These standards offer recommendations for designing sports lighting systems. The objective is to create a suitable luminous environment that enhances the visibility of the playing target (ball), competitors, and surrounding areas. This includes specific guidelines for the sport of soccer.
Class I of competitive play is any competition that is played before a group of 5,000 or more spectators. Lighting criteria for major stadiums and arenas require special design considerations such as vertical and horizontal illuminance values not covered by this practice, which may be defined by individual sports governing bodies and/or broadcasting organizations.
Recommended illuminance levels are:
Horizontal illuminance: Light Intensity: 100 fc. CV= 0.13 or less. (Emax/Emin = 1.7:1 or less)
Class II of competitive play is any competition that is played before a group of up to 5,000 spectators. Lighting criteria for major stadiums and arenas require special design considerations such as vertical and horizontal illuminance values not covered by this practice, which may be defined by individual sports governing bodies and/or broadcasting organizations.
Recommended illuminance level:
Horizontal illuminance: Light Intensity: 50 fc. CV = 0.21 or less. (Emax/Emin = 2.0:1 or less)
Class III of competitive play is any competition that is played before a group of up to 2,000 spectators. Lighting criteria for major stadiums and arenas require special design considerations such as vertical and horizontal illuminance values not covered by this practice, which may be defined by individual sports governing bodies and/or broadcasting organizations.
Recommended illuminance level:
Horizontal illuminance: Light Intensity: 30 fc. CV = 0.25 or less. (Emax/Emin = 2.5:1 or less)
Class IV of competitive or recreational play only, with limited or no provision for spectators. Class IV lighting levels are suitable for play at fields that do not draw a large number of spectators. Many fields that host competitive play for adult recreational leagues will have very few spectators. Games for youth leagues will typically only be attended by family members of the participants.
Recommended illuminance level:
Horizontal illuminance: Light Intensity: 20 fc. CV = 0.30 or less. (Emax/Emin = 3:1 or less)
OUTDOOR SOCCER FIELD
Why is adequate lighting crucial for soccer?
Proper lighting is essential for soccer, affecting everything from player performance and safety to spectator enjoyment. Good lighting ensures that players can see the ball clearly, react quickly, and execute skills effectively. For spectators, both in the stadium and watching broadcasts, well-lit games are more enjoyable and easier to follow. Lighting requirements vary based on the level of play and the specific needs of broadcasting, which can dictate more stringent standards to reduce glare and shadows and enhance the viewing experience.
National LED can be your go-to sports lighting company for field layouts and turnkey installations.
Multi-Directional Ground Play
Soccer is characterized as a multi-directional ground-level sport, where gameplay involves frequent high kicks of the ball. This dynamic movement adds complexity and excitement to the sport, as players must navigate and strategize on the field while the ball moves rapidly through the air.
Soccer fields, or pitches, are designed within specific dimensional ranges to ensure uniformity in gameplay across different venues. The width of these fields generally falls between 59 and 69 meters, while the length varies from 100 to 110 meters. This size range accommodates the strategic and physical demands of the game, providing ample space for players to execute their skills effectively. These dimensions are crucial for maintaining the integrity and fairness of the sport, allowing for consistent application of rules and gameplay dynamics across various competitions and leagues.
Uniformity of Illumination
Ensuring even lighting across the entire field is crucial. Soccer is played over a large area, and uneven lighting can create shadows or bright spots that hinder players’ ability to see the ball and each other clearly.
It’s important to manage glare to prevent both players and spectators from being blinded by lights. This involves carefully positioning lights and using fixtures that minimize light spill outside the intended areas.
In soccer, the ball often moves high in the air and at fast speeds. Lighting must be sufficient to track the ball against various backgrounds, whether it’s the sky during night matches or the stadium structure.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Images: Figure 1 & 2. IES RP-6-15 p. 49
National LED can be your go-to sports lighting company for field layouts and turnkey installations.
