Sports field lighting is a type of outdoor lighting that is used to illuminate large areas for sporting events or other activities, such as concerts or festivals. Sports field lighting can affect the visibility, comfort and safety of the players, spectators and broadcasters, as well as the energy efficiency, cost and environmental impact of the lighting system. Therefore, it is important to follow the appropriate sports field lighting standard for each type of sport and level of play.
What is a sports field lighting standard?
A sports field lighting standard is a set of guidelines and recommendations that specify the minimum lighting requirements for different types of sports and events. A sports field lighting standard typically covers the following aspects:
- The lighting level: The lighting level is the amount of light that reaches the surface of the field, measured in footcandles (fc) or lux (lx). The lighting level depends on the size and shape of the field, the speed and direction of the ball, and the number and position of the players. The lighting level also affects the visibility and comfort of the spectators and the broadcasters, especially for televised events.
- The lighting uniformity: The lighting uniformity is the ratio of the minimum to the average lighting level on the field, expressed as a percentage. The lighting uniformity indicates how evenly the light is distributed on the field, without creating dark or bright spots. The lighting uniformity affects the safety and performance of the players, as well as the quality and consistency of the broadcast.
- The lighting color: The lighting color is the appearance of the light, measured in Kelvin (K) or correlated color temperature (CCT). The lighting color affects the mood and atmosphere of the event, as well as the color rendering of the objects and the players. The lighting color also affects the compatibility and coordination of the lighting system with other light sources, such as natural daylight or artificial ambient lighting.
- The lighting glare: The lighting glare is the discomfort or impairment of vision caused by excessive or poorly directed light, measured in candela per square meter (cd/m2) or luminance. The lighting glare affects the safety and comfort of the players, the spectators and the broadcasters, as well as the quality and accuracy of the broadcast. The lighting glare can be reduced by using proper optics, shielding, aiming and positioning of the lighting fixtures.
IES Standards for Sports Field Lighting are a set of guidelines and recommendations that specify the minimum lighting requirements for different types of sports and events. They cover the lighting level, uniformity, color, glare, and other aspects of sports field lighting, as well as the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of the lighting system. IES stands for Illuminating Engineering Society, which is the leading authority on lighting standards in North America. IES standards are widely used and recognized by sports facility managers, lighting designers, and engineers.
CIE Standards for Sports Field Lighting are a set of guidelines and recommendations that specify the minimum lighting requirements for different types of sports and events. They cover the lighting level, uniformity, color, glare, and other aspects of sports field lighting, as well as the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of the lighting system. CIE stands for Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage, which is the leading authority on lighting standards in the world. CIE standards are widely used and recognized by sports facility managers, lighting designers, and engineers.
