A new ASTM International standard provides instructions for developing the chain-link fence design, layout and installation for a wide variety of sports and recreational facilities and other applications. The standard, F 2631, Practice for Installation of Chain-Link Fence for Outdoor Sports Fields, Sports Courts and Other Recreation Facilities, was developed by Subcommittee F14.10 on Specific Applications, a part of ASTM International Committee F14 on Fences.
According to Dr. Arthur Mittelstaedt, executive director, Recreation Safety Institute, and a longtime Committee F14 member, the impetus for the development of F 2631 came when several task groups working on fence designs for various applications merged.
“The task group merger created a unique standard that can be expanded upon by the different sport or recreation interests and provides the format for adding or otherwise modifying a broad area in which fencing is needed and now consolidates an array of opinions and recommendations,” says Mittelstaedt.
The new standard addresses fence use and installation requirements for a variety of sports, including soccer, football, field hockey and lacrosse. For each sport, the standard addresses fence location, incorporating safety distances from the fence or other barriers to playing and out-of-bounds lines.
In addition to sports, F 2631 covers fencing for waterfront zones, including marina floats, launching ramps, docks, piers, swimming floats and beaches. “Requirements in these areas are to safeguard young children from the hazards of the water as well as to provide for the safety and security of the venues from unauthorized and unprotected intrusion,” says Mittelstaedt.
Participation is welcome in the standards developing activities of Committee F14. Mittelstaedt notes that task groups for above and in-ground skate parks and water spray play areas are under way. In addition, a proposed standard covering the non-residential pools and spaces found in municipal settings, country clubs, private resorts, campgrounds and fitness centers is being developed.
For further technical information, contact Dr. Arthur H. Mittelstaedt, Recreation Safety Institute, Ronkonkoma, N.Y. (phone: 516/883-6399). Committee F14 meets Feb. 4 in Las Vegas, Nev. For membership or meeting information, contact Thomas O’Toole, Technical Committee Operations, ASTM International (phone: 610/832-9739; totoole@astm.org).
Release #7864