This content is accessible to paid subscribers. To view it please enter your password below or send mike@standardsmichigan.com a request for subscription details.
Student Membership | @ASTMStudentFans
Sport is the bloom and glow of a perfect health.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson
Sport programs, facilities and equipment support one of the most visible and emotionally engaging enterprises in the education communities. These programs are central to the brand identity of the community and last, but not least, physical activity keeps our young people healthy in body and mind.
ASTM International is one of the first names among the 300-odd ANSI accredited standards setting organizations whose due processes discover and promulgate the standard of care for the design, construction, operations and maintenance of the facilities that support these enterprises. The parent committee is linked below:
ASTM Committee F08 on Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
To join the meeting today contact Joe Koury, Staff Manager for Committee F08, jkoury@astm.org
While ASTM bibliography is largely product-oriented, there are many titles that set the standard of care for sport enterprises and the accessories to these enterprises. To identify a few:
ASTM F1774 Standard Specification for Climbing and Mountaineering Carabiners
ASTM F2060-00(2011) Standard Guide for Maintaining Cool Season Turfgrasses on Athletic Fields
ASTM F1703-13 Standard Guide for Skating and Ice Hockey Playing Facilities
ASTM F1953-10 Standard Guide for Construction and Maintenance of Grass Tennis Courts
ASTM F1081-09(2015) Standard Specification for Competition Wrestling Mats
ASTM F2950-14 Standard Safety and Performance Specification for Soccer Goals
When the General Requirements of an athletic facility construction project indicates: “Conform to all applicable standards” then, in the case of an sport facility, the ASTM title is likely the document that defines the standard of care from a product standpoint. Interoperability of the products in a sport setting are quite another matter.
At the international level, we track action in ISO/TC 83 Sports and other recreational facilities and equipment administered globally by the Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V. ASTM International is ANSI’s Technical Advisory Group for this committee.
The ASTM standards development process depends heavily on face-to-face meetings — typically two times per year – in different parts of the United States. The benefit of this arrangement lies in the quality of discussion among subject matter experts that results produced from face-to-face discussion. The price to pay for this quality, however, lies in the cost of attendance for the user-interest in the education industry. Relatively few subject matter experts directly employed by a school district, college or university who are charged with lowering #TotalCostofOwnership can attend the meetings. Many of the subject matter experts who are in attendance at the ASTM meetings from the education industry tend to be faculty who are retained by manufacturers, insurance, testing laboratories, conformity and compliance interests. (See our discussion of Incumbent Interests)
That much said, ASTM welcomes subject matter experts on its technical committees (Click here) We encourage participation by end users from the education industry — many of them in the middle of athletic facility management organization charts. The parent committee meets twice a year; after which we usually find public review redlines developed during those meetings to hit our radar. The link to the schedule of face-to-face meetings appears below:
Note that the August 2020 cancelled but the November 2020 meeting still appears on the schedule. It is likely that much of the committee work will be done online.



We are required to review draft ASTM consensus products with some care — owing to copyright restrictions — so we do it interactively online during teleconferences devoted to Sport. See our CALENDAR for the next online meeting; open to everyone.
Issue: [7-7] [10-32] [13-165] [20-156]
Category: Sport, Management, Risk Management
Contact: Mike Anthony, Jack Janveja, George Reiher, Richard Robben
Harvard upgrades stadium field | ASTM develops turf safety standards http://t.co/pObQduSg0Khttp://t.co/wRoCPDeVbZ pic.twitter.com/7gLp9tO3B1
— Standards Michigan (@StandardsMich) April 22, 2015
A novel smart energy management system in sports stadiums
Shady S. Refaat, et al
Texas A&M University at Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
Professional and collegiate sport venues consume huge electrical energy. Therefore, a smart management of their electric energy is essential for significant energy saving. Accordingly, this paper proposes a novel embedded real-time, smart, and active energy management system to monitor and efficiently manage such huge and typically uncontrolled energy for minimizing energy consumption and cost per day while considering spectators preferences, comfort level in behavioral modification program, and health aspects. This will provide an opportunity for spectators to reduce energy consumption and improve energy efficiency while considering healthcare concept. In addition, the proposed energy management system is equipped with embedded tools to collect and monitor energy information for each stadium’s area. The data are processed and fed to the artificial neural network algorithm that is used for managing and controlling stadium loads. This strategy does not require any change in the conventional stadium electrical panel. The proposed online algorithm yields to improve the overall grid efficiency, reliability, and increase awareness of the importance of energy conservation. Real-Time implementation of the concept is demonstrated and analyzed.
COMPLETE MONOGRAPH: 2024 GROUP A PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE I-CODES
Play is the making of civilization—how one plays the game
more to the point than whether the game is won or lost.
The purpose of this standard is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability and safety to life and property relative to the construction, alteration, repair, operation and maintenance of new and existing temporary and permanent bench bleacher, folding and telescopic seating and grandstands. This standard is intended for adoption by government agencies and organizations setting model codes to achieve uniformity in technical design criteria in building codes and other regulations.
FREE ACCESS: Standard on Bleachers, Folding and Telescopic Seating, and Grandstands
We are tracking the changes in the transcripts linked below:
ICC 300-2020 edition Public Input Agenda – January 2022
ICC 300-2017 edition Public Comment Draft – October 2017
Consensus Committee on Bleacher Safety (IS-BLE)
This title is on the standing agenda of our Sport, Olahraga (Indonesian), رياضة (Arabic), colloquia. You are welcomed to join us any day at with the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.
2024/2025/2026 ICC CODE DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE
Virtual reality technology in evacuation simulation of sport stadiums
Code of Practice for Emergency Sound Systems at Sports Venues








Posted December 6, 2019
At the April International Code Council Group A Hearings there were three candidate code changes related to the safety standard of care for athletic venues:
E104-18 (§ 1017 regarding exit travel distances) | PDF Page 218 of the Complete Monograph
F9-18 (§ 304 regarding spaces under bleachers) | PDF Page 1021 of the Complete Monograph
F135-18 (§ 907 regarding communication systems for open air bleachers) | PDF Page 1296 of the Complete Monograph
These concepts will likely be coordinated with another ICC regulatory product — ICC 300 – Standard on Bleachers, Folding and Telescopic Seating, and Grandstands — covered here previously. ICC 300 is a separate document but some of the safety concepts track through both.
The ICC Public Comment Hearings on Group A comments in Richmond Virginia ended a few days ago (CLICK HERE). The balloting is being processed by the appropriate committee and will be released soon. For the moment, we are happy to walk through the proposed changes – that will become part of the 2021 International Building Code — any day at 11 AM Eastern time. We will walk through all athletic and recreation enterprise codes and standards on Friday, November 2nd, 11 AM Eastern time. For access to either teleconference, click on the LIVE Link at the upper right corner of our home page.
Category: Athletics & Recreation, Architectural, Public Safety
Contact: Mike Anthony, Richard Robben, Jack Janveja
LEARN MORE:
BREAKING NEWS: Woman spotted at the game has been voted by netizens as one of the most beautiful women in the world.
"I've never seen a woman as beautiful as her," one netizen shared. pic.twitter.com/sA1j8Ju3a7
— 🎼🌺Music Love♥️ (@ThoNg676733) June 7, 2026
Posted October 19, 2017
The International Code Council has launched a new revision cycle for its consensus document — ICC 300 – Standard on Bleachers, Folding and Telescopic Seating, and Grandstands. The purpose of the effort is the development of appropriate, reasonable, and enforceable model health and safety provisions for new and existing installations of all types of bleachers and bleacher-type seating, including fixed and folding bleachers for indoor, outdoor, temporary, and permanent installations. Such provisions would serve as a model for adoption and use by enforcement agencies at all levels of government in the interest of national uniformity.
Comments are due December 4th. The document is free. You may obtain an electronic copy from: https://www.iccsafe.org/codes-techsupport/standards/is-ble/. Comments may be sent to Edward Wirtschoreck, (888) 422-7233, ewirtschoreck@iccsafe with copy to psa@ansi.org)
* With some authority, we can claim that without Standards Michigan, many education industry trade associations would not be as involved in asserting the interest of facility managers in global consensus standards development processes. See ABOUT.
International Building Code (IBC): Widely used in the United States and other regions, the IBC sets minimum requirements for structural design, materials, and maintenance to ensure safety and performance. It references standards like ASCE 7 (Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures) for load calculations (e.g., wind, seismic, snow).Maintenance provisions require regular inspections and repairs to address issues like cracking or deterioration.
ACI 318 (Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete): Published by the American Concrete Institute this standard governs the design and construction of concrete structures.Includes requirements to control cracking (e.g., reinforcement detailing, concrete mix design) and ensure durability under environmental exposure.Maintenance guidelines recommend periodic inspections for cracks, spalling, or reinforcement corrosion.
AISC 360 (Specification for Structural Steel Buildings): Published by the American Institute of Steel Construction, this standard covers the design, fabrication, and erection of steel structures. Addresses fatigue, connection design, and corrosion protection to prevent structural failure. Maintenance involves inspecting for issues like weld imperfections or coating degradation.
IEEE: Structural Health Monitoring system based on strain gauge enabled wireless sensor nodes
“In swimming, there are no referees, no foul lines,
no time-outs, and no substitutions.
It’s just you and the water.” – Unknown










There are several specific problems that swimming pool overhead lighting aims to solve:
Overall, swimming pool overhead lighting is an important component of a safe, functional, and visually appealing pool. It provides illumination for visibility, enhances aesthetics, and improves functionality, while also being energy-efficient and durable.
After athletic arena life safety obligations are met (governed legally by NFPA 70, NFPA 101, NFPA 110, the International Building Code and possibly other state adaptations of those consensus documents incorporated by reference into public safety law) business objective standards may come into play. For almost all athletic facilities, the consensus documents of the Illumination Engineering Society[1], the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers[2][3] provide the first principles for life safety. For business purposes, the documents distributed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association inform the standard of care for individual athletic arenas so that swiftly moving media production companies have some consistency in power sources and illumination as they move from site to site. Sometimes concepts to meet both life safety and business objectives merge.
During water sport season the document linked below provides information to illumination designers and facility managers:
Athletic programs are a significant source of revenue and form a large part of the foundation of the brand identity of most educational institutions in the United States. We focus primarily upon the technology standards that govern the safety, performance and sustainability of these enterprises. We collaborate very closely with the IEEE Education & Healthcare Facilities Committee where subject matter experts in electrical power systems meet 4 times each month in the Americas and Europe.
See our CALENDAR for our next colloquium on Sport facility codes and standards. We typically walk through the safety and sustainability concepts in play; identify commenting opportunities; and find user-interest “champions” on the technical committees who have a similar goal in lowering #TotalCostofOwnership.
Issue: [15-138]*
Category: Electrical, Architectural, Arts & Entertainment Facilities, Athletics
Colleagues: Mike Anthony, Jim Harvey, Jack Janveja, Jose Meijer, Scott Gibbs
More
File: April 15, 2023
The steeplechase event requires a combination of speed, endurance, and jumping ability, as athletes must clear the barriers while maintaining their pace and negotiating the water jump. The rules and specifications for the steeplechase event are set by the International Association of Athletics Federations the governing body for the sport of athletics (track and field) worldwide; with minor adaptations by the NCAA for intercollegiate competition.
The steeplechase is a distance race with barriers and a water pit that athletes must clear during the race. According to the NCAA Track and Field and Cross Country rulebook, the standards for the steeplechase water jump are as follows:
These standards may be subject to change and may vary depending on the specific NCAA division (Division I, Division II, or Division III) and other factors such as venue requirements. Therefore, it’s always best to refer to the official NCAA rules and regulations for the most up-to-date and accurate information on the steeplechase water jump standards in NCAA competitions.
ASTM F 2157-09 (2018) Standard Specification for Synthetic Surfaced Running Tracks
This specification establishes the minimum performance requirements and classification when tested in accordance with the procedures outlined within this specification. All documents referencing this specification must include classification required.
ASTM F 2569-11 Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Force Reduction Properties of Surfaces for Athletic Use
This test method covers the quantitative measurement and normalization of impact forces generated through a mechanical impact test on an athletic surface. The impact forces simulated in this test method are intended to represent those produced by lower extremities of an athlete during landing events on sport or athletic surfaces.
ASTM F 2949-12 Standard Specification for Pole Vault Box Collars
This specification covers minimum requirements of size, physical characteristics of materials, standard testing procedures, labeling and identification of pole vault box collars.
ASTM F 1162/F1162M-18 Standard Specification for Pole Vault Landing Systems
This specification covers minimum requirements of size, physical characteristics of materials, standard testing procedures, labeling and identification of pole vault landing systems.
ASTM F 2270-12 (2018) Standard Guide for Construction and Maintenance of Warning Track Areas on Sports Fields
This guide covers techniques that are appropriate for the construction and maintenance of warning track areas on sports fields. This guide provides guidance for the selection of materials, such as soil and sand for use in constructing or reconditioning warning track areas and for selection of management practices that will maintain a safe and functioning warning track.
ASTM F 2650-17e1 Standard Terminology Relating to Impact Testing of Sports Surfaces and Equipment
This terminology covers terms related to impact test methods and impact attenuation specifications of sports equipment and surfaces.
This content is accessible to paid subscribers. To view it please enter your password below or send mike@standardsmichigan.com a request for subscription details.
Trump did a 3 minute comedy set with Team USA after they won the gold medal.
“I’ve got to tell you I have to also invite the women’s team as well…or I’d be impeached”
— Jack Mac (@JackMac) February 23, 2026
“I want to thank our troops for allowing us to play this game.”
This means more than most folks realize.
Perspective. Appreciation. Patriotism. That’s all our troops ask for. Means everything.
Thank you @usahockey 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/rP41pGlQOC
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) February 22, 2026
Michigan Man Jack Hughes wins it for USA Hockey 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/yq0mTHtewm
— Blue By 90 (@bluebyninety) February 22, 2026
Ellen Hughes, birthed two Olympic heroes and was a consultant on the women’s team that won gold.
She’s lady liberty. pic.twitter.com/hiKOMBWEYv
— Flappr (@flapprdotnet) February 22, 2026
Jack Hughes’ social media post after scoring the game-winning goal in the gold medal game 🇺🇸🇺🇸
What a day for American sports fans 🙌
(via jackhughes/IG) pic.twitter.com/2bljbGhk5G
— ESPN (@espn) February 22, 2026
The beaming face of a woman who just found a man in the Olympic Village pic.twitter.com/aaODuXEwHI
— TastefulLindy (@LindyTasteful) February 16, 2026
The Spectator: Americans are erasing European culture
(And Many Americans Are Also Unhappy About It)
USA USA USA! 🇺🇸🥌 #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/c0nDoYehBq
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 14, 2026
JUST IN: Team USA’s Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin defeat Italy, the reigning Olympic gold medalists from 2022, to advance to the gold medal game.
The curling duo will face Sweden tomorrow.
So intense. pic.twitter.com/No3YLh0SLv
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) February 9, 2026
Olympics start tomorrow – 4 Yoopers represented
🇺🇸Nick Baumgartner, Iron River, snowboarding
🇺🇸Abby Roque, Sault St Marie, hockey
🇺🇸Deedra Irwin, Michigan Tech, biathalon
🇮🇹Alex Petan, Michigan Tech, hockey pic.twitter.com/xVyf2fquVw— Rust Belt Kid (@rustbeltkid1) February 5, 2026
We begin by celebrating Italian beauty and harmony. 🤝
The stadium has been transformed into a living museum with the myth of Cupid and Psyche brought to life for the world to see. 💘#MilanoCortina2026 | #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/FGj8ih8yfz
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) February 6, 2026
Racing the clock… and maybe towards something more. ❤️😉
As Sophia Kirkby heads into #MilanoCortina2026, she’s targeting the podium and a little romance along the way.#WinterOlympics | #Luge | @milanocortina26 pic.twitter.com/737oW5PtTM
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) February 6, 2026
New update alert! The 2022 update to the Trademark Assignment Dataset is now available online. Find 1.29 million trademark assignments, involving 2.28 million unique trademark properties issued by the USPTO between March 1952 and January 2023: https://t.co/njrDAbSpwB pic.twitter.com/GkAXrHoQ9T
— USPTO (@uspto) July 13, 2023
Standards Michigan Group, LLC
455 East Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 300
Ann Arbor, MI 48108 USA
888-748-3670