ASTM F2772
The Sports Flooring Standard
ASTM F2772
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.
The Sports Flooring Standard
Point-Elastic
Inclusive Range
< 3.5 mm
Area-Elastic
Inclusive Range
1.2 mm–5.0 mm
Area-Elastic
Combination
System Range
1.8 mm–5.0 mm
Area-Elastic
Exclusive Range
< 1.8 mm
Point-Elastic
Combination
System Range
< 3.5 mm
Vertical Deformation
Vertical 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.
ASTM F2772 evaluates four key
criteria to determine if a floor is safe and
suitable for sports activities.
Ball Rebound
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.
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.
Ball Rebound
Force Reduction (Shock Absorption)
Class 1
Class 2
Class 3
Class 4
Class 5
10%–21%
22%–33%
34%–45%
46%–57%
58% and above
90%
Force Reduction
Acceptable Range
Less Friction
More Friction
80
110
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.
Why ASTM?
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recognized leader in the development
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Today, some 12,000 ASTM standards
are used around the world. ASTM’s
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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.
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.
The USGBC Membership logo is a trademark owned by the U.S. Green Building
Council and is used with permission.
07/06/15
www.tarkettsportsindoor.com