Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the United States and around the world. It's also one of the top sports for participant injuries. Because of this, the National Federation of State High School Associations developed the following guidelines for basketball court safety.
A minimum clearance of three feet is required around the perimeter of the basketball court, however 10 feet is highly recommended. If there is less than three feet of clear space outside any sideline or end line, mark a one-inch broken line on the court, parallel with and three feet inside each sideline and/or end line.
Backboard safety padding is needed to cover corners and edges to protect players in case they make contact with the backboard.
Basketball support structures are essential for basket stability but should be padded to protect athletes during play.
Warning: Be aware of an "extreme caution" warning relative to the misuse of portable backstops. There is a high degree of injury potential–including death–and a severe liability risk when players or spectators hang, sit or stand on the basket rim or backboard. Prevent this by lowering portable units at the end of the game or practice. A warning or inscription is recommended, such as: "Danger–Please do not climb on the rim or backboard."
Gymnasium wall padding is not required, but is highly recommended for any walls or facility features that athletes may come in contact with during play. Follow these safety guidelines when installing gymnasium padding:
Padding should have an interior finish rating of Class A or B. In compliance with Life Safety Code (NFPA 101®), Section 10.2, interior walls in educational occupancies are required to have an interior finish rating of Class A or B.
Where a complete automatic fire sprinkler system is installed, Class C materials may be used in any location where Class B is required, and Class B materials may be used in any location where Class A is required.
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) developed a standard for indoor wall and structure padding. The standard covers the construction design and shock absorption (gmax, HIC and thickness) properties of wall padding used in gymnasiums, wrestling rooms and stadium walls.
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