Key Standards
- AS 2560.1 – 2002 Sports lighting Part 1: General Principles
- AS 2560.2.4 – 1986 Specific Recommendations – Lighting for outdoor netball
- and basketball
- AS 4282 – 1997 Control of the obtrusive effects of outdoor lighting
The Australian Standards (AS 2560.4 series) provide guidelines and requirements for lighting outdoor netball and basketball courts. These standards cover both training and competition levels of play. They include specifications for maintained horizontal luminance (measured in lux), minimum horizontal uniformity ratios (U1 and U2), and maximum allowable glare ratings for netball under training and competitive conditions. Additionally, the standards take into account the needs of spectators.
The table below outlines the minimum lux levels required for different levels of play.
| Level of play | Typical Activity | Examples | Maintained horizontal illuminance (lux) |
| Training | Skills training | Passing and shooting drills | 100 |
| Club competition | Match play | Simulating game or parts thereof | 200 |
Types of Floodlights
The 1000-watt Metal Halide lamp is the preferred choice for floodlighting netball courts due to its higher efficiency and longer lifespan compared to the standard 1500-watt Tungsten Halogen lamp. While the Metal Halide lamp can operate for up to 6,000 hours, the Tungsten Halogen typically lasts only around 2,000 hours.
When selecting floodlighting, it is important to consider the type of play, the number of existing courts, and plans for future court development. Lighting design should address the visual needs of both players and spectators to ensure optimal comfort and performance.
The selection of appropriate floodlights should be managed by a qualified lighting designer, who has the expertise and access to the necessary technical data. It’s also important to account for the natural decline in light output over time, caused by lamp aging and the buildup of dirt and dust. To accommodate this reduction, a ‘light loss factor’ should be incorporated into the lighting design.
Height and Type of Poles
Recommended minimum pole heights range from 8 to 12 metres for single courts, and from 12 to 15 metres for multiple courts, depending on the floodlight’s output. As such, the intended level of play should be determined early in the planning process to ensure appropriate pole height selection.
Netball lighting poles are typically of a fixed design, requiring maintenance access via an elevated work platform. It is essential to verify that all poles are structurally adequate, including any light fittings and brackets, to support the specified mounting heights.
Layout and Pole Locations
The number of courts to be lit should be determined early in the planning of a netball facility. The Australian Standards (AS 2560.2.4 series) recommend pole locations for both single and multiple courts, which should guide the court layout design.
For larger facilities where many courts are used simultaneously, ‘general area lighting’ is a cost-effective option, requiring fewer poles. Conversely, if only a few courts will be used at a time, lighting them individually or in pairs allows for selective switching and greater energy efficiency.
Lighting plans on the following pages show recommended pole layouts for single and multi-court setups. For more complex configurations, consultation with a qualified lighting designer is advised.
Netball Lighting Court lighting plan example
Netball single court lighting guide
Training – 100 lux
| Level of play | Training |
| Average lux | 144 |
| Number of lamps | 4 |
| Number of poles | 2 |
| Pole height | 10m |
| Type of floodlight used | 1kW symmetrical beam |
