We had to dig a hole large enough to remove an old footer that would not work with a newer heavier system. Unfortunately, we had to dig a 40x30 inch circle just to get around it enough to bust old out. Now we are being told we cannot use a smaller form and then fill in dirt around it, I will not be safe? We will have to put a footer in the exact size of the big hole we already dug out. What is your opinion on this? We are deciding between a 475 lb Mega slam,. and one that only weight 275lb.

How far away is the edge of the plates front from the playing surface???