Guidance on floodlights for hockey pitches is provided by the sport’s international governing body, the FIH, and updated every few years. These standards therefore not only cover lighting requirements for hockey floodlights in the UK but also for the sport globally.
Having floodlights which meet the correct standards is important as it helps to ensure the safety of those using the pitch, can provide a better viewing experience for the game and is more considerate of the environment and local community.
The following table provides details about the minimum hockey floodlights requirements for non-televised outdoor hockey as set out by the FIH:
|
Governing Body |
Category |
Eave |
Emin/Eave |
|
FIH |
Class I |
350 lux |
0.7 |
|
Class II |
500 lux |
0.7 |
|
|
Development & Community Level Training |
200 lux |
0.6 |
In addition to the standards set by the FIH, European standard BS EN 12193:2018 also presents recommendations and requirements for sports lighting. For hockey, it specifies floodlight values for three categories as below:
|
Standard |
Category |
Eave |
Emin/Eave |
|
BS EN 12193:2018 |
I |
500 lux |
0.7 |
|
II |
300 lux |
0.7 |
|
|
III |
200 lux |
0.7 |
For televised hockey, the FIH provides standards for broadcast quality outdoor fixtures as follows:
|
Governing Body |
Category |
Eave |
Emin/Eave |
|
FIH |
TV1 |
2000 lux |
0.7 |
|
TV2 |
1650 lux |
0.7 |
|
|
TV3 |
1000 lux |
0.7 |
(The tables above provide only some of the key values set out in the standards. For more detailed information, the complete guidance documents from the FIH are available below in the Useful Links section.)
What do these terms mean?
Lux – the measurement of light calculated as a unit of illuminance lumens per square metre so 1 lux = 1 lumen/m2
Eave – average horizontal illuminance
Emin/Eave – calculation of illuminance uniformity
Safe and correctly-performing floodlights are not just down to product selection though. The design, planning, installation and maintenance of the lighting system play a big part. Our team of electrical experts have worked on thousands of hockey lighting projects and are available to answer any queries you may have about floodlights and to support you through each stage of your sports lighting project.
If you would like to discuss the floodlight requirements for your hockey pitch with one of our experienced team members, please contact us.
To find out more about how floodlights can bring added benefits to a facility, click here to read a case study about Ben Rhydding Hockey Club.
Useful Links
FIH Facilities Design Guidance – Sports lighting for non-televised outdoor hockey
FIH Facilities Design Guidance – Sports lighting for broadcasting 11 a-side hockey, outdoors
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page has been collated from the sources provided above in Useful Links.
This information may be subject to change at any time by the governing bodies and standards agencies.
