<P> The structure of a goal varies from sport to sport . Most often, it is a rectangular structure that is placed at each end of the playing field . Each structure usually consists of two vertical posts, called goal posts, supporting a horizontal crossbar . A goal line marked on the playing surface between the goal posts demarcates the goal area . Thus, the objective is to send the ball or puck between the goal posts, under or over the crossbar (depending on the sport), and across the goal line . Less commonly, as in basketball or netball, goals are ring - shaped . The structure is often accompanied with an auxiliary net, which stops or slows down the ball when a goal is scored . </P> <P> In some sports, the goal is the sole method of scoring . In these sports the final score is expressed as the number of goals scored by each team, with the winner being the team that accumulated more over the specified time period . </P> <P> In other sports, a goal is the primary, but not the sole method of scoring . In these sports, the goal is worth a set number of points, and there is another method of scoring which scores fewer points (often one point). In these sports, the score is expressed as the number of goals plus the number of alternate scores and the combined total of points with the winner being decided on total points . For example, in Australian rules football the score may be expressed as follows: </P> <P> Brisbane 9.12 (66) def . Sydney 10.4 (64) </P>

Who guard the goal post in some games