NON-LEAGUE football matches in the region have been postponed because of metal hooks on the back of goalposts.

The hooks, used to keep nets up, have been banned by the FA for the start of the 2007-8 season.

It said the move was essential because players wearing rings have ripped skin and muscle from their fingers while hanging nets. Letters sent to referees have demanded that no games start when posts have metal hooks.

But opponents said rings were already banned by the FA, making the rule change expensive and unnecessary.

John Shuttleworth, an independent Durham county councillor, is chairman of St John's Chapel Football Club, which plays in the Wear Valley Sunday League.

The club's goalposts, put up in the Fifties, are now illegal. The club will have to saw off the hooks or buy new posts.

Coun Shuttleworth said: "Referees have been told not to start games when goals have metal hooks, and I have heard a number of games called off.

"I certainly know there were a couple of games called off at Cockton Hill, at Bishop Auckland.

I can accept new posts should have new, plastic hooks, but why are they penalising clubs?

"If somebody is wearing jewellery, they are already breaking a rule, so why bring in a new one?

"They also say we will not be covered by insurance, but no company has written to me.

"It just makes life difficult.

They introduce these rules without thinking of the clubs it will affect."

FA bosses said ample warning was given of the rule change, and said financial help was available for clubs to buy new posts.

Mark Pover, the FA's facilities manager for the North, said: "The FA has had a campaign for goalpost safety for coming up three years, after incidents of posts falling on young people and killing them.

"Around two years ago, we announced cup hooks would be banned, and this year they are ineligible for use.

"We have had so many injuries with players wearing rings degloving' their fingers - that is, ripping off the skin and muscle.

"If people say rings aren't allowed anyway', I say how can you ensure that when putting nets up? There is not an excuse. It is probably an hour's job to take them off with an angle grinder."

The FA recommends plastic "arrowhead" hooks on posts.

* Has your club been affected?

Call Owen Amos on 01325-505072 or email owen.amos@nne.co.uk