1. DIMENSIONS FOR ATHLETICS TRACK EVENTS

2. DIMENSIONS FOR ATHLETICS JUMPING EVENTS

3. DIMENSIONS FOR ATHLETICS THROWING EVENTS

4. DIMENSIONS FOR BADMINTON

5. DIMENSIONS FOR BASEBALL

6. DIMENSIONS FOR WATER POLO

7. DIMENSIONS FOR BASKETBALL

8. DIMENSIONS FOR BILLIARDS, POOL AND SNOOKER

9. DIMENSIONS FOR BOXING

10. DIMENSIONS FOR CANOE POLO

11. DIMENSIONS FOR CRICKET

12. DIMENSIONS FOR CYCLING

13. DIMENSIONS FOR DARTS

14. DIMENSIONS FOR FENCING

15. DIMENSIONS FOR FOOTBALL SOCCER

16. DIMENSIONS FOR GYMNASTICS

17. DIMENSIONS FOR HANDBALL

18. DIMENSIONS FOR HOCKEY

19. DIMENSIONS FOR NETBALL

20. DIMENSIONS FOR SOFTBALL

21. DIMENSIONS FOR SQUASH

22. DIMENSIONS FOR SWIMMING

23. DIMENSIONS FOR TABLE TENNIS

24. DIMENSIONS FOR TAEKWONDO

25. DIMENSIONS FOR TENNIS

26. DIMENSIONS FOR VOLLEYBALL

27. DIMENSIONS BEACH VOLLEYBALL

28. DIMENSIONS FOR WEIGHTLIFTING

29. DIMENSIONS FOR WRESTLING

30. DIMENSIONS FOR TOUCH FOOTBALL

31. DIMENSIONS FOR SKATING ROLLER SPORTS

32. DIMENSIONS ROLLER IN-LINE HOCKEY

33. DIMENSIONS FOR RUGBY UNION

34. DIMENSIONS FOR SHOOTING

35. DIMENSIONS SPORTING CLAYS

36. DIMENSIONS FOR ARCHERY

37. INDOOR TARGET ARCHERY

38. DIMENSIONS FOR BILLIARDS, POOL AND SNOOKER

39. DIMENSIONS BILLIARDS

40. DIMENSIONS FOR KARATE

41. DIMENSIONS FOR FLYING DISC

42. DIMENSIONS FOR KABADDI

43.

Dimensions for Athletics track events

Track and field facilities are usually designed as multi-purpose facilities (tracks with playing fields inside).

Related topics: athletics,sport

The information in this guide is general in nature and cannot be relied upon as professional advice concerning the design of, or marking out for, sporting facilities and playing areas. No assurance is given as to the accuracy of any information contained in this guide and readers should not rely on its accuracy. Readers should obtain their own independent and professional advice in relation to their proposed sporting activity.

This publication uses the IAAF Track and Field Manual 2003 Edition as its source of information. It is the IAAFs objective to create uniform criteria to provide fair and equitable competition and also to simplify principles of construction, surveying and certification of facilities. The IAAF website is www.iaaf.org.

Track events include sprint, middle distance, hurdle and steeplechase events. The 400m oval track forms the basis of a multi-sports arena and its dimensions are dependent on the requirements of other sports. Although there are a number of different layouts for the oval 400m track, this publication uses the IAAFs criteria as outlined in the IAAF Track and Field Manual 2003 Edition.

The competition area for track events includes:

oval track with at least four lanes and safety zones measuring no less than 1m on the inside and outside

straight with minimum of six lanes for sprints and hurdles

steeplechase track as for oval track with a permanent water jump

There are three basic types of track surface synthetic, unbound mineral (cinder) and grass.

400 meter track events

The length of a standard running track is 400m (standard track). Orientation of the track should take into account the prevailing winds and sun angles. The 400m track consists of two parallel straights and two bends whose radii are equal. The area inside the track is large enough to accommodate all throwing events and also a standard soccer pitch (68m x 105m).

The 400m Standard Track (as outlined in the IAAF Track and Field Facilities Manual 2003 Edition) comprises two semi-circles, each with a radius of 36.50m, which are joined by two straights, each 84.39m long The width of the track is a minimum of 72m and unless it is a grass track, the inside of the track is bordered by a kerb of suitable material, 5cm high and a minimum of 5cm wide. The inner edge of the track is 398.12m long (36.5m x 2 x + 84.39m x 2) where = 3.1416. This length for the inner edge gives a length of 400 metres (36.8m x 2 x + 84.39m x 2) for the theoretical line of running (measurement line) at a distance of 0.30m from the kerb.

For a grass track without a kerb the inner edge is marked with lines 5cm wide.

Lanes

The 400m standard track has eight, six or occasionally four lanes. The distance of the race is measured from the edge of the start line further from the finish to the edge of the finish line nearer to the start. The direction of running is anti-clockwise.

All lanes have a width of 1.22m 0.01 and marked by white lines 5cm wide. The line on the right hand of each lane, in the direction of running, is included in the measurement of the width of each lane. All start lines (except for the curved start lines) and the finish line are marked at right angles to the lane lines.

The essential requirement for all start lines straight, narrow, staggered or curved is that the distance for every athlete is the same. For races of 800m or less, each athlete will have a separate lane at the start. Races of up to, and including, 400m are run entirely in lanes. Races of 800m start and continue in lanes until the end of the first bend. The exit from the first bend is marked distinctively with a 5cm wide line across the track and is called the breakline. The breakline is marked at each end by a flag at least 1.5m high, positioned outside the track, 30cm from the nearest lane line. Races over 800m are run without lanes using a curved start line.

Immediately before the finish line, the lanes are marked with numbers a minimum height of 0.50m. All markings are 0.05m wide. All distances are measured in a clockwise direction from the edge of the finish line nearer to the start to the edge of the start line father from the finished.

The data for staggered starts for the 400m Standard Track (constant lane width of 1.22m) is shown on the next page. All track markings are in accordance with IAAF 400m Standard Track Marking Plan as shown in the IAAF Track and Field Manual 2003 Edition.

100 metre start

The start of the 100m is run in the straight that is integrated into the 400m oval track. It is measured from the edge of the finish line nearest to the start line backwards so the event is not run around a curve. The straight will incorporate a starting area of 3m minimum and a runout of 17m minimum.

Relay zones

The relays involve four runners per team, each member carrying a baton for 25 per cent of the total distance before passing it to the next team runner.

The relay marks for each changeover or take-over zone are provided for the 4 x 100m, 4 x 200m and 4 x 400m relays. The 4 x 200m relay is run in lanes for one lap plus the next bend so that runners can start running out of their lanes at the 800m breakline.

Lines 5cm wide are drawn across the track to mark distances of the stages and to denote the scratch line. Each take-over zone is 20m long of which the scratch line is the centre. The zones shall start and finish at the edge of the zone lines nearest the start line in the running direction.

200 metre start and 4 x 100 metre relay

For the 4 x 100m relay event, the first leg competitors start from the 400m staggered start positions. The first take-over marks are 100m in advance of each relevant 400m stagger. The second take-over marks are the prescribed 200m staggered starting positions. The third take-over marks are 100m from the finish line. At each stage the take-over zone is within two lines set out 10m either side of the actual take-over mark in each lane.

4 x 200 metre and 4 x 400 metre relays

The scratch lines of the first take-over zones for the 4 x 400m (or the second zones for the 4 x 200m) are the same as the start line for the 800m. The take-over zones for the second and last take-overs (4 x 400m) are the 10m lines either side of the start/finish line.

In the 4 x 200m and the 4 x 400m relays, competitors run the first full lap in lanes. The second stage runners in the 4 x 400m relay and the third stage runners in the 200m relay remain in their respective lanes until they enter the back straight. The arc across the track at the entry to the back straight showing the positions at which the second stage runners (4 x 400m) and third stage (4 x 200m) are permitted to leave their respective lanes, is the same arc for the 800m event.

1000, 2000, 3000, 5000 and 10,000 metre events

Where there are more than 12 competitors in a race, they may be divided into two groups with one group of approximately 65 per cent of competitors on the regular arced start line and the second group on a separate arced start line marked across the outer half of the track. The second group shall run as far as the end of the first bend on the outer half of the track.

The separate arced line is marked so that all competitors run the same distance.

Lane staggers in metres - measurement line distance 0.20m

All distances are measured in a clockwise direction from the edge of the finish line nearer to the start to the edge of the appropriate line farther from the finish. With the exception of Lane 1, all lanes are measured 20cm out from the outer edge of the inner line.

Lane staggers in meters

Distance

Bend

Lane 2

Lane 3

Lane 4

Lane 5

Lane 6

Lane 7

Lane 8

200m

1

3.519

7.352

11.185

15.017

18.850

22.683

26.516

400m

2

7.038

14.704

22.370

30.034

37.700

45.366

53.032

800m

1

3.526

7.384

11.260

15.151

19.061

22.989

26.933

4 x 400

3

10.564

22.088

33.630

45.185

56.761

68.355

79.965

Construction measurements of a 400 metre standard running track

Length of each straight section

84.390m

Construction of radium of curve (including raised kerb on inside of track)

36.500m

Construction length of curve (semi-circle)

114.668m

Radius of measurement line in Lane 1 (30cm outside raised kerb)

36.800m

Length of curve along measurement line

115.610m

Length of track along measurement line

400.00m

Length of track on construction line (kerb)

398.120m

Lane width (including 5cm on outside)

1.220m

Steeplechase lap where the water jump is inside the 400m track

396.084m

Hurdles

Hurdles is a race over a series of obstacles called hurdles. Runners must remain in assigned lanes throughout a race, and though they may knock hurdles down while running over them, they may do so only with a leg or foot, not a hand.

The standard 400m track, sprint track with 100m and 110m are used for hurdle races. Each hurdle is placed on the track so that the feet are on the side of the approach by the athlete. The hurdle is placed so that the edge of the bar nearest the approaching hurdler coincides with the track marking nearest the athlete (see table below).

The following are standard distances:

men, junior men, youth boys 110m, 400m

women, junior women, youth girls 100m, 400m

There are 10 flights of hurdles in each lane, set out in accordance with the following tables:

Hurdle distances

Race distance

Hurdle height

Distance start to 1st hurdle

Distance between hurdles

Last hurdle to finish line

Men

110m

1.067m

13.72m

9.14m

14.02m

400m

0.914m

45m

35m

40m

Women

100m

0.838m

13m

8.50m

10.50m

400m

0.762m

45m

35m

40m

The start and finish is marked by a 50mm wide line at right angles to the inner edge of the track. The distance of a selected race is measured from the edge of the starting line further from the finish, to the edge of the finish line nearer to the start.

Steeplechase races

Steeplechase is a race over an obstacle course that includes water ditches, open ditches and fences.

The steeplechase track is integrated into the 400m standard track. The standard distances are 2000m (juniors) and 3000m. There are 18 hurdle jumps and five water jumps in the 2000m event and 28 hurdle jumps and seven water jumps in the 3000m event. There are five jumps in each lap after the finish line has been passed for the first time, with the water jump the fourth. The jumps are evenly distributed so that the distance between the jumps is approximately one-fifth of the nominal length of the lap.

The hurdles are 91.4cm high for mens events and 76.2cm for womens events ( 3cm both) and are at least 3.94m wide. The section of the top bar of the hurdles and the hurdle at the water jump is 12.7cm.

The water jump, including the hurdle, is 3.66m 2cm in length and the water pit 3.66m 2cm in width. The bottom of the water pit is a synthetic surface or matting, thick enough to ensure a safe landing and to allow for spikes to grip satisfactorily (maximum 20-25mm). At the start of a race, the water is level with the surface of the track within a margin of 2cm. The water depth closest to the hurdle is 70cm for approximately 30cm.

From there, the bottom has a uniform slope upwards to the level of the track at the farther end of the water pit. It is usual to locate the water jump on the outside of the track so that steeple hurdles do not have to be moved onto the track during the event.

400 metre standard running track

Dimensions for Athletics jumping events

Track and field jumping events consist of four events: high jump, long jump, pole vault and triple jump.

Long jump

The long jump is a jumping event where athletes combine speed, strength, and agility in a horizontal jump for distance. Jumpers make their approach down the runway at nearly top speed, plant a foot on the take-off board, and leap into the air. A legal jump requires that no part of the forward foot extends beyond the board. The long jump facility includes a runway, take-off board and landing area.

The runway for the long jump is 40m minimum and is measured from the beginning of the runway to the take-off line. The runway is 1.22m 0.01m and marked by white lines 5cm in width. The maximum lateral inclination of the runway is 1:100 and the overall inclination in the running direction is 1:1000.

The take-off board is marked by a board sunk level with the runway and the surface of the landing area. The take-off board is white, rectangular, made of wood or other suitable rigid material and measures 1.22m 0.01m long, 20cm 2mm wide and 10cm deep.

The edge of the board closest to the landing area is the take-off line. The distance between the take-off line and the far end of the landing area is at least 10m. The take-off line is placed between 1m and 3m from the nearer end of the landing area.

Immediately beyond the take-off line there is a plasticine indicator board or other suitable material for recording the athlete's footprint when he has foot-faulted. This board is 10cm ( 2mm) wide and 1.22m ( 0.01m) long and is painted in a contrasting colour to the take-off board. The board is mounted in a recess or shelf in the runway, on the side of the take-off board near the landing area.

The upper part of the indicator board is covered for the first 10mm and along its entire length by a plasticine layer. The surface of the board beneath the plasticine is made of a material in which the spikes of an athletes shoe will grip and not skid. When mounted in this recess, the whole assembly is sufficiently rigid to accept the full force of the athletes foot.

The landing area has a minimum width of 2.75m and a maximum width of 3m. If possible, it is to be placed in the middle of the runway so that if extended, it would coincide with the middle of the landing area. The landing area is filled with soft, damp sand, the top surface of which is level with the take-off board.

Triple jump

The triple jump was previously known as the hop, step and jump, which describes the actions of the competitor. The athlete runs down a runway until he reaches a designated mark where the jump is measured. The first landing is done with the take-off foot. The next phase is a step, landing on the opposite foot, and is followed by the jump, into a sand-filled box, as in the long jump.

Except for the placement of the take-off board, the same facilities are used for triple jump as for the long jump. It is recommended that the take-off board is not less than 13m for men and 11m for women from the nearer end of the landing area. For other competitions, this distance is appropriate for the level of competition.

High jump

The high jump is an event in which an athlete tries to propel his/her body over a bar that rests across two upright poles. The jumper must take off from one foot after an approach from any angle along a semi-circular runway. Three successive misses eliminates the jumper. The jumper who jumps the highest wins.

The high jump facility includes a semi-circular runway, a take-off area, two uprights with a crossbar and a landing area.The semi-circular runway, with a radius of at least 20m, permits an approach from every direction. The runway and take-off areas are usually covered with the same surface as the track. The maximum overall inclination of the runway and take-off area is 1:250 in the direction of running. The landing area is placed so the athletes approach is up the inclination.

The minimum landing area is 6m long x 4m wide and 0.7m high. It is important for the safety of high jumpers that a suitable landing mat is used, which allows absorption of the impact from the fall of the athletes and gives adequate resiience when compressed.

Pole vault

Pole vaulting is an event where a person uses a long, flexible pole (usually made either of fibreglass or carbon fibre) as an aid to leap over a bar. The pole vault facility includes a runway, a box for inserting the pole, two uprights with a crossbar and a landing area.

The length of the runway is a minimum of 40m. The width is 1.22m 0.01m and marked by white lines 5cm in width. The maximum lateral inclination of the runway is 1:100 and the overall inclination in the running direction is 1:1000.

The take-off for the pole vault is a box constructed of fibreglass, metal or wood, preferably with rounded upper edges and sunk level with the runway. It is 1.084m in length, measured along the inside of the bottom of the box, 60cm in width at the front end and tapering to 15cm in width at the bottom of the stop board. The length of the box at runway level and depth of the stop board are determined by the angle of 105 formed between the base and the stop board.

The base of the box slopes from runway level at the front end to a vertical distance below ground level of 20cm at the point where it meets the stop board. The box is constructed in such a way that the slides slope outwards and end next to the stop board at an angle of approximately 120 to the base.

If the box is constructed of wood, the bottom is lined with 2.5mm sheet metal for a distance of 80cm from the front of the box.

The landing area measures not less than 5m long and 5m wide. The sides of the landing area nearest to the box are placed 10cm to 15cm from the box and slope away at an angle of approximately 45.

Dimensions for Athletics throwing events

The four standard throwing events shot put, discus, hammer, and javelin all involve the use of implements of various weights and shapes that are hurled for distance. In all throwing events, the object being thrown must land in a specified landing area. White lines 5cm wide delineate the area.

Shot put

The shot put involves putting (throwing in a pushing motion) a heavy metal ball (called the shot) as far as possible. The shot put facility includes a throwing circle, a stop-board and a landing sector. Competitors take their throw from inside a circle 2.135m in diameter, with a toe board approximately 10cm high at the front of the circle. The distance thrown is measured from the inside of the circumference of the circle to where the shot lands at its nearest disturbance of the soil.

The throwing circle is made of bank iron, steel or other suitable material, the top of which is flush with the ground outside. The inside diameter of the throwing circle measures 2.135m (5mm) and the rim at least 6mm in thickness, 70mm to 80mm deep and painted white.

The interior of the circle is constructed of concrete, asphalt or some other firm but not slippery material. The surface must be level and 1.4cm2.6cm lower than the upper edge of the rim of the circle. A portable circle meeting these specifications is permissible.

The stop board is white and made of wood or other suitable material in the shape of an arc so that the inner edge coincides with the inner edge of the rim of the circle. It is placed mid-way between the sector lines, and constructed so that it can be firmly fixed to the ground. The board is 1.22m long on the inside, 11.2cm wide and 10cm high when firmly in position.

The surface of the landing sector must allow for the shot put to make a mark upon landing. It is made of natural grass or other suitable material. The landing sector must be laid from the middle of the circle with an angle of 34.92 and marked by 50mm wide white lines, the inside edges of which form the boundary of the sector. The length of the sector is 25m. The angle of 34.92 is attained if the two sector lines at a distance of 25m are spaced 15m apart.

The maximum allowance for the overall downward inclination of the landing sector, in the throwing direction, shall not exceed 0.1 per cent.

Discus throw

Discus throw is a throwing event where athletes throw a 2kg platelike implement from a 2.5m circle. The discus is launched after the thrower, starting at the back of the circle, has completed one-and-a-half turns. The facility for discus throw includes a throwing circle, protective cage and landing sector.

The throwing circle is made of bank iron, steel or other suitable material, the top of which is flush with the ground outside. The inside diameter of the circle measures 2.5m (5mm) and the rim at least 6mm in thickness, 70mm to 80mm deep and painted white.

The interior of the circle is constructed of concrete, asphalt or some other firm but not slippery material. The surface must be level and 1.4cm2.6cm lower than the upper edge of the rim of the circle.

All discus and hammer throws are made from an enclosure or cage to ensure safety of spectators, officials and athletes. The cage shown in the following diagram is intended for use when the event is held in the arena with other events taking place at the same time or spectators are present. Where this does not apply, and especially in training areas, a much simpler construction may be satisfactory

The cage is designed, manufactured and maintained to be capable of stopping a 2kg discus moving at a speed of up to 25m per second. There must be no danger of the discus ricocheting or rebounding back towards the athlete or over the top of the cage. If these requirements are satisfied, any form of cage design and construction can be used.

The cage is U-shaped. The width of the mouth is 6m, positioned 7m in front of the centre of the throwing circle. The end points of the 6m wide mouth are the inner edge of the cage netting. The height of the netting panels or draped netting at their lowest point is 4m. Provision must be made in the design of the cage to prevent a discus forcing its way through any joints in the cage or the netting or underneath the netting panels.

The netting is made from suitable natural or synthetic fiber cord or from a mild or high tensile steel wire. The maximum mesh size is 44mm for cord netting and 50mm for steel wire.

The maximum danger sector for discus throws from this cage is approximately 69, when used by both right and left handed throwers in the same competition. The position and alignment of the cage in the arena is critical for its safe use.

The surface of the landing sector must allow for the discus making a mark upon landing. It is made of natural grass or other suitable material. The landing sector is laid from the middle of the circle with an angle of 34.92 and marked by 50mm wide white lines, the inside edges of which form the boundary of the sector. The length of the sector is 80m. The angle of 34.92 is attained if the two sector lines at a distance of 80m are spaced 48m apart.

The maximum allowance for the overall downward inclination of the landing sector, in the throwing direction, shall not exceed 0.1 per cent.

Hammer throw

The hammer throw is a throwing event where the object thrown is a heavy steel ball attached with a long wire (maximum length 122cm) to a handle. The facility for the hammer throw includes a throwing circle, protective cage and landing sector. It is usually combined with the facility for the discus throw.

The throwing circle is the same as for the discus and shot put throw but has an inside diameter of 2.135m (5mm). The hammer can be thrown from the discus circle provided the diameter of this circle is reduced from 2.50m to 2.135m by placing a circular ring inside.

The surface finish to the concrete circle is slightly smoother for hammer throw than for discus. When a circle is used for both discus and hammer throw, a compromise finish is required.

The hammer throw cage is designed, manufactured and maintained to be capable of stopping a 7.260kg disc moving at a speed of up to 32m per second. There must be no danger of the disc ricocheting or rebounding back towards the athlete or over the top of the cage. If these requirements are satisfied, any form of cage design and construction can be used.

The cage is U-shaped as shown in the following diagram. The width of the mouth is 6m, positioned 7m in front of the centre of the throwing circle. The end points of the 6m wide mouth are the inner edge of the cage netting. The height of the netting panels or draped netting at their lowest point are at least 7m for the panels/netting at the rear of the cage and at least 10m for the 2.80m panels to the gate pivot points. Provision must be made in the design of the cage to prevent a hammer forcing its way through any joints in the cage or the netting or underneath the netting panels.

Two movable netting panels 2m wide are provided at the front of the cage, only one is operative at a time. The minimum height of the panels is 10m.

The netting can be made from suitable natural or synthetic fibre cord or from a mild or high tensile steel wire. The maximum mesh size is 44mm for cord netting and 50mm for steel wire.

Where it is desirable to use the same cage for discus andhammer throw, the installation can be adapted in two alternative ways. A 2.135m2.5m concentric circle is fitted but this involves using the same surface in the circle for the hammer and discus throw. The hammer cage is used for the discus throw by fixing the movable netting panels clear of the cage opening.

For separate circles for hammer and discus throw in the same cage, the two circles are placed one behind the other with the centers 2.37m apart on the centre line of the land sector and with the discus circle at the front. In this case, the movable netting panels are used for the discus throw.

The maximum danger sector for hammer throws from this cage is approximately 53 when used by both right and left-handed throwers in the same competition. The position and alignment of the cage in the arena is critical for its safe use.

Javelin

The javelin throw is a throwing event where the object to be thrown is a spear-like object made of metal, fiberglass and, in some cases, carbon fiber. The facility for the javelin throw includes a runway, a throwing arc and a landing sector.

The minimum length of the runway is 30m and the maximum 36.5m. It is marked by two parallel white lines 5cm wide and 4m apart.

The throw is made from behind an arc of a circle drawn with a radius of 8m. The arc consists of a strip painted or made of wood 7cm wide. It is white and flush with the ground. Lines are drawn from the extremities of the arc at right angles to the parallel lines marking the runway. These lines are white, 75cm long and 7cm wide. The maximum lateral inclination of the runway is 1:100 and the overall inclination in the running direction 1:1000.

Floodlighting

Floodlighting of athletics venues is generally required to maximise the use of tracks and training areas. Where athletics facilities are to be used for non-televised activities, it is only necessary to provide a horizontal illuminance suitable for the required level of activity. An illuminance level of 100 lux is sufficient for an athletics training area. For club competition and regional events, 200 lux is sufficient and for national and international levels, 500 lux.

Dimensions for Badminton

Badminton is an indoor racquet game played by one or two players opposing an equivalent number across a net.

Court dimensions

The court is a rectangle and can be used for both singles and doubles. The court size for singles is 13.4m x 5.18m (playing area = 69.41m including boundary lines) and 13.4m x 6.1m (playing area = 81.74m including boundary lines). The lines are 40mm wide and coloured white or yellow. It is desirable to have a wooden sprung floor together with approved non-slip court mats.

Space about court

There is at least 2m clear space surrounding all the outer lines of the courts. There is also a minimum requirement of 2m between any two courts marked out side by side.

Posts and nets

Posts are 1.55m in height from the surface of the court. The net is 760mm in depth and a minimum of 6.1m wide. The top of the net from the surface of the court is 1.524m at the centre of the court and 1.55m over the sidelines for doubles. There is no gap between the end of the net and the post. If necessary, the full depth of the net at the ends is tied to the post.

Space over court

The minimum height from the floor over the full court for international competition is 12m. Club standard play is 9.14m. The required height is entirely free of all obstructions and light fittings over the area of the court.

Background and lighting

To avoid difficulty in sighting the shuttle, the background behind the ends of the court is not to be coloured white.

The minimum recommended lighting level is 1000 lux to provide even light over the court area. Lighting is not to be directly over or behind the playing area but positioned along the sides of the court. All sources of daylight or sunlight behind or along the sides of the courts are to be eliminated.

Shuttle testing marks

To test a shuttle a player uses a full underhand stroke which makes contact with the shuttle over the back boundary line. The shuttle is hit upwards at an angle and in a direction parallel to the sidelines. A shuttle of correct speed lands not less than 530mm and not more than 990mm short of the other back boundary lines as shown in the diagram below.

Dimensions for Baseball

Baseball is a bat and ball game between two teams of nine players each and is played on an enclosed field under jurisdiction of one or more umpires. The team that scores the greater number of runs is the winner.

The infield (also named diamond), where the bases are located, and the outfield constitute the baseball field. The playing field is delimited on both sides by the foul lines which separate the fair territory and the foul territory.

The bases are located on the infield diamond. All bases, including home base, are in fair territory and are 27.4m apart in the counterclockwise order in which they are to be run.

Field dimensions

The regulation field is used for the open, Under 18 and Under 16 age groups. A modified field is used for Little League and Under 14.

The pitchers mound is 18.44m from home plate and located in the centre of the infield. It is a 5.5m mound of dirt no higher than 25.4cm. Near the centre of the mound is the pitching rubber, a rectangular slab measuring 61cm x 15cm.

The batters box is 1.2m x 2.9m. The catchers box is 1.3m x 2.4m.

The distance from home plate to the outfield fence must be at least 98m along the left and right field foul lines and 122m at the centre outfield.

A home run fence is compulsory in all age groups so a totally enclosed playing field is obtained.

First, second and third base are marked by white canvas bags, 38.1cm, not less than 7.6cm or more than 12.7cm inches thick, filled with soft material and securely attached to the ground. They differ from home base, which is a five-sided slab of whitened rubber. It is 3.2cm square with two of the corners removed so that one edge is 43cm long, two are 21.5cm and two are 30.48cm. It is set in the ground so that the 43cm edge faces the pitchers plate.

Age

Distance between bases

Distance home plate to pitcher's plate

Foul line length from home base

Regulation field

Under 16, Under 18, 18 and over

27.4m

18.44m

97.5m

Junior field

Under 14

24.38m

16.45m

76.2m

Little league

18.288

14.02m

60.96m

Lighting

Lighting over the playing field must be uniform with minimal shadows and glare to both players and spectators. Floodlights are arranged to ensure overlapping beams in four directions over the infield area and from two directions over the outfield. The recommended height of the lowest floodlight is 25m.

The recommended illuminances (lux) for baseball are as follows:

Level of play

Horizontal

Vertical

Infield

Outfield

Infield

Outfield

Natonal and international

1500

1000

1000

500

AAA

750

500

550

250

Club match or training

250

150

200

75

Dimensions for Water polo

Water polo is a team water sport, which can be best described as a combination of swimming, rugby and wrestling. Players swim the equivalent of up to 5km in a single game. To score, players throw the ball into the opponents goal which floats on the water. Apart from the goalkeeper, who is allowed to touch the bottom of the pool in the goalkeepers area, players cannot touch the bottom of the pool in any active part of the game. Each game is played over four eight-minute periods.

Dimensions of the pool

The distance between goal lines is 20m30m for men and 20m25m for women. The width of the playing area for all games is 10m20m. The minimum water depth is 1.8m.

Markings

The diagram below illustrates standard measurements for a water polo field however, many pools not designed for water polo play must be adapted. For example, some pools have a shallow end. With the exception of the goalie, players may not use the bottom of the pool to stand or push off during the game. Regardless of its size, each water polo pool is marked with several important lines:

white cones goal line and halfway

red cones 2m lines

yellow cones 5m lines

Sides of the field of play are marked red from goal line to 2m, yellow from 2m to 5m and green from 5m to halfway. A red mark is placed 2m from each end to denote the re-entry area.

Goals

The inner sides of the posts are 3m apart. When the water is 1.5m deep or more then the underside of the crossbar is 0.9m from the surface. If the water is shallower then it is 2.4m from the floor of the pool. Limp nets are attached to the goal posts and crossbar to cover the entire goal area.

The minimum distance from the goal line to pool wall is 1.66m. The distance between the goal line and boundary of field of play is 0.3m. The minimum depth of the goal is 0.3m.

Flippa ball

Flippa ball is a modified junior sport for water polo and is played by 813 year old boys and girls. Each team must have six field players and one goalie in the pool at one time. Flippa ball is played in the shallow end of the pool, allowing players to stand on the bottom of the pool.

Dimensions for Basketball

Basketball is played by two teams of five players each. The aim of each team is to score in the opponents basket and to prevent the other team from scoring.

Seniors

Court dimensions

The playing court is a flat, hard surface free from obstructions with dimensions of 28m long by 15m wide, measured from the inside edge of the boundary line.

A team's backcourt is the team's own basket, the inbounds part of the backboard and the part of the playing court limited by the endline behind the team's own basket, sidelines and centre line.

A team's frontcourt consists of the opponents' basket, the inbounds part of the backboard and part of the playing court limited by the endline behind the opponents' basket, sidelines and inner edge of the centre line nearest to the opponents' basket.

The height of the ceiling or the lowest obstruction above the playing floor is at least 7m.

Lines

All lines are drawn in the same colour (preferably white), 5cm in width and clearly visible.

Boundary line

The playing area is limited by the boundary line, consisting of endlines and sidelines. These lines are not part of the playing court. The minimum space around the court for run-off is 2m. Any obstruction, including seated team bench personnel, must be at least 2m from the playing court.

All spectators must be seated at a distance of at least 5m from the outside edge of the boundary lines of the playing court.

The Key

Centre line, centre circle and free-throw semi-circles

The centre line is marked parallel to the endlines from the mid-points of the sidelines and extend 0.15m beyond each sideline. Centre line is part of the backcourt.

The centre circle is marked in the centre of the playing court and has a radius of 1.8m measured to the outer edge of the circumference. If the inside of the centre circle is painted, it must be the same colour as the restricted areas.

The free-throw semi-circles are marked on the playing court with court with a radius of 1.8m measured to the outer edge of the circumference and with their centres at the mid-points of the free-throw line (see diagram).

Free-throw lines, restricted areas and free-throw rebound places

The free-throw line is drawn parallel to each endline. It furthest edge is 5.80m from the inner edge of the endline and is 3.60m long. It's mid-point lies on the imaginary line joining the mid-points of the two end endlines.

The restricted area ("the Key") has been changed to a rectangle 5.8m by 3.6m. For international competition the restricted area must be painted. Basketball Australia is not adopting that requirement.

The restricted areas are the rectangular areas marked on the playing court limited by the endlines, the extended free-throw lines and the lines which originate at the endlines, their outer edges 2.45m from the mid-points of the endlines and terminating at the outer edge of the free-throw lines. These lines, excluding the endlines, are part of the restricted area. The inside of the restricted areas must be painted.

Free-throw rebound places along the restricted area, reserved for players during free throws and are marked in the diagram to the right.

Three point field goal area and line

The three point line has been extended from 6.25m to 6.75m. Basketball Australia recommends that the courts should be marked with both three point lines (6.25m and 6.75m).

The new 6.75m three point line should be marked in white (or the same colour as the rest of the basketball court line) and the old 6.25m three point line marked in an alternate colour, ie yellow, red, green, blue or black.

The three point field goal area (see diagram on the next page) is the entire floor area of the playing court, except for the area near the opponents basket., limited by and including:

Two parallel lines extending from and perpendicular to the endlines, with the outer edge 0.90m from the inner edge of the sidelines.

An arc of radium 6.75m measured from the point on the floor beneath the exact centre of the opponents' basket to the outer edge of arc. This distance of the point on the floor from the inner edge of the mid-point of the endline is 1.575m. The arc is joined to the parallel lines.

The three point line is not part of the three-point field goal area.

Throw-in lines

A throw-in line 15cm long, outside the playing court, will be marked 8.325m from the end line (at the top of the three point arc) on the sideline opposite the scorer's table. Previously this throw-in was administered at the half way line, opposite the scorer's table.

No-charge semi-circle areas

The no-charge semi-circle lines shall be marked on the playing courts, limited by:

A semi-cicle with a radius of 1.25m measured from the point on the floor beneath the exact centre of the basket to the inner edge of the semi-circle. The semi-circle is joined to:

Two parallel lines perpendicular to the endlines, the inner edge 1.25m from the point on the floor beneath the exact centre of the basket, 0.375m in length and ending 1.20m from the inner edge of the endline.The no-charge semi-circle areas are completed by imaginary lines joining the ends of the parallel lines directly below the front edges of the backboards. The no-charge semi-circle lines are not part of the no-charge semi-circle areas.

Team Bench Areas

The team bench areas are marked outside the playing court limited by two lines as shown on the diagram. There must be 14 seats available in the team bench area for coaches, assistant coaches and substitutes. Any other persons must be at least two metres behind the team bench.

Dimensions for Billiards, Pool and Snooker

Billiards, pool and snooker are played indoors on a pocket table.

Pool

The following specifications are standard for equipment used at all World Pool-Billiard Association sanctioned and/or recognised events. These specifications do not apply to tables manufactured for commercial home use. The design of a pool/billiard table must not have any sharp edges or materials that will cause injury or damage to clothes.

Pool is played on a pocket billiard table with one white cue ball and 15 numbered object balls. It can be played by two individuals, pairs or teams. Points are scored for pocketing designated balls in designated pockets. The first player or side to reach an agreed number of points wins the game.

The table

A 9 foot pool table has a playing surface of 2.54m long and 1.27m wide and an 8 foot pool table is 2.34m long and 1.17m wide. The length of a pool table is always twice the width.

Billiard, snooker and pool tables are covered in a fabric with a minimum of 85 per cent combined worsted wool and no more than 15 per cent nylon. Yellow-green, blue-green and electric blue are acceptable for competition.

There are six pockets in snooker and pool tables two at the top end called the top pockets, one each at the middle of the longer sides called centre pockets and two at the bottom end called bottom pockets.

Space about table

Recommended minimum space about the table is 2.5m (absolute minimum is 1.6m).

Equipment

Cue sticks used at competitions must be a minimum length of 1.016m and a maximum weight of 708.75g. The tip must be no wider than 14mm.

Balls

A set of pool balls consists of one white cue ball and 15 colour-coded numbered balls. The balls numbered 1 through 8 have solid colours and the balls numbered 9 thorough 15 are white with a centre band of colour. The balls are 52.5mm in diameter and are coloured and numbered as follows:

yellow 1 and 9

blue 2 and 10

red 3 and 11

purple 4 and 12

orange 5 and 13

green 6 and 14

maroon 7 and 15

black 8

Lighting

The lights over a pool snooker or billiard table must be at least 520 lux and the minimum height of the fixture is no lower than 1.016m above the bed of the table. The lights must be placed around the table so that any lighting is not directed at the players.

Snooker

Snooker is played on an English billiards table using 15 red, 6 coloured and on e white cue ball. Points are scored by pocketing balls and forcing an opponent to give away points thro ugh snookers. It may be played by two persons, pairs or a team.

The table

The playing area of a snooker table is 3.57m x 1.778m. Height of the table from the floor to top of the cushion is 88.1cm to 87.6cm. There is a tolerance of +/-13mm for both dimensions. There are six pockets, the same as a pool table.

Equipment

Cue must be at least 91.4cm in length.

Billiards

English billiards is the most popular form of billiards in Australia. The table is the same as snooker. Carom is another form of billiards and is played on a cloth-covered table, usually 1.5m x 3m or 1.4m x 2.7m. It has no pockets and often features heated slate. At its simplest form, the object of most carom games is to score points or counts by caroming off both the opponents cue ball and the object ball on a single shot.

There are many carom billiards disciplines. Some of the more common games are straight rail, cushion caroms, balkline, three-cushion billiards and artistic billiards.

Billiards is played by two players or pairs. The three standard balls in most carom billiards games consist of a white cue ball, a second cue ball with typically a red or black dot on it (to aid in differentiation between the two cue balls) and a third red ball. In some sets of balls, the second cue ball is solid yellow.

Dimensions for Boxing

Boxing is a sport in which two participants of similar weight fight each other with their fists in gloves in a series of one-to-three-minute intervals called rounds. The bout takes place in a roped area called a ring.

The ring

The minimum size is 4.9m and the maximum size 6.10m measured inside the line of the ropes. The ring is not less than 91cm or more than 1.22m above the ground or base. A minimum of 2m must be allowed for around the ring.

Platform and corner pads

The platform is level and extends for at least 46cm outside the line of the ropes. It is fitted with four padded corner posts as follows:

red in the nearer left-side ring corner facing the President of the Jury

white in the far left-side corner

blue far right-side corner

White near right corner.

Floor covering

The floor is covered with felt, rubber or other suitable approved material which covers the entire platform.

Ropes

There are three ropes 3cm5cm thick, tightly drawn from corner posts at 40cm, 80cm and 130cm high. For four ropes, they are 40.6cm, 71.1cm, 101.6cm and 132cm high. The ropes are covered in a soft or smooth material.

Lighting

Recommended lux for recreation and training is 500 and for competition is 1000.

Layout of ropes in a boxing ring

Dimensions for Canoe Polo

Canoe polo is a competitive ball game between two teams of five players each. Players paddle solo kayaks on a well-defined area of water, attempting to score goals against the opposition. The team that scores the most goals wins.

Playing area

The playing area is a rectangle 35m long and 23m wide. The surround of the playing area is an unobstructed area of water, with a minimum width of 1m outside all boundaries. The water throughout the playing area must be still water at least 90cm deep.

There is a height of at least 3m without obstacles, and a m

inimum ceiling height of 5m above the playing area. There is clear walkway on each side of the playing area for the referees.

Playing area and boundary markers

The longer boundaries are referred to as the sidelines, the shorter boundaries as the goal lines. The sidelines and goal lines are marked by a floating lane rope. The section of the goal line 4m from the centre of the goal frame is free from floats so there is no interference with the positioning of the goalkeeper.

Markers indicating the goal lines, half-way line and points 6m and 4.5m from each goal line are placed along the sidelines, and clearly visible to both referees and players. Markers indicating the substitute areas are placed on the goal lines 4m either side of the centre of the goal frame and clearly visible to both referees and players.

Canoe polo playing area

Dimensions for Cricket

Cricket is a high scoring bat and ball sport played between two teams, usually of 11 players each.

Outdoor cricket

Cricket is a high scoring bat and ball sport played between two teams, usually of 11 players each. A cricket match is played on an oval grass field, in the centre of which is a flat strip of ground called a pitch. At each end of the pitch is a set of three parallel wooden stakes (known as stumps) driven into the ground, with two small crosspieces (known as bails) laid on top of them. This wooden structure is called a wicket.

The pitch

A turf pitch is 20.12m long and 3.05m wide. A non-turf pitch is a minimum length of 17.68m and a minimum of 1.83m wide. A pitch is bounded at either end by the bowling creases and a set of wickets in the centre of the bowling crease.

In the case of a turf pitch, the slope of the pitch should not exceed 1 per cent and follow the slope pattern of the oval. If the oval is centre sloped, the pitch square should also slope from the centre.

The amount of fall should therefore not exceed 30mm across a 3.05m strip or 200mm along its length, being as flat as possible at the centre.

The pitch square should be about 75mm above the level of the outfield to allow for surface drainage off the pitch.

The bowling crease

The bowling crease is the line through the centre of the three stumps at the relevant end. It is 2.64m in length with stumps in the centre.

The popping crease

The popping crease is in front of and parallel to the bowling crease. It is 1.22m wide from the bowling crease. The popping crease is marked to a minimum of 1.83m on either side of the centre of the middle stumps and is unlimited in length.

The return crease

The return crease is at right angles to the popping crease at a distance of 1.32m either side from the middle of the stumps. The return crease is 2.44m behind the popping crease and unlimited in length.

Cricket field

A cricket field is a large circular or oval shaped grassy ground. There are no fixed dimensions for the field but its diameter varies between 137m and 150m. On most grounds, a rope demarcates the perimeter of the field and is called the boundary.

Ideally, the oval should fall in all directions from the centre, but failing this, should have a single phase slope of one per cent in any convenient direction. If the oval is on a very well drained soil, no slope is required.

A painted oval is made by drawing a semi-circle of 27.4m radius from the centre of each wicket with respect to the breadth of the pitch and joining them with lines parallel, 27.4m to the length of the pitch. This line, commonly known as the circle, divides the field into an infield and outfield. Two circles of radius 13.7m centered on each wicket and often marked by dots, define the close-infield. The infield, outfield and the close-infield are used to enforce fielding restrictions.

Lighting

The Australian Standard for lighting cricket grounds is as follows:

non-televised training 250 lux

non-televised match 500 to 700 lux

televised match 1400 lux

Modified outdoor cricket for juniors

The following table provides information on field and pitch dimensions for the various game formats in junior competition:

Game type

Age group

Boundary (measurement from centre of pitch)

Pitch length

In2cricket

5-8 years

25m-30m

13m-16m

In2cricket

8-10 years

Up to 40m

13m-18m

Dual pitch or 20/20

11-12 years

40m-45m

18m-20.12m

1 day limited overs

Under 13

50m maximum

8m-20.12m

1 day limited overs

Under 14

50m maximum

20.12m

1 or 2 days limited overs

Under 15

standard

20.12m

Super 8 cricket

Super 8 cricket is an introductory modified games program for upper primary school aged children.Each team is allowed six to a maximum of 10 players. Only approved plastic equipment is used. The stumps are a single plastic mould with weighted base.

The pitch is 14m16m long and can be any reasonably flat surface. The distance from pitch to boundary should not exceed 30m.

Indoor cricket

Indoor cricket is a variation of standard cricket. It was developed in Perth, Western Australia, in the late 1970s. It is suitable for cricketers and novices alike, and played year-round. Indoor cricket is played on a rectangular, artificial grass-surfaced court. The court is enclosed in tightly tensioned netting, including a 4m high ceiling. Courts are usually constructed in factory units or purpose-built centres.

A game is played with two teams, each with a maximum of eight players or, in some rare cases, six (though six-a-side centres are uncommon, they do exist usually where the playing area isnt big enough to construct a full-sized court). Indoor cricket uses a softer ball than a regulation cricket ball.

Playing area/net dimensions

The court is rectangular, 28m30m long, 10.5m12m wide, and roofed by flat netting at 4m and 4.5m high. The walls are also of flexible netting. The cricket pitch is 20m long and 1.8m wide, covered with artificial turf, with the strikers end close to one end of the court. An additional line is marked across the middle of the pitch, 11m from the strikers popping crease, and forms the non-strikers crease, behind which he is safe from being run out. The batsmen run only 11m to score runs instead of the full length of the pitch.

An exclusion zone is marked in an arc extending at a radius of 3m from the batting crease. All lines are marked at a thickness of 5.5cm. The underarm line is marked across the pitch 7m from the strikers stumps.

The wickets are 22.86cm wide, 71.1cm high and consist of three stumps with two bails 11.1cm long on top. The wickets are located at each end of the pitch 20m apart. The stumps are of equal and sufficient size to prevent the ball from passing through. Bails may be wooden or plastic and must be tied to the stumps.

The net

The net enclosing an indoor cricket court is very tightly tensioned. This allows consistency in the balls bounce off the net. It is also a safety feature players are protected from hitting any walls or columns that may be close to the court and there is less chance of getting fingers caught in tight nets. It also allows spectators to be closer to the game, as players hitting the net will not stretch it far.

The court is defined by a cubic frame of high-strength steel cable, to which the netting is securely attached. Tensioning of the net is achieved by tensioning of this cube. The lower four cables of the cube are secured directly into the concrete floor. The four lower corners are tensioned to anchor points set into the concrete.

The top four cables are all fastened at the corners to anchor points, located on the ceiling/inner-roof. These take the main tension and help form the box structure of the cables. These top cables are then further fastened to the ceiling for additional support. The shape of the box thus formed is achieved by adjusting the tension mainly in the eight corners, with finer tuning possible by individually adjusting the extra attachments along the top edges.

Lighting

It is essential to have good quality lighting so that the players can follow the movement of the ball travelling at high speeds, either struck by the batsman or bowled by the bowler. The illuminance must be uniform throughout the hall, with the background walls behind both batsman and bowler providing a good viewing contrast. Safety is paramount and the lighting system must taken into account the propulsion of balls at speed. The recommended minimum lighting level for an indoor cricket sports centre is between 1000 and1500 lux. These requirements are generally met by a system of horizontal, fluorescent luminaires, fitted with reflectors and mounted at right angles to the pitch. The reflectors must screen both batsman and bowler from direct view of this light source.

Dimensions for Cycling

Information for track events, road events, BMX and mountain biking.

Track events

Track racing is done in a stadium-like arena called a velodrome. A modern velodrome is an oval track with steeply banked corners that facilitate high speed riding. Velodromes can be enclosed or open-air, and the tracks are constructed of timber, concrete, asphalt or cinder. Events include match sprint, individual and team pursuit, kilometre time trial and points race.

The inner edge of the track consists of two curves connected by two parallel straight lines. The entrance and exit of the bends are designed so that the transition is gradual. The banking of the track is determined by taking into account the radius of the curves and the maximum speeds achieved in the various disciplines.

Length

Olympic standard velodromes are minimum 250m in circumference. Other velodromes can range from 133m to 500m, although 250m is the most popular length used in all major events. The length of the track is measured 20cm above the inner edge of the track. For outdoor tracks the minimum 250m in length still applies but there is no maximum.

The length of a track is such that a whole number of laps or half laps is a distance of one kilometre. For example:

50m track is four laps = 1km

333.333m track is three laps = 1km

500m track is two laps = 1km

Width

The width of the track is 5m10m, depending on the category of racing.

Blue band and safety zone

A rideable area sky-blue in colour known as the blue band is located along the inside edge of the track. The width is at least 10 per cent of the width of the track. Immediately inside the blue band there is a marked safety zone. The combined width of the blue bank and safety zone is at least 4m for a 250m track and 2.5m for tracks shorter than 250m.

Measuring line

A black line in a white background, drawn 20cm from the inside edge of the track, numbered every 10m and marked every 5m.

Sprinters line

Red line marked 85cm from the inner edge of the track.

Stayers line

Blue line drawn at one third of the total width of the track or 2.45m (whichever is the greater) from the inner edge of the track

Finish line

It is a black perpendicular line 4cm wide at the centre of a white bank 72cm wide, situated towards the end of one of the straights and at least a few meters before the start of the banking.

200 meter line

A white line is drawn across the track 200m before the finish line, from which point times will be taken for sprint events.

Pursuit lines

Two red lines half the width of the track in length, perpendicular to the track and in line with one another, drawn at the midpoint of each straight to mark the finish point for pursuit events.

Fencing

The outside edge of the track is surrounded by a safety fence 90cm high to protect riders and spectators. The colour must contrast clearly with that of the track.

Lighting

There must be an even spread over the surface of the track without definite pools of light. Surface light values for an indoor track are 300 lux for training or general activity and 600 lux for racing events. A minimum of 1400 lux is required for elite international events.

Road events

There are several formats of road racing, including stage races, one-day events, time trials and criteriums. Road cycling involves both team and individual events. Races may be held over a number of stages or as single days. The riders move off together at the start and the winner is the person covering the total course in the shortest time. The maximum number of competitors in a road race is 200.

Stage races

Stage racing events are split into stages that usually last more than one day. Stage races can last for weeks and cover thousands of kilometres. Each days race is called a stage. The rider with the lowest cumulative time after all the stages is the overall winner.

One day races

One day races are conducted on circuits or point to point courses. One day races last up to seven hours over distances up to 300km. They can be mass start or handicap events.

Criterium

A criterium is a multi-lap race held on a loop course with each lap up to 2km. These races are often held through closed streets of a town. Unlike stage racing and time trialing, there is more emphasis on speed and bike handling.

Time trials

In time trials the object is to cycle as fast as possible from one point to another, while being timed by a clock. Riders are started singly at one minute intervals and are individually timed while completing the course.

BMX

BMX entered the Olympics for the first time in Beijing. The track is a compact, closed looped design and forms a circuit where length measured along its centre line is between 300m to 400m. The track is a minimum of 10m wide at the start and cannot taper to a width of less than 5m at any point along its course. There are circuits, jumps, banked corners and other obstacles built into the track. Eight riders compete in each heat (qualifying rounds, quarter finals, semi-finals, finals) with the top four qualifying for the next round.

Starting hill

The starting hill accommodates a track width of at least 10m and at an elevation at least 1.5 metres above the grade of the first straight. The initial incline extending from the starting gate to level grade is at least 12m long.

Starting gate

The start hill is a downhill gradient with a start gate 8m wide at the top. The riders start with their front wheels pressed against start gate, which is hinged and drops forward when released to start the race. The gate is at least 50cm, high with the slope of the ramp which supports the bicycles' wheels no greater angle than 90 when they are in their starting position. An electronically controlled system is mandatory at all international events.

Initial straight

The initial straight shall be a minimum of 40 metres in length. It is recommended that the bottom of the front side of the first obstacle in the initial straight is located not less than 35m from the starting gate or less than 20m from the point of curvature of the first turn. On tracks designed for highly skilled riders, the distance between the starting gate and the front side of the first obstacle may be shorter.

First turn

The first turn may go in either direction and is banked to a degree which allows safe entry and exit for riders of all ages at race speeds. At the first turn, the track is a minimum of 6m wide measured along a straight line extending from its surface at the inner radius to the top of the berm (banked dirt wall) at its outer radius.

Turns and obstacles

The track has a minimum of 3 turns and a minimum of 5m wide throughout each turn. All obstacles on the track must be constructed with the safety of all riders, regardless of age. On the first straight the minimum distance between two obstacles is 10m. An obstacle is defined by its front and back slope and is a single obstacle, double, triple or multi-jump as well as a 4-pack, 5-pack or multi-pack.

Finish line

The finish line is a straight line of 4cm wide, painted in black in the middle of a white strip 24cm wide. Any banners extending across the track above the finish line or elsewhere along the track must be high enough above the track level to avoid interference with the riders crossing beneath them.

Mountain bike

The sport of mountain bike evolved from recreational off-road cycling. There are two main types of racing cross-country racing and downhill racing.

Cross-country racing

Cross-country racing has a mass start with a race around a number of circuits of a course usually 5-9km long. The winner is the first rider to the finish.

An ideal course is varied with a blend of many different types of terrain. There is a mixture of technical/difficult riding and easier/open riding, with a blend of length and steep climbs and descents.

The best shape for a course if a 'clover leaf' as this provides spectators with opportunities to see the riders without shortening the laps. It is a smaller area to manage with benefits in terms of radio communications, medical evacuation and marshal placement.

Downhill

Downhill competitions are individual time trials where riders are set off at standard intervals to race against the clock. Downhill courses comprise a mixture of single track, jeep road, field tracks, forest tracks and rocky track. The course also includes a mixture of rapid and slower technical sections, and no uphill or lengthy flat sections.

Dimensions for Darts

Players throw darts at a circular target divided into different scoring areas. Games are played by individuals, pairs or teams of any numbers. Players aim to reduce a starting number exactly to zero.

Dart board

Dart boards are usually made of sisal fibres or boar bristles and are marked 120 in a clockwise pattern. A regulation board is 451mm in diameter and is divided into 22 sections. Each section is lined with thin metal wire. The numbers indicating the various scoring sections of the board are normally made of wire. The inner ring is called the bull.

The overall dimensions are as follows:

double and treble ring inside measurement 8mm

bull inside diameter 12.7mm

outer bull inside diameter 31mm

centre bull to inside edge of treble wire 105mm

centre bull to outside edge double wire 168mm

Playing area

The dart board is fixed on a wall or mobile stand, allowing for a minimum of 3m between boards measured bull to bull. The dart board is hung so that the perpendicular height from the centre of the bull to the floor is 1.73m, eye-level for a six foot man. The dartboard is fixed such that the 20 segment is coloured black and at the top of the dartboard.

The ochre

The ochre is the line behind which the throwing player stands. It is 25mm high and 915mm long and placed in a position where the minimum throwing distance measured from the rear of the raised ochre is 2.37m along the floor to a plumb line at the face of the dartboard. The diagonal distance from the bull centre to the rear of the raised ochre at floor level is 2.93m. The encroachment line is a tape line located 1.5m behind the ochre. This is where a player must stand as his/her opponent is playing a shot.

Lighting

All floor dart boards are lit by a suitably positioned light fitting to provide at least 100 watts of light intensity. Alternatively, 20 watts of fluorescent lighting mounted directly above and in front of the dart board at a distance not exceeding 1m from the bullseye is adequate. All lights must be fitted with screens that divert all light away from the players eyes when standing at the ochre.

Dimensions for Fencing

Fencing is a form of sword fighting which has a long history with its roots in the tradition of chivalry. Two rivals stand opposite each other and feint, lunge, parry and riposte until one scores the required number of hits to win.

The piste or fencing mat is made of a conductive surface such as copper mesh or aluminium plate. It is a strip at least 1.5m wide and 14m long with an extension or runback of 1.5m at either end.There is a centre line and two en-garde lines 2m either side of the centre. There are warning lines 2m from either end of the strip to let a retreating fencer know that he is nearly out of space. A match starts with the fencers in the on-guard position.

The three weapons used by both men and women are the foil, epe and sabre. The target areas, as well as the blade, differ for the three weapons.

The fencer tries to score the total hits needed to win, while at the same time trying to avoid being hit by the opponent. Fencers are connected to an electronic scoring system that indicates if a hit has occurred and the time remaining.

Lighting

The lux required for recreation and training is 500 and for competition is 700.

Dimensions for Football Soccer

Football, commonly known as soccer, is a team sport played between two teams of 11 players each. It is played on a rectangular grass field, with a goal at each end. With the exception of the two goal keepers, players may not handle the ball, but must propel the ball with their head or feet.

The object of the game is to score by manoeuvring the ball into the opposing goal. The team that scores the most goals by the end of the match wins. If the score is tied at the end of the game, either a draw is declared or the game goes into extra time and/or a penalty shoot-out, depending on the format of the competition.

Football 11-A-Side

Official soccer field dimensions

The field of play is rectangular. The length of the sideline must be longer than the length of the goal line. Measurements are as follows:

length minimum 90m maximum 120m

width minimum 45m maximum 90m

International matches

length 105m

width 68m

It is recommended that there is a minimum 3m space around the pitch. In the interest of player safety it is advisable to increase this distance wherever possible.

Field markings

The field of play is marked with lines called boundaries. The two longer boundary lines are called touch lines. The two shorter lines are called goal lines. All lines are a maximum of 12cm wide. The field of play is divided into two halves by a halfway line. The centre mark is at the midpoint of the halfway line. A circle with a radius of 9.15m is marked around it.

Goals

Goals are placed on the centre of each goal line. There are two upright posts equidistant from the corner flag posts and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar. The distance between the posts is 7.32m and the distance from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is 2.44m. Both goal posts and the crossbar have the same width and depth, not exceeding 12cm. The goal lines are the same width as that of the goal posts and the crossbar. Nets can be attached to the goals and the ground behind the goal, provided that they are properly supported and do not interfere with the goalkeeper. The goal posts and crossbars must be white.

All goal posts are secured to the grounds surface in accordance with the regulations as stipulated by the relevant authority or owner of the ground.

The goal area

A goal area is defined by two lines drawn at right angles to the goal line, 5.5m from the inside of each goal post. These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of 5.5m and are joined by a line drawn parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the goal area.

Penalty area

Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, 16.5m from the inside of each goal post. The lines extend into the field of play for a distance 16.5m and joined by a line parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the penalty area.

Within each penalty area, a penalty mark is made 11m from the mid-point between and goal posts and equidistant to them. An arc of a circle with a radius of 9.15m from each penalty mark is drawn outside the penalty area.

Corner flags

A flag post, minimum height 1.5m, with a non-pointed top and a flag is pl

aced in each corner of the field. They are also placed at each end of the halfway line.

Corner arc

A quarter circle with a radius of 1m from each corner flag post is drawn inside the field of play.

Coaching and team areas

Team benches will be separated by a 9.15m neutral zone, and will be at least 3.05m from the touch line. The area will be marked parallel to the touch line and situated 3.05m from the touch line and extending 18.29m from the 5m neutral zone measured from the halfway line in both directions.

Lighting

The major elements influencing the visual tasks in soccer are the low to medium trajectory passes in all directions being common and scoring kicks always being low to medium trajectory. The space above the playing field is uniformly illuminated up to a height of approximately 15m. In order to meet the visual requirements of the goalkeeper in defending the goal area, some backlighting from a corner location is required.

Below are the recommended lux levels for soccer:

Ball, physical training

Club competition, match practice

Competition

Amateur and semi-professional

50 lux

100 lux

200 lux

Professional

100 lux

200 lux

500 lux

Futsal

Futsal is the only form of indoor soccer or five-a-side that is officially approved by FIFA and Football Federation Australia (FFA). Its one of the fastest growing sports in the world, is played in over 100 countries and boasts millions of players around the world.

Pitch

The pitch surface is rectangular. At international level futsal is played either on a wooden or a synthetic floor that is smooth and flat and does not restrict the roll of the ball. At other levels futsal is played on a variety of surfaces including astroturf. Concrete or tarmac should be avoided.

Pitch markings

The pitch is marked with lines 8cm wide and divided into two halves by the halfway line. The centre mark is at the midpoint of the halfway line and marked with a circle with a radius of 3m. The two longer boundary lines are called touch lines. The two shorter ones are called goal lines.

The dimensions of a pitch are follows:

Minimum

Maximum

Length

25m

42m

Width

15m

25m

International matches

Length

38m

42m

Width

18m

25m

Penalty area

The penalty area is marked by quarter circles with a 6m radius, drawn centred on the outside of each goal post. The quarter circles are drawn from the goal line to meet two imaginary lines 6m in length at right angles to the goal line from the outside of the goal post. The upper part of each quarter circle is joined by a 3.16m line running parallel to the goal line between the goal posts. The curved line marking the outer limit of the penalty area is the penalty area line.

The penalty mark is drawn 6m from the midpoint between the goal posts and equidistant from them. The second penalty mark is drawn on the pitch 10m from the midpoint betw

een the goal posts and equidistant from them.

Corner arc

The corner arc is a quarter circle with a radius of 25cm from each corner and drawn on the pitch.

Substitution zones

The substitution zones are 5m in length and situated in front of the team benches. They are marked at each end by a line 8cm wide and 80cm in length, 40cm of which is drawn on the pitch and 40cm off the pitch.

The area in front of the timekeepers table, 5m to either side of halfway line, is kept clear.

Goals

The goals are placed in the middle of each goal line. They consist of two upright posts equidistant from each corner and joined at the top by a horizontal crossbar. The distance (inside measurement) between the posts is 3m and the distance from the lower edge of the crossbar to the ground is 2m.

The goal posts and crossbar have the same width and depth of 8cm. The goal lines are the same width as the goal posts and the crossbar. Nets made of hemp, jute or nylon are attached to the back of the goalposts and crossbar. The lower part of the net is attached to curved tubing or another means of support.

The depth of the goal is at least 80cm at the top and 100cm at ground level. The goals must have a stabilising system that prevents them from overturning. Portable goals may be used provided they are as stable as normal goals.

Small sided games (SSG)

SSG is the FFAs modified game for children 612 years old. The aim is to give young girls and boys the maximum opportunity to participate in soccer. This program replaces Rooball, with the implementation to be complete by 2012.

This is all about kids soccer. Kids play on smaller fields with less players, fewer rules and modified equipment. As a result, they get more touches of the ball, more goals scored, increased activity and a lot more fun.

SSG is played on any field or open arena. The new age football program is divided into four age specific groups and games:

Under 6 (Football 4s) 4 v 4 games on micro fields, about an eighth of a full sized field

Under 78s (Football 5s) 5 v 5 games on mini fields just less than a quarter of an adult-sized playing field

Under 910s (Football 7s) 7 v 7 games on macro fields about a quarter of the size of an adult field

Under 1112s (Football 9s) 9 v 9 on maxi fields about half an adult-sized field

Following are diagrams of the FFAs suggested layouts for SSG football grounds using a full size adult soccer pitch - 120m long x 90m wide (maximum).

Football 4s: (players aged 56)

Number of players four field players plus two interchange players

Field size 30m x 20m

Game time 2 x 15 mins

The ball approved size 3 ball

Football 5s: (players aged 78)

Number of players five field players plus three interchange players

Field size 30m x 20m

Game time 2 x 20 mins

The ball approved size 3 ball

Football 7s: (players aged 910)

Number of players seven field players plus three interchange players

Field size 40m x 30m

Game time 2 x 25 mins

The ball approved size 4 ball

Football 9s: (players aged 1112)

Number of players nine field players plus three interchange players

Field size 60m x 40m

Game time 2 x 30 mins

The ball approved size 4 ball

Dimensions for Gymnastics

Gymnastics is the name given to a series of exercises practised by men and women. Emphasis is placed on strength, dexterity and artistry. The disciplines in gymnastics recognised by the Federation International de Gymnastique (FIG) and Gymnastics Australia are artistic, rhythmic, aerobic, trampoline and acrobatic.

For all of the gymnastic disciplines, the technical specifications are available in the FIG Apparatus Norms Guide which is available on their website at http://www.fedintgym.com/rules/.

Artistic gymnastics - men and women

In artistic gymnastics, men compete on six apparatus floor, pommel horse, rings, vault, parallel bars and horizontal bar. Women compete on four apparatus vault, uneven bars, beam and floor.

Men and women floor exercises

Floor exercises consist of various ballet and tumbling movements (including jumps, somersaults and handstands) performed without apparatus. Womens routines are performed with musical accompaniment, mens routines without it. The standard floor perfor ma nce area is 12m x 12m. The safety zone is a 2m zone around the performance area and the border and kept totally free.

Men horizontal bars

This routine is performed on a single steel bar suspended 2.8m above the floor mat. The routine requires continuous swinging motions around the bar with frequent changes in direction and in grip. In the dismount the athlete casts himself off the bar, soars through the air an d then makes a controlled landing. The landing mat is 12m x 12m.

Men parallel bars

This routine is performed on two flexible parallel rails 2m above the ground and 42cm52cm apart from each other. The routine is a series of swinging, balancing, and airborne moves. The landing mat is 11m x 4.5m.

Men pommel horse

The routine is performed on a leather-covered apparatus, in the centre of which are inserted two pommels, or handles, 40cm45cm apart. The routine consists of a series of continuous swinging and circular motions with the torso and legs, executed as the athlete travels from one end of the horse to the other, using only his hands for support. The landing mat is 4m x 4m.

Men rings

The routine is performed while grasping one wooden ring in each hand, with the rings suspended from straps and hung parallel to each other 2.8m above the floor mat. The routine combines static positions with rapid movements designed to test strength and precision. The landing mat is 5m x 2m.

Men vault

This discipline involves an apparatus, known as a vault, measuring 1.2m long and 1.35m high and has no pommels. The athlete runs down a runway (maximum 25m long) toward the vault, approaching it lengthwise. He then takes off from a springboard, places both hands on the surface of the vault, then completes the flight with an acrobatic airborne manoeuvre and a controlled landing. The landing mat is 6m x 2m.

Women vault

The womens routine is the same as in the mens event, except that the vault, similar in shape and size to that used by the men, is lowered to a height of 1.2m and is approached from the side. The landing mat is 6m x 2.5m.

Women uneven bars

This routine is performed on a set of two flexible bars a maximum of 1.435m apart from each other at different heights. The upper bar is 2.5m from the floor. The lower bar, parallel to it, is between 1.7m above the floor. The routine demands continuous swinging, releasing and changing of direction over, under and between the bars with a mount and dismount. The landing mat is 14m x 2m.

Women beam

The balance beam is a routine performed on a single beam 10cm wide, 5m long, and 1.2m off the ground. The routine consists of continuous tumbling moves, turns, jumps and leaps. A mount and dismount are required. The landing mat is 17m x 4m.

Following is a diagram of the competition area for artistic gymnastics for men and women. The performance area is used for rhythmic, artistic and acrobatics with different dimensions.

Rhythmic gymnastics

Rhythmic gymnastics is a sport in which single competitors, pairs, trios or groups perform choreographed routines while manipulating apparatus ball, hoop, ribbon, clubs or ribbon. Routines are choreographed to music using elements of ballet, gymnastics and theatrical dance while handling the apparatus.

All routines are performed on a 13m square carpeted floor with a 50cm border. Overall size is 14m. There is a 2m safety zone around the floor. The carpet may be lightly padded. The outer edge of the border marking is defined as out of bounds.

As high throws occur while handling the apparatus, a minimum ceiling height of 8m is required for international competitions. A ceiling height of 10m to 12m is recommended.

Aerobic gymnastics

Aerobic gymnastics is a competitive sport that combines aerobic choreography and gymnastics elements to upbeat music. The standard performance area is 7m x 7m with a 1m safety border. The floor is parquet, laminate or synthetic.

Acrobatic gymnastics (sport acrobatics)

Acrobatic gymnastics is choreographed to music and consists of dance, tumbling and partner skills. The partner skills are divided into two categories balance and tempo. Tempo skills all incorporate flight, such as when the base partner tosses the top for double saltos. Balance skills are static holds with the base partner supporting the top. There are five events in acrobatic gymnastics:

mens pairs

womens pairs

mixed pairs

womens group (trio)

mens group (quadruples)

Acrobatic gymnastics uses the traditional sprung floor as per artistic gymnastics and equivalent to FIG specifications. The performance area is 12m x 12m with a 2m safety zone.

Trampoline gymnastics

Trampoline gymnastics or sports has three apparatus:

individual trampoline (TRP) and synchronised trampoline (SYN)

double-mini trampoline (DMT)

tumbling (TUM)

FIG Apparatus Norms and the Code of Points for trampoline, tumbling and DMT provide the equipment specifications for each apparatus. All clubs are guided by these norms. The FIG Apparatus Norms include safety platforms (end decks) and the DMT norms make reference to the fixings that are allowed to stabilise the DMT.

End decks and spotter mats must be provided in all trampoline events. One spotter mat must be provided for each trampoline, as specified in the FIG Apparatus Norms.

Lighting

The lighting at national and international competition should be at a standard of at least 1500 lux for television but not designed in a manner to dazzle the gymnasts. Otherwise the minimum lighting standard is 300 lux for recreation and training and 500 lux for competition. This is the Australian Standard for multi-purpose indoor sports centres.

Below is a summary table of surfaces of apparatus, safety zones and total surfaces:

Discipline

Apparatus

Floor area (m)

Height of hall

Height of hall (international)

Mens artistic gymnastics

floor

18 x 18

7m

8m-10m

pommel horse

4 x 4

rings

6 x 6

vaulting table

3 x 35

uneven bars

6 x 12

high bars

6 x 12

Womens artistic gymnastics

vaulitng table

3 x 35

6m

8m-10m

uneven bars

6 x 13.5

balance beam

6 x 17

floor

18 x 18

Rhythmic gymnastics

performance area

18 x 18

8m

10m-12m

Aerobic gymnastics

performance area

18 x 18

6m

8m-10m

Trampoline gymnastics

trampoline (sync)

13 x 13

8m

10m-12m

double-mini tramp

3 x 35

6m

8m-10m

Dimensions for Handball

Handball is a fast-paced game involving two teams of seven players who pass, throw, catch and dribble a small ball with their hands while trying to score goals. The team with the most goals wins the game. A game consists of two 30-minute halves with a 10-minute half-time break.

Handball indoor

Playing area

The playing court is rectangular measuring 40m x 20m. The safety zone surrounding the court has a minimum width of at least 1m along the sidelines and 2m behind the goal lines. The playing court is marked with lines 5cm wide except for the goal lines (between the goal posts) that are 8cm wide.

Goals

The goal is placed in the centre of each outer goal line and firmly attached to the floor or wall behind the goals. The interior measures 3m in width and 2m in height. The rear side of the goal post is in line with the goal line.

The goal area in front of the goals is a 3m x 6m rectangle and two connecting quarter circle sectors, each with a radius of 6m.

Lines

All lines are 5cm wide except for the goal lines which are 8cm wide. Other measurements are as follows:

Broken free throw lines are parallel and concentric to the goal area line with a 3m larger distance from the goal line. Segments and spaces between them are 15cm

the 7m line is 1m long directly in front of the goal, parallel to the goal line, 7m from the rear edge of the goal line

The goalkeepers restraining line is 15cm long directly in front of the goal. It is parallel to, and 4m away from, the goal line

centre line connects midpoints of two side lines

s