Australian Standard AS 2560.2:2021, titled “Sports Lighting Part 2: Specific Applications,” provides guidelines for the design and performance of lighting installations across various indoor and outdoor sports venues. This standard aims to enhance public health and safety while minimizing the environmental impact of energy consumption by setting improved lighting quality benchmarks for sports facilities.
The standard covers a wide range of sports, including but not limited to:
- Tennis
- Multi-purpose indoor gyms
- Soccer (all codes)
- Outdoor netball and basketball
- Aquatics (swimming pools)
- Baseball and softball
- Outdoor hockey
- Lawn bowling
Notably, the 2021 revision has expanded its scope to include sports such as cricket, equestrian events, and squash.
The standard outlines specific lighting requirements tailored to each sport, addressing factors like:
- Average maintained illuminance (measured in lux)
- Uniformity ratios
- Glare ratings
These parameters are designed to ensure optimal visibility for players, officials, and spectators, thereby promoting safety and enhancing the overall sporting experience.
For instance, in the context of netball and basketball, AS 2560.2.4 specifies the following lighting standards:
| Level of Play | Average Horizontal Illuminance (lux) | Minimum Horizontal Uniformity (U1 Min/Avg) |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation or training and low-level local competition | 100 | 0.5 |
| Mid-level local and regional competition, high-level training | 200 | 0.6 |
| International and national competitions with large spectator galleries | 500 | 0.7 |
Similarly, for lawn bowls, AS 2560.2.8 recommends:
| Level of Play | Average Horizontal Illuminance (lux) | Minimum Horizontal Uniformity (U1 Min/Avg) |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation, training and competition | 100 | 0.6 |
By adhering to these standards, sports facilities can ensure appropriate lighting conditions that cater to the specific visual requirements of each sport, thereby enhancing performance, safety, and spectator enjoyment.