Sports Hall Line Marking

11 Oleander Avenue Shelly Beach QLD 4551 Information Sheet #56 July 2014 E [email protected] • W www.atfa.com.au

Introduction With timber floors often being the floor of choice for sports halls and with many schools now having such sports facilities, the flooring contractor is often called upon to line mark the floor. Although aspects relating to court dimensions are clearly specified there are no international standards that cover colour scheme for court markings. It is also apparent that many halls require multiple marking for the ability to play a range of sports on the one floor. Although line marking requirements appear somewhat vague as to how each court should be marked out, there are a number of accepted principles often followed when it comes to line marking. This information sheet will provide some court layouts for the more popular sports and also outline some of the principles for line marking sports floors. It is however stressed that what is provided is for guidance and that it is necessary to closely liaise with the facility to ensure that their needs are met. As such it is recommended that the client supplies the required line marking dimensions and colours to the flooring contractor. Principles to be considered • When considering laying out the court it must be considered that there are ‘run off’ areas and although these differ between sports the minimum for each must be maintained. • The line colour of the most frequently used sport is often marked in white, the second most in yellow and this is often followed by blue and red. • White is also often required for competition events. • However, also consider that the faster the ‘ball game’ and the smaller the ‘ball’ the lighter the colour used. Hence, the likes of badminton would take precedence for white lines. • Darker coloured floors often avoid the use of black or dark blue. • A range of colours is necessary with multi-sports floors to avoid confusion. • With multiple markings, they need to be carefully planned so as to avoid overlapping lines. • Care is also necessary with multiple markings so as to avoid lines being too close to each other or coinciding. • A matt finish to line markings is preferred to minimise glare from light fittings. • The details of the mark-up can be drawn on computer to ensure the best marking layout. • Lines need to be masked prior to painting and with a width tolerance ± 2mm. The overall dimension is to be within 0.1%. That is an 18m width has a tolerance of ± 18mm. Colours that are commonly used in multipurpose halls and applicable line widths are provided in the table below. Indoor sport Line colours Line widths Badminton White or yellow 40mm Basketball White or black 50mm Fustal No specific colour 50mm Hockey Light blue 50mm Netball White or red 50mm Tennis Yellow 50mm Volleyball Green 50mm

© Australian Timber Flooring Association Ltd. 2014 1 Details of court marking of more common sports Basketball The following information is from FIBA official Basketball rules 2010 and points to note are:– • The overall dimensions of 28m x 15m are measured from the inside edge of the court boundary lines. • All lines are to be white and 5cm in width. • The runoff area to the perimeter of the court is to be 2m. • Note on the diagrams where measurements are from, the inside edge or outside edge.

Diagrams sourced from FIBA official Basketball rules 2010

2 © Australian Timber Flooring Association Ltd. 2014 Netball

The following information is from the International Netball Federation Official Rules of Netball 2007 (amended 2010 and 2011) as referred to by Netball Australia and points to note are:–

• The overall dimensions of 30.5m x 15.25m are measured to the outside edge of the court boundary lines. • The court is divided into thirds each measuring 10.17m. • All lines are to be 5cm in width and preferably white. • The runoff area or court surround to the perimeter of the court is to be 3.05m.

Badminton

The following information is from the Badminton World Federation Handbook II - Laws of Badminton and GC Regulations 2013 – 2014 as referred to by Badminton Australia and points to note are:– • The overall dimensions of 13.4m x 6.1m are measured to the outside edge of the court boundary lines. • All lines are to be 40mm in width and preferably white or yellow. • The runoff area to the perimeter of the court is to be 2.0m.

© Australian Timber Flooring Association Ltd. 2014 3 Volleyball The following information is from the FIVB Official volleyball rules 2013-2016 as referred to by Volleyball Australia and points to note are:– • The overall dimensions of 18m x 9m are measured to the outside edge of the court boundary lines. • All lines are to be 50mm in width and or a light colour which is different to the floor and any other lines. • The rear edge of the attack line is 3m back from the axis of the centre line • The runoff area or free zone to the perimeter of the court is to be 3m.

Squash The following information is from the World Squash Federation Rules 2014 as referred to by Squash Australia and points to note are:- • All lines are to be 50mm in width and to be a contrast in colour to the surfaces. All wall markings are to be the same colour and all floor markings are to be the same colour. Note that red line markings are common for light coloured floors and walls. • All markings are to be straight to within ± 2mm in 3m. • The maximum variation from the correct position shall not exceed 5mm except at the ‘Tin’ which shall not vary from the correct height by more than 2mm.

Diagrams sourced from World Squash Singles Rules 2014.

4 © Australian Timber Flooring Association Ltd. 2014 Line Marking and Coating Process In Australia, sports floors are often Australian species including the higher density timbers such as Blackbutt, Spotted Gum and Brush Box and also the medium density timbers of Tasmanian Oak and Victorian Ash. Maple is also commonly used. Sports floors are often coated with oil modified urethane or single and two component water based polyurethane with the products specifically designed for sports floors. As such product manufacturer’s advice needs to be followed and it will differ between product types and manufacturers. Due to this it is not possible to be specific about procedures but provided below are aspects that are more general and need to be considered. At times, it will be a new floor that is to be marked and coated, or it may be an existing floor that is to be sanded back to bare timber or thirdly it is a floor that is to be recoated. Note also that there are companies that specialise in providing line marking services.

Often lighter coloured flooring species are used. The floor on the left is Maple and the floor to the right is Blackbutt.

Sanding, Coating and Line Marking Procedures Existing floors prior to sanding

• Any damaged sections of the floor need to be replaced prior to sanding and this will require new flooring to be of similar moisture content to the existing floor. If floors are on joists or battens the replacement boards need to space two joist or batten spacing. • If top nailed all nails should be punched and with filling, water based fillers should be used. • Determine if the client requires any changes that will affect the line marking and that existing line marking is done correctly. • If correct then existing lines can be corner punched or drilled before sanding to act as a guide for reinstating the lines later.

Sanding of new and existing floors

• Follow usual sanding processes. The final appearance depends on an evenness of the sanded surface and for this reason skilled tradespeople using correct procedures with good lighting is needed. • Finish sanding requirements will vary depending on coating products and species but is generally with 100 to120 grit paper and 150 mesh screen. A worn screen between top coats can improve adhesion and minimise grain raise with water based coatings. • The floor, following sanding, must be free from sanding dust and any contaminants as these can contribute to rejection and delamination. Similarly, other surfaces need to be clean, which may as is practical, require walls, seats, window sills and skirtings etc. to be swept and vacuum cleaned.

• Observe temperature and relative humidity requirements for the product. With water based product high temperature and low humidity will shorten drying time and low temperature and high humidity will lengthen drying time. • Application of the finish can be by applicator bar or roller and ensure that a wet edge is maintained during application. • Ensure sufficient ventilation and use safety equipment.

Coating floors sanded to raw timber

• Floors may require a sealer or primed coat to be applied to the raw timber although oil modified urethane can be applied directly to the timber surface except for higher extractable timbers such as Brush Box and Spotted Gum. Note that as Blackbutt has high tannins and is prone to grain raise, a sealer or primed coat is generally used. • The initial primer or sealer coat is to be thoroughly dry prior to further work and whether it is to then be cut back will depend on the system used. • Often line marking is undertaken after the first finish coat is applied (but not always). • Following line marking a further finish coat is applied. Lightly abrade after line marking and between coats as applicable, noting that some line marking paints can be coated over directly, if within certain frames.

Recoating

• Check that the existing surface coating is sound. Any loose or flaking coating needs to be sanded back to remove it, in order to prevent further delamination. • Floors treated with wax, polish or similar cannot be recoated unless chemically stripped. • Floors must be clean and specific cleaning products are available and scrubbers may be used noting that water is to be kept to a minimum. Floors must be allowed to dry before proceeding further. • Cut back the existing coating, for example slow speed 100 grit rotary screen. • Lines may need touching up. Some systems include application of a specific preparation coat prior to line touch-up and finishing coats. Lightly abrade after line marking and between coats as applicable, noting that some line marking paints can be coated over directly, if within certain frames. • Oil modified urethanes should only be used to coat floors previously coated in oil modified urethane. • If there are possible concerns about adhesion intercoat adhesion should be checked prior to recoating by undertaking a test in an area not easily seen. Apply finish coat or coats.

Line Marking Line Marking Paints

With regard to line marking paint some companies providing sports floor coating products also supply their own line marking paint. In other instances other products may be recommended. Note that the use of paints other than those recommended as being compatible, can react with the coating and result in ‘bleeding’ or other reactions. The same paints are also used for painting boarders or zones within a court if applicable. The paints used can be single component water based polyurethanes or gloss sign writing enamels. With either they have high opacity and good flow properties. The polyurethanes are often quick drying in up to 4 hours before they can be overcoated and with enamels a 24 hour drying period is often required. With previously coated floors recommendations are that the adhesion is tested. There are also temperature and humidity considerations with line marking paints.

The following provides general guidance on line marking procedures. • Use a suitable masking tape (e.g. 3M) that minimises bleed beneath the tape and which is easily removed to provide a ‘crisp’ line edge. • Apply the tape to both outer edges of the lines pressing the tape down firmly to minimise possible bleed. This should be tested as necessary. • For circles and arcs a template or compass with specific tape application equipment is used. • The tape is to be cut at all corners and intersections. • Apply paint which may be by brush or narrow roller (often 50mm wide). • The tape is removed prior to paint curing and some recommendations are to remove it directly after having applied the paint.

Other Line Marking Systems

Although paint on lines predominate, in some cases there may be taped lines and with this it generally requires water based polyurethanes coats to be applied over the lines as solvent based can react with the tapes. Some years ago inlayed lines were also used. This is where the lines were routed into the floor and then filled with coloured resin to make the lines. Such an approach is very costly initially but does have savings with refurbishments as the lines are permanent.

Due to the large floor area, multiple machines are at times used as shown in the left hand photo. The photo to the right shows tape application equipment and when connected to a ‘compass rule’ both sides of the lines in an arc or circle can be masked at once.

Risks that need to be managed • Court operators not maintaining log books resulting in the history of the floor being vague. • Poor cleaning practices that can limit the rejuvenation process. • Variable environmental conditions that affect the drying of coating in a large area. • In high humidity locations it is necessary to consider the time of the year that the work will be done. • Ensure the work area is roped off or access is restricted to avoid people walking across the floor before it is dry. • It is necessary to ensure that the tape used to mask the lines does not remove the floor finish • Support from some suppliers can be limited. • Movement at board edges or subfloor movement can promote coating delamination. • Multiple coats can lead to rejection of top coats. • With recoats some existing shoe marks may not be removed with a scrubber or by light sand. • It is necessary to allow maximum drying times before any sport is commenced. • It is necessary to ensure that the client has realistic expectations about what can be achieved.