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HOW TO CHOOSE A PANEL FENCE FOR A SPORTS FIELD? REGULATIONS AND GOOD PRACTICES
2024-01-17
In order for a sports field fence to perform its function properly, it must be properly matched. Important factors include its design, height and robustness. On what basis should panel fencing be selected for a sports field? What conditions should it meet? Here’s the explanation!
PITCH PANEL FENCING – WHAT SHOULD IT BE LIKE?
Fencing a pitch is a necessity for at least several reasons. Firstly, a fence demarcates the pitch area and helps to restrict unauthorised entry. In addition, it helps to ensure safety, both for those using the sports venue and those in its vicinity, as well as for property.
It is true that the legislation does not mandate the fencing of a sports field, but the owner or operator can be held liable if there is an accident due to insufficient attention to safety issues. This is why panel fences are a standard feature of most sports fields. How should such a fence look like? Below we highlight the regulations in force in this respect, as well as good practices.
PITCH PANEL FENCING – HEIGHT
One of the most important features of a pitch fence is its height. It should be high enough to reduce the risk of a ball or other sports equipment falling outside its area. How high should be the fence panels installed? There are no specific regulations in this regard. It all depends on the type of venue and how it is used. However, the most common pitch panel fences are between 1 and even 4 m high. The right height helps avoid damage to property outside the pitch, as well as harm to bystanders, which is why it is so important!
PITCH PANEL FENCING – DURABILITY AND ROBUSTNESS OF CONSTRUCTION
Panel fences for pitches also need to be much more robust than “ordinary” fences, which, for example, merely mark the boundaries of a property. Their resistance not only to weathering but also to mechanical damage is of great importance. They are often subjected to very strong impacts as the balls sometimes accelerate to very high speeds. Panel fencing for pitches must therefore be made of robust materials, such as steel. Fence posts and profiles are also protected against corrosion, e.g. by galvanising or paint coating their surface. As a result, they remain durable for a long time despite constant exposure to high and low temperatures, precipitation and UV radiation.
PITCH PANEL FENCES COMBINED WITH BARRIER NETTING
Often, panel fences are not the only way used to secure a pitch. A popular solution is to combine them with a barrier netting, which is a flexible plastic net designed to keep balls out of the pitch. In this case, a slightly lower metal fence and a higher barrier netting can be used. The fence panels then primarily outline the pitch area and protect against trespassers. This combination is advantageous for several reasons. The barrier netting is flexible, so balls hitting it do not generate noise. It is also highly durable and additionally helps to protect the panel fencing from mechanical damage.
PITCH PANEL FENCING – IS PLANNING PERMISSION REQUIRED?
It is important to note that certain formalities may have to be fulfilled when constructing pitch panel fencing. It is usually necessary to notify the administration bodies. This is legally required whenever a fence:
• is more than 2.2 m in height from ground level,
• is located directly on a municipal or district road,
• is located in an area listed on the Register of Historic Buildings.
The notification must be submitted to the district authority or the office of the city with district rights at least 21 days before the construction work begins. If the authority does not object after this time, the work can be commenced. The notification is valid for 3 years. The internal rules of the sports venue may also apply.
PITCH PANEL FENCING – SUMMARY
Pitch panel fencing increases the safety of people and property and reduces the risk of damage. That is why it is so important. It should be robust and sufficiently high, and made to withstand mechanical damage and weathering. It is best to install robust fencing panels around the pitches specifically designed for this purpose. You will find them in a wide selection and at attractive prices at Sport-Transfer! We also supply barrier netting, which can further improve the safety and comfort of pitches. Be sure to check it out!