[aidenn0]

They want the poles to be springy for safety, and a crossbar would add rigidity.

[CydeWeys]

You're not allowed to walk through the middle zone at all, so springiness doesn't seem to be of much concern.

Also, it's not like this isn't a solved problem in association (or American) football -- just pad the poles.

[pbhjpbhj]

>Moving through the center gate will result in a foul.

You can enter it, just not go through it; on a strict reading. It's sport purgatory.

[dragonwriter]

Well, you should be able to escape: if you enter from and exit to the same direction, you have not moved through the gate