The purpose of the fencing around a ball-game arena determines the safety requirements that apply to it. Does the fence enclose the playing area, or does it simply stop stray balls?
A surround encloses the playing area
A multi-sports surround is a structure similar to the boards around an ice hockey rink. It encloses the playing area and restricts the movement of players. Players may run into it, and the ball may rebound off it and back into play.
The surround must therefore withstand collisions, repeated ball impacts and forceful kicks. The risk of finger entrapment and the potential for climbing the structure must also be considered.
Tests under EN 15312 assess, among other things, the impact resistance of wall elements. Ordinary lightweight metal mesh fences do not pass these tests: repeated impacts and vibration can loosen fixings and bend the elements.
A ball stop screen stops stray balls
A ball stop screen prevents balls from travelling into, for example, an adjacent path or playground. The sports played, the users and the surrounding environment are taken into account when choosing its height. Of course, it is impossible to prevent every ball from escaping, but a screen can still reduce the risk to passers-by and stop most reasonably foreseeable stray balls.
A separate ball stop screen is not subject to the same strength requirements as a surround. However, if a rigid ball stop screen forms part of the surround and extends above it, it must meet the surround’s strength requirements up to a height of 1.5 metres.
Location makes the difference
Space must be left between the ball stop screen and the playing area; approximately 1–1.5 metres is usually sufficient. This helps prevent players running in the playing area from colliding with the mesh and injuring their fingers.
If a fence is directly at the edge of the playing area, it is a surround – regardless of the name under which it is sold.