22 and the cross bar middle 26. The second upright post is positioned at a location between the cross bar second 24 and the cross bar middle 26. The distance between the first upright post 30 and the second upright post 40 is thirteen feet and six inches.
Where the distance between the goal line and the end zone is between 0 and 10 yards, the first [0032] upright post 30 is positioned at a location between the cross bar first end 22 and the cross bar middle 26. The second upright post is positioned at a location between the cross bar second 24 and the cross bar middle 26. The distance between the first upright post 30 and the second upright post 40 is ten feet and six inches. The above example is provided as one way in which adjustable field goal assembly 10 can be used to add variety and complexity to the game of football and should not be considered to be limiting in scope.
FIG. 3 illustrates one manner in which adjustable field goal assembly [0033] 1 of the present invention can be utilized. In the embodiment, adjustable field goal assembly 1 and a football field 100 are illustrated. In the embodiment, the distance between first and second upright posts 30, 40 increases as the football is placed at further distances from adjustable field goal assembly 1.
[0034] Football field 100 includes an end zone 101, a five yard line 105, a ten yard line 110, a 20 yard line 120, a thirty yard line 130, and a forty yard line 140. The markings at each of five yard line 105, ten yard line 110, 20 yard line 120, thirty yard line 130, and forty yard line 140 represent the position of first and second upright posts 30, 40 and the corresponding distance between uprights posts 30, 40 when the ball is placed at those distances. For example, when the football is at the 40 yard line 140, the distance between first and second upright posts 30, 40 is the greatest. Correspondingly, when the football is placed at the 5 yard line 105, the distance between first and second upright posts 30, 40 is the smallest.
FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the [0035] displacement mechanism 50 and a more detailed view of first upright post 30 and one method by which the displacement mechanism 50 moves first and second upright posts 30, 40. There is also shown a motor controller 70 and an input mechanism 72 for regulating displacement mechanism 50. In the illustrated embodiment, displacement mechanism 50 comprises a motor 52, an internal output shaft 60, a motor gear 64, an output shaft gear 66.
In the illustrated [0036] embodiment motor 52 is coupled to cross bar 20 at cross bar center 26. Motor 52 provides the driving force for moving first upright post 30 and second upright post 40. Motor 52 can comprise an electrical motor, an electromechanical motor, or another motor capable of providing the force necessary to move first and second upright posts 30, 40. Motor 52 includes a housing 54 for protecting motor 52 from inadvertent damage from the elements and as a safety feature to users and fans. Motor 52 is one example of a means for providing driving force to a means for displacing.
[0037] Internal output shaft 60 is positioned internal to cross bar 22. The internal output shaft 60 is coupled to motor 52 by means of motor gear 64 and output shaft gear 66. Motor imparts force to motor gear 64. Motor gear 64 relays the force to output shaft gear 66. Output shaft gear 66 is coupled to internal output shaft 60, and thus conveys the force to internal output shaft 60. In one embodiment, motor 52 is a bi-directional motor for easily rotating internal output shaft 60 in first and second directions.
[0038] Internal output shaft 60 comprises a first extremity 60 a, a second extremity 60 b, and threads 68. First extremity 60 a is internal to cross bar first end 22 and is coupled to first upright post 30. Second extremity 60 b is internal to cross bar second end 24 and is coupled to second upright post 40. Threads 68 are imbued in first and second extremities 60 a, b of internal output shaft 60.
First and second [0039] upright posts 30, 40 include engageable lower portions 80. The engageable lower portions 80 are threadably coupled to first and second extremities 60 a, b of internal ouput shaft 60. Upon rotation of internal output shaft 62, threads 68 impart force to engageable lower portions 80, thus moving first and second upright posts 30, 40, closer to or further from each other. Rotation of the internal output shaft 60 in a first direction about an output shaft axis moves the first and second upright posts 30, 40 toward cross bar center 26. Rotation of internal output shaft 60 in a second direction about the output shaft axis moves first and second upright posts 30, 40 away from cross bar center 26. Internal output shaft 60 is one embodiment of a means for displacing first and second upright posts 30, 40. A variety of mechanisms and configurations of displacement mechanisms can be utilized to move first and/or second upright posts 30, 40 without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
For example, in an alternative embodiment, [0040] displacement mechanism 50 comprises a drive train apparatus employing an underground motor, a drive shaft coupled to the motor, a communicating shaft internal to the support pole 10 being coupled to the drive shaft, and an output shaft internal to the cross bar 20 being coupled to the communicating shaft. In the embodiment, the drive shaft includes a bevel gear for relaying a force to the communicating shaft. The communicating shaft includes a first bevel gear for engaging the bevel gear of the drive shaft and a second bevel gear for relaying a force to the output shaft. The output shaft includes a bevel gear for engaging the bevel gear of the communicating shaft. Additionally, the output shaft includes threads at the first and second extremities for engaging the engageable lower portions of the first and second upright posts. The first and second extremities are also covered with high density polyethylene wear strips to reduce the friction encountered during rotation of the output shaft.
A [0041] motor controller 70 is provided for regulating functioning of the motor 52. Motor controller 70 is preferably coupled directly to motor 52 in the motor housing. Alternatively, motor controller 70 can be located remotely from motor 52. Controller 70 can comprise a mechanical controller, an electromechanical controller, a electrical controller, or any other controller that can be utilized the motor controller 52. Motor controller 70 is one embodiment of a control mechanism configured to control the displacement between the first and second upright posts. Control mechanism is one embodiment of a means for controlling the displacement of first and second upright posts 30, 40.
An [0042] input mechanism 72 is included for allowing a user to input commands to motor 52. Input mechanism 72 can be hardwired to motor 52 at a location either proximal to motor 52 or remote from motor 52. This allows commands to be input to motor 52 either from a remote location or a location proximal to motor 52. In an alternative embodiment, input mechanism 72 comprises a remote infrared device for sending commands to motor 52. In yet another embodiment, input mechanism 72 comprises a radio frequency device for sending commands to motor 52. In still yet another embodiment, a remote control module is provided as a supplement to an existing input mechanism 72. Input mechanism is one embodiment of a control mechanism configured to control the displacement between the first and second upright posts. Control mechanism is one embodiment of a means for controlling the displacement of the first and second upright posts 30, 40.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a user inputs a desired setting into [0043] input mechanism 72. Input mechanism 72 conveys a signal representing the desired setting to motor controller 70. Upon receiving the signal from input mechanism 72, motor controller 70 operates motor 52 to automatically move first and second upright posts 30, 40 to locations representing a preset displacement between first and second upright posts 30, 40. In one embodiment, controller 70 uses displacement calculations to automatically move upright posts 30, 40 to preset locations. In another embodiment indicators such as markers are coupled to cross bar 20 for identifying positions representing given displacements between the first and second upright posts 30, 40. In another embodiment one or more sensors are utilized to determine the positions of upright posts 30, 40. The sensors used to determine the positions of upright posts 30, 40 can include, but are not limited to, infrared sensors, contact switches, magnetic, or electrical switches.
FIG. 5 shows a more detailed illustration of how [0044] motor 52 utilizes motor gear 64 and output shaft gear 66 to rotate internal output shaft 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the cogs of motor gear 64 engage the cogs of output shaft gear 66. Output shaft gear 66 is coupled to internal output shaft 60. Thus motor 52 rotates internal output shaft 60, and correspondingly threads 68 of internal output shaft 60, by moving motor gear 64 and output shaft gear 66.
FIG. 6 is a top view of the [0045] cross bar 22 illustrating the bearings 80 a-d and upright post tracks 82 a, b of one embodiment of the present invention. Bearings 81 a-d are coupled to cross bar 22 and internal output shaft 60. Bearings 81 a-d provide support to internal output shaft 60 while limiting the friction between output shaft 60 and cross bar 22. This allows motor 52 to rotate internal output shaft 60 in a more efficient manner. In one embodiment of the present invention, bearing 81 a-d comprise roller bearings. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, High Density Polyethylene wear strips are utilized to reduce the friction between the cross bar 22 and the internal output shaft 60.
FIG. 7 is a cross section illustrating first [0046] upright post 30 and the mechanism by which internal output shaft 60 displaces first upright post 30. While FIG. 7 illustrates upright post 30, first upright post 30 illustrates the mechanism by which first and second upright posts 30, 40 are displaced. As previously discussed, first upright post 30 includes an engageable lower portion 80. Engageable lower portion 80 is threadably coupled to threads 68 of first extremity 60 a of internal ouput shaft 60. In the illustrated embodiment, a second engageable portion 80 b is coupled to an arm of first upright post 30. By utilizing an arm of cross support 30 and a second engageable portion 80 b additional stability and strength are provided to first upright post 30.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.[0047]

Claims

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is:

1. An adjustable field goal assembly comprising;

a support pole extending perpendicularly from the ground;

a cross bar having a first end, a second end, and a center, wherein the center of the cross bar is coupled to the support pole and the cross bar extends parallel to the ground;

a first upright post vertically and movably coupled to the cross bar at a position distal to the cross bar center in the direction of the cross bar first end; and

a second upright post vertically and movably coupled to the cross bar at a position distal to the cross bar center in the direction of the cross bar second end.

2. The adjustable field goal assembly of claim 1 wherein the first upright post is slideably coupled at the cross bar first end and the second upright post is slideably coupled at the cross bar second end.

3. The adjustable field goal assembly of claim 1 further comprising a displacement mechanism 50 configured to automatically move the first and second upright posts toward the cross bar center.

4. The adjustable field goal assembly of claim 3 wherein the displacement mechanism 50 comprises a motor and an internal output shaft internal to the cross support.

5. The adjustable field goal assembly of claim 4 wherein the motor comprises a bi-directional motor for rotating the internal output shaft in a first and a second direction.

6. The adjustable field goal assembly of claim 4 further comprising a motor controller wherein the motor is regulated by the means of the motor controller.

7. The adjustable field goal assembly of claim 4 further comprising an input mechanism for inputting commands to the motor controller.

8. The adjustable field goal assembly of claim 7 wherein the input mechanism is hardwired to the motor allowing commands to be input to the motor controller either from a remote location or a location proximal to the motor.

9. The adjustable field goal assembly of claim 7 wherein the input mechanism comprises a infrared device for sending commands to the motor controller.

10. The adjustable field goal assembly of claim 7 wherein the input mechanism comprises a radio frequency device for sending commands to the motor controller.

11. The adjustable field goal assembly of claim 3 wherein the displacement mechanism 50 comprises a crank for manually moving the first and second upright posts closer to and further from the cross bar center.

12. An adjustable field goal assembly having a support shaft, a cross bar, a first upright post, and a second upright post, wherein the cross bar has a first end, a second end, and a center, and wherein the first upright post is moveably coupled approximately at the first end of the cross bar and the second upright post is movably coupled approximately at the second end of the cross bar, and wherein the first upright post is selectively moveable between the cross bar first end and the cross bar center, and the second upright post is selectively moveable between the cross bar second end and the cross bar center, the adjustable field goal assembly comprising;

a displacement mechanism configured to move the first and second upright posts closer to or further from each other; and

a control mechanism configured to control the displacement between the first and second upright posts.

13. The adjustable field goal assembly of claim 12 wherein the displacement mechanism comprises a crank and a crank arm.

14. The adjustable field goal assembly of claim 12 wherein the displacement mechanism comprises a motor.

15. The adjustable field goal assembly of claim 14 wherein the displacement mechanism further comprises an internal output shaft.

16. The adjustable field goal assembly of claim 14 wherein the control mechanism comprises an electromechanical controller for regulating operation of the motor.

17. The adjustable field goal assembly of claim 16 further comprising a remote control module for allowing the motor to be controlled from a remote location.

18. An adjustable field goal assembly having a support pole, a cross bar, a first upright post, and a second upright post, wherein the cross bar has a first end, a second end, and a center, and wherein the first upright post is moveably coupled approximately at the first end of the cross bar and second upright post is movably coupled approximately at the second end of the cross bar; and wherein the first upright post is selectively moveable between the cross bar first end and the cross bar center, and the second upright post is selectively moveable between the cross bar second end and the cross bar center, the adjustable field goal assembly comprising:

a housing;

a motor mounted in the housing;

a drive shaft driven by the motor;

a communicating shaft driven by said drive shaft and internal to the support pole;

an output shaft internal to the cross support and driven by the communicating shaft in rotary forward and reverse directions; and

engageable lower portions coupled to first and second upright posts, wherein rotation of the output shaft moves the first and second posts closer to or farther from the center of the cross support.

19. The adjustable field goal assembly of claim 18 wherein the housing, motor, and drive shaft are positioned below ground level.

20. The adjustable field goal assembly of claim 18 wherein the drive shaft includes a bevel gear for relaying a force to the communicating shaft.

21. The adjustable field goal assembly of claim 20 wherein the communicating shaft includes a bevel gear for engaging the bevel gear of the drive shaft.

22. The adjustable field goal assembly of claim 18 wherein the communicating shaft includes a bevel gear for relaying a force to the output shaft.

23. The adjustable field goal assembly of claim 22 wherein the output shaft includes a bevel gear for engaging the bevel gear of the communicating shaft.

24. The adjustable field goal assembly of claim 18 wherein the output shaft includes threads at the first and second extremities.

25. The adjustable field goal assembly of claim 24 wherein the engageable portions of the upright posts are configured to receiving the threads of the first and second extremities of the output shaft.

26. The adjustable field goal assembly of claim 18 wherein the output shaft includes first and second extremities and wherein the first and second extremities are covered with High Density Polyethylene wear strips.

27. The adjustable field goal assembly of claim 18 further comprising bearings for supporting the output shaft.

28. The adjustable field goal assembly of claim 27 wherein the bearing comprise roller bearings.

29. An adjustable field goal assembly comprising:

a motor;

a support pole extending perpendicularly from the ground;

a cross bar coupled to the support pole and having an internal output shaft driven by the motor; and

first and second upright posts having engageable portions coupled to the internal output shaft internal to the cross bar, wherein upon movement of the output shaft in a first direction, the first and second upright bars move toward the cross bar center, and wherein upon movement of the output shaft of the cross bar in a second direction, the first and second upright posts move away from the cross bar center.

30. The adjustable field goal assembly of claim 29 wherein cross bar includes indicators for identifying a given displacement between the first and second upright posts.

31. The adjustable field goal assembly of claim 30 further comprising a control mechanism for controlling the displacement of the first and second upright posts.

32. The adjustable field goal assembly of claim 31 wherein the control mechanism includes one or more sensors for monitoring when the first and second upright posts occupy positions representing predetermined displacements between the first and second upright posts.

33. The adjustable field goal assembly of claim 31 wherein the control mechanism comprises a series of contact switches for monitoring when the first and second upright posts occupy positions corresponding to locations representing a preset displacement between the first and second posts.

34. The adjustable field goal assembly of claim 31 further comprising a controller for regulating operation of the motor, wherein the controller operates the motor to automatically move the first and second posts to locations representing a preset displacement between the first and second posts.

35. An adjustable field goal assembly having a support pole, a cross bar, and first and second upright posts, wherein the first and second upright posts are moveably coupled at the first and second ends of the cross bar; the adjustable field goal assembly comprising;

a means for displacing the first and second upright posts, closer to and further from the cross bar center;

a means for providing driving force to the means for displacing; and

a means for controlling the displacement of the first and second upright posts.