AFL Lighting Standards

Home » AFL Lighting Standards
ByLarkscapes

When planning floodlighting for a football field, several key factors must be taken into account. These depend largely on the level of AFL competition intended for the venue, as well as the applicable lighting standards that address both brightness levels and uniformity.
In Australia, relevant standards for sports lighting include:

  • AS 2560.1:2018 – Sports Lighting Part 1: General Principles
  • AS 2560.2:2021 – Sports Lighting Part 2: Specific Applications
  • AS 4282:2019 – Guidelines for managing intrusive effects of outdoor lighting

Recent revisions to AS 2560 have introduced requirements for managing uniformity gradients and reducing glare (GR), aiming to enhance the quality and effectiveness of lighting installations. The table below outlines the lighting specifications required for AFL and touch football fields.

AFL Lighting Standards – AS 2560.2

CategoryAverage horizontal maintained illuminanceMinimum horizontal uniformityMaximum uniformity gradientMaximum glare rating
Eh luxU1Min/AvgU2Min/MaxUG (per 5m)GR
Amateur
Training500.3N/A
Match practice and competition100 (150*)0.50.3 (0.4*)250
Semi-professional
Training500.5N/A
Match practice1000.50.3250
Semi-professional comp2000.60.41.6750
Professional
Training1000.50.3250
Match practice2000.60.41.6750
Professional comp5000.70.51.3350

Please note that the table above outlines only a selection of important values from the standards. For more comprehensive details, refer to the relevant guidance documents provided in the Useful Links section below.

  • In the case of amateur – level match practice and competitions, AS 2560.2 includes a lesser-known note — often missed or not requested by clients — that suggests a preferred lighting level of 150 lux, instead of the commonly assumed 100 lux. When installing a brand – new floodlighting system for football, a higher uniformity ratio (U2Min/Max) of 0.4 is also advised.

Setting up a new lighting system for your AFL field?

When planning the installation of a new floodlighting system for an AFL oval, it’s important to consider additional standards and guidelines. For recommended pole placement, refer to Figure 2.6.6 in AS 2560.2, which outlines suitable positions based on the oval’s direction of play. Pole height requirements will vary depending on the field dimensions. Clause 1.6 of AS 2560.2 should be consulted to minimise glare for both players and spectators by ensuring mounting heights exceed the recommended minimum levels.

Term Glossary

  • Illuminance – the term used to describe the level of light on a surface in lumens/m2 or lux.
  • Maintained illuminance – is the term used to describe the average illuminance on a reference surface at the time maintenance must be carried out.
  • Eh lux – Average maintained illuminance.
  • U1Min/Avg – The lowest recorded lux value on the playing surface divided by the average.
  • U2Min/Max – The lowest recorded lux value on the playing surface divided by the highest value.

In addition to the guidance outlined in national standards, our Jasstech lighting specialists are here to assist with any questions you may have about football floodlighting. We’re committed to supporting you throughout the planning and design process of your sports lighting project. To speak with one of our experienced team members about the specific requirements for your football oval, contact us here.

Useful Links:
Queensland Government Sports Field Lighting – Get in the Game