ASTM F2772The Sports Flooring Standard

ASTM F2772The Sports Flooring Standard

In areas designated for sports, flooring should be optimized for physical activity. ASTM F2772 measures four key factors regarding safety and suitability for sports activities: force reduction, surface finish effect, ball rebound, and vertical deformation. Each parameter provides valuable information for selecting a sports flooring system.

80

Less Friction More Friction

Acceptable Range

110

Force Reduction (Shock Absorption)Force reduction evaluates a surface’s ability to reduce impact force. This predominantly relates to impacts generated by lower extremities, such as an athlete running. Force reduction is tested according to ASTM F2569 and indicates the degree of attenuation provided by the surface in response to certain movements. ASTM F2772 separates degrees of force reduction into five classes to assist in determining the appropriate level for specific sports or other activities. ASTM F2772 also establishes a minimum value of 10% force reduction for any floor space designed for indoor athletics or physical recreation. Surface Finish Effect (Friction)

Surface finish effect describes a surface’s response to a sliding foot, typically under dry conditions. It is tested according to ASTM E303 and accounts for two parameters: performance level (testing must achieve a value between 80 - 110) and uniformity level (individual tests cannot vary more than 4 points from the average value); the testing apparatus used for ASTM F2772 is reliable, repeatable, and portable (in the event field testing is desired). With indoor athletic activities, it is important to note that the optimal degree of friction varies. Some surfaces designed for competitive sports, such as sprinting, require more resistance to sliding than other sports, such as basketball. The value acquired in testing can be compared to historically acceptable levels of friction for indoor athletics such as basketball and volleyball.

Vertical DeformationVertical deformation values indicate the ability of the surface to deform under load. High deformation can affect the safety of the athlete, causing instability of the foot, while low deformation may cause injuries as a result of immediate impact force. The testing and parameters of acceptable results are specific for each type of flooring system (area elastic, point elastic, and combi-elastic). Vertical deformation is tested according to ASTM F2157 and accounts for two parameters per system type:

Performance level: For point elastic/synthetic flooring, values should be < 0.138˝ (3.5 mm). Area-elastic/wood flooring is classified into either an inclusive or exclusive range. The inclusive Class A represents values between 0.071˝-0.197˝ (1.8 mm–5.0 mm), and exclusive Class B represents values < 0.071˝ (< 1.8 mm). For combination systems (wood/synthetic), inclusive values are 0.071˝–0.197˝ (1.8 mm–5.0 mm) for wood and > 0.020 or < 0.079 (> 0.5 mm or < 2.0 mm) for the synthetic surface.

Uniformity level (for all system types): Mean absolute deviation of individual tests should not exceed 0.03˝ (0.7 mm) relative to the average of all test point values.

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Before ASTM F2772, sports floors were manufactured to meet the standards of European or German committees. These standards were focused on the sporting activities popular in Europe. ASTM F2772 is appropriate for the needs of North American sports. This makes it the most relevant standard to use in North America.

Area-ElasticExclusive Range

< 1.8 mm

Area-ElasticCombination

System Range1.8 mm–5.0 mm

Point-ElasticCombination

System Range< 3.5 mm

Area-ElasticInclusive Range1.2 mm–5.0 mm

Point-ElasticInclusive Range

< 3.5 mm

ASTM F2772 evaluates four key criteria to determine if a floor is safe and suitable for sports activities.

Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Class 4 Class 5

Ball

Rebo

und

Force Reduction

10%–21%

90%

22%–33% 34%–45% 46%–57% 58% and above

Ball Rebound Ball rebound (also called ball bounce) is a mechanical property that determines a surface’s suitability for basketball. It is tested according to ASTM F2117 and accounts for two parameters: performance level (average performance of test points must reach a minimum of 90%) and uniformity level (test point deviation cannot exceed 3% of the average of all tests). Ball rebound is based on the responsiveness of a ball and its interaction with the surface. It is calculated by comparing the ball’s rebound height on the sports surface to the rebound height of the same ball on concrete. The result is expressed as a percentage. The uniformity requirement ensures consistent ball bounce throughout the flooring system. This particular testing methodology is specific to basketballs, but may offer useful information for other inflated balls that come into contact with the flooring’s surface as well.

Tarkett Sports is a division of the Tarkett Group, which was established in 1886. The Tarkett Group has now reached over $2.5 billion in annual sales and is a global leader in commercial, residential, and sports flooring. Tarkett Sports surfacing solutions include hardwood and synthetic basketball courts, volleyball courts, multipurpose gymnasium floors, weight room flooring, running tracks, and its world-renowned FieldTurf artificial turf.

For more information on ASTM F2772 and athletic flooring in general, visit www.tarkettsportsindoor.com or call 888-364-6541.

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07/06/15

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