TS7 - Indoor Cricket Facilities Design Guidelines

Indoor Cricket Facilities:
Design Guidelines
[TS7]

ecb.co.uk

. Contents

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Site location and external layout
3.0 Arena design
4.0 Sports courts
5.0 Building services engineering
6.0 References and bibliography
Appendix A show court
Appendix B arena configurations
Appendix C line markings

ECB_TS[7]_Version 1 © 2011 ECB
Page 3

01. Introduction

Indoor Cricket

Indoor Cricket is a fast-paced form of the game. Teams of Indoor Cricket can be played as a social game between
either six or eight players can play competitively throughout friends through to highly competitive local and national
the year. The intensity of the game generates an exciting leagues and at international level. The World Indoor Cricket
environment with no threat of rain delays. Federation organises a World Cup which takes place every
two years.
The game is played within a rectangular court enclosed
on all sides and above by tensioned netting. Playing and For the purpose of this guide the tensioned nets where the
fielding the ball off the surrounding nets is an integral part game is played will be referred to as the ‘court’. The space
of the game which means the ball is always live, the game accommodating one or more courts and any other sports
continuous and action-packed. will be described as the ‘sports courts’. The term ‘Arena’
will refer to all facilities that support the playing of Indoor
Indoor Cricket forms part of a multi-sport experience where Cricket, whether other sports and associated facilities are
players of all abilities can enjoy competitive and social team provided in addition to the courts or not.
sport. Games can be played with mixed gender and mixed
age teams and with year-round play is great for off-season
practice, young player development, social leagues and
corporate events. Each player bats, bowls and fields so is
involved in all aspects of the game.

ECB – Indoor Cricket Facilities – Design Guidelines – TS7
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01.

Role of the ECB Is this guidance relevant to you?

The game of Indoor Cricket has been incorporated This document is one of a series of technical guidance notes
into the global cricket family. In England and Wales the produced by the ECB. In contrast to the other technical
administration and governance of the game has, since specifications, which detail aspects of the conventional
2010, been integrated into the England and Wales Cricket form of the game, this document addresses the issues
Board (ECB) in the form of ECB Indoor Cricket (ECBIC). affecting the development of Indoor Cricket facilities by
the commercial sports sector. This document supports the
Indoor Cricket forms a part of the ECB’s wider goals for development of new high quality facilities, and raising the
the development of the game of cricket, as set out in the standards of existing Arenas.
Strategic Plan 2010-2013 Grounds to Play, which states
that “Indoor Cricket facilities will be sought to provide an This document is concerned with the design of Indoor
expansion of the Indoor Cricket programme”. Cricket facilities. The guidance provides practical advice
to operators and designers developing commercial Arenas
It is the ECB’s stated aim that equality should be at the core where Indoor Cricket forms part of the portfolio of activities
of the game’s expansion with the sport being delivered in on offer. Though it cannot be thought of as a blueprint,
a socially inclusive environment. Indoor Cricket presents because no two projects will be the same, consideration
an opportunity to provide further impetus to cricket’s and resolution of the outlined issues could increase the
broad cultural mix, increasing the number of women and chances of a project having a successful outcome.
girl players and encouraging the participation of disabled
players. The aspects of developing an Indoor Cricket facility
addressed in this guidance include:
In the context of Indoor Cricket, the needs of the widest
range of players and spectators must be met not only – Site location and external layout
through the design of Arenas but also through their – Arena design
operation and the delivery of the sport in a socially inclusive – Sports courts
environment. – Building services engineering

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01.

This should be read in conjunction with the associated
document [TS7] Indoor Cricket Facilities: A Quick Guide
to Getting the Business Started which describes the
likely considerations for an Arena to be a financially viable
proposition.

Suppliers and installers should refer to the Performance
and Construction Standards for Tensioned Nets to be
used for the game of Eight-a-Side Indoor Cricket and
Performance and Construction Standards for Synthetic
Sports Surfaces to be used for the game of Eight-a-Side
Indoor Cricket which have been developed to accompany
these documents.

Where an existing sports complex is expanded to include
Indoor Cricket courts many of the issues covered in this
document will already have been addressed and associated
facilities already provided. Where a new Arena is developed
and other sports facilities are provided in addition to the
Indoor Cricket courts then guidance documents from the
relevant national governing bodies and Sport England must
be consulted.

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01.

Who was involved in preparing this document

Bruce Cruse – Ridge and Partners LLP
ECB National Funding and Facilities Manager
Cost consultants who have developed a good
Develops and administers grass roots designs and understanding of the specific costs required for an Indoor
programmes within ECB’s remit and its capital expenditure. Cricket facility.

gcp Chartered Architects Labosport Ltd

Architects with experience in the design of Indoor Cricket Independent test laboratory specialising in the testing
facilities and a wider range of sports facilities in the of sports surfaces. Member of British and European
commercial, public and voluntary sectors. Standardisation Committees responsible for standards
for sports surfaces.
Hulley & Kirkwood
This document has also been circulated for comment
Specialise in the design of mechanical and electrical to Sport England, The Football Association and
services systems in all types of sports and leisure facilities. England Netball.

Halcrow Yolles

Structural Engineering and CDM Co-ordination Consultants,
experienced in all types of building structures with specific
experience in designing sports and leisure facilities.

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02. Site location and external layout

Location, location, location

Where possible any new Arena should be located in
a prominent and easily accessible place in order to
best attract a variety of potential users and encourage
participation.

There will be many factors that influence the eventual
location, but when looking for a suitable site to build on, or
an existing property to convert, the selection process should
include the following considerations:

– proximity to target market and local catchment areas
– visibility to potential users
– ease of access by public transport, cyclists and
pedestrians
– ease of access for motorists, and sufficient parking
provision
– sufficient space for the facilities, and particularly in the
case of new buildings the scope for future expansion

For further information see Sport England guidance Active
Design, available on the Sport England website.

Ideally the building should be clearly visible from the main
road with prominent signage including the Arena name and
facilities provided. Clear communication of the activities
on offer will promote and encourage use. Signage from
surrounding access routes will form part of the ECBIC Well signposted approach to the Arena
affiliation requirements.

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02.

Access and parking

Access to the site should be obvious and easy for all users,
whether approaching on foot, by bicycle or by car, with a
well signposted access route and a clearly identifiable
main entrance.

The type of patrons must be considered from the outset,
and will include some or all of the following user groups:
employees; regular players; casual visitors; organised
or school groups; spectators; services and emergency
vehicles.

The external layout is about more than the functional
accommodation of vehicles in the car park. Its visual impact
and effect on users should also be considered. A well-
designed external environment providing safe, secure well-lit
parking and footpaths, which minimise any conflict between
vehicles and pedestrian routes, will enhance the overall Prominent signage and identifiable entrance
appearance and appeal of the building. A well-lit approach
from public transport routes and the car park will make the
Arena a more appealing destination, particularly for women.

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02.

Provision should be made for: Proposals should be discussed with the local authority
highway officer and in some instances a travel plan to limit
– sufficient parking bays to suit the building occupancy the volume of car journeys will need to be prepared as part
– disabled parking bays that comply with the minimum of the planning application.
standards for disabled users and have unhindered
access to the entrance Refer to Sport England guidance notes Car Park and
– drop-off point close to the entrance with, where Landscape Design and Accessible Sports Facilities for
possible, a covered assembly area for teams or groups further information and Building Regulations Approved
– secure covered bicycle storage and locking facilities Document M and British Standard BS8300:2009 to satisfy
close to the main entrance, ideally visible from reception disabled parking and access requirements.
– access for service and emergency vehicles with
adequate turning provision
– coach or mini-bus drop-off and separate parking if
required

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03. Arena design

Arena layout

Careful planning of the Arena’s accommodation is essential
to ensure its success and integral to this is consideration
of the Arena’s use and operation. How the building is to be
used by visitors and staff must be thought about during the
design phase.

The building should be easy to understand for existing and
new users, with simple circulation and straightforward access
to the sports courts. The Arena is not a sterile environment
but should generate a sense of atmosphere and excitement
on approach to the sports courts.
Typical relationship of adjacent spaces within an Indoor Cricket Arena

Visitor facilities should be sized to suit occupancy levels
and patterns of use and, along with staffed areas, can be
located to assist the management and running of the Arena,
minimising staff levels.

Although no two facilities are the same, in addition to the
actual playing environment, there are requirements common
to all Arenas whether newly built or a conversion of an
existing building. Layouts will vary considerably depending on
the Arena size, the sports and other activities on offer as well
as the business plan priorities.

Alternative relationship of adjacent spaces within an Indoor Cricket Arena

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03.

Inclusive design is about creating places that everyone can An appealing and comfortable atmosphere will be created
use. Accordingly, the design of Indoor Cricket Arenas should if the entrance foyer and reception area have a high ceiling,
consider how the facility is used from approach, to building an open visible feel with natural lighting where possible. The
entry, through to specific areas including reception, social look and feel of the Arena will be dictated by the choice of
spaces, changing rooms and the playing environment. All materials and decoration in this area.
users must be able to access the tensioned net courts, with
minimum circulation widths unobstructed by supports and The entrance foyer will act as the hub of the Arena and must
fixings. Indoor Cricket Arenas might include facilities where be designed to cope with peak time numbers, with sufficient
specialist ‘sports wheelchairs’ are used and the dimensional space for people to circulate, gather, read notices and for the
requirements of these needs to be considered. reception to function. The game board displaying upcoming
fixtures, and the posting of league tables will provide a focus
Refer to Sport England guidance notes Sports Halls Design of attention in the entrance foyer and should be located
and Layouts and Accessible Sports Facilities for further prominently enabling users to congregate. League standings
information regarding building design and management and the fixture list will often be the focus of team rivalry and
considerations. banter within the Arena.

Views of the sports courts should be provided from the
entrance foyer to aid customer appeal and for ease of
Entrance, foyer and reception orientation, and to assist staff supervision. This will be the
first point of contact with the activities on offer at the Arena.
The approach to the Arena is important not just in terms
of access but the appearance of the building and the ease Management decisions regarding access controls will impact
of identifying the main entrance. First impressions of the upon the reception and foyer planning. Sport England
Arena will be formed before the visitor has even entered the describes the options as either a reception close to the point
building. The entrance must be clearly visible and welcoming, of entry, which has the advantage of close control over those
creating an attractive image that will encourage people to entering the Arena, or an informal hotel type arrangement,
use the Arena. which is a more relaxed and welcoming style of operation.
These options will have different space requirements so the
operating style of the Arena must be established at
the outset.

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03.

Upon entering the Arena the reception desk should be of the Arena, the programmed daily use and the user profile
prominent and suitable for use by all visitors. Secure office established in the business model.
accommodation should be adjacent to the reception desk
for security and ease of staffing, ideally with an external Ideally, the sports courts should be visible, enhancing interest
window to provide natural light and more importantly views from the social area, and creating an informal opportunity to
of the building approach. The size of the reception and office familiarise players with the other activities on offer. Providing
accommodation will depend upon the size of the Arena. social facilities on a viewing gallery is a popular model in the
southern hemisphere that has not been entirely successful
when transferred to this country. In addition to the initial
cost of construction, there is a tendency for it to be hidden
Bar / café / social area or remote from the main hub of activity. If it is not possible
to accommodate the social area on the ground floor, or a
A successful Arena is likely to include a bar or social area, conscious decision has been made to locate it on a viewing
which is not only a source of revenue but is also an important gallery, then the facilities should be visible from the foyer and
part of the social atmosphere associated with Indoor Cricket. benefit from a prominent stair and lift connection.

The Arena layout should locate the bar in or adjacent to The nature of the game of Indoor Cricket, and the other
the entrance foyer. This can enhance the initial welcoming sports on offer, enables team members and casual
atmosphere and, by leading players through the space en- spectators to gather safely outside the tensioned net court,
route to and from the sports courts and changing rooms, will which unlike in a traditional sports hall enables the social area
facilitate the Arena’s efforts to benefit from players’ secondary to spill out into the sports courts. Where this is the case it
spend. When located adjacent to, or as part of the reception might be appropriate to define distinct player and non-player
then staff numbers can be minimised, particularly during the areas. There are other considerations that might influence
less busy periods of the day. this approach to the layout, principally the heating of the
space. Where social facilities such as a viewing gallery are
To encourage players and spectators to stay after the game, provided within the sports courts area, the heating design
the social area should be designed with décor comparable must be considered to ensure a comfortable temperature
to that of equivalent successful high street venues with the for those not participating in sport. See heating installations
same user profile. A food counter and kitchen may form section.
part of the social facilities, but this will depend on the size

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03.

Where the financial viability of an Arena requires a social area Changing rooms and toilets
that can be used for private functions there needs to be the
flexibility to separate this from facilities used by players. For Changing capacity should be calculated to cope with normal
some communities or user groups it will also be beneficial to maximum occupancy when all courts and other activities
be able to screen the sports courts from the social area for are operating, though peak-time demand can be reduced
player privacy. through careful scheduling of booking times.

Essential support accommodation for bar or social areas will An understanding of the user profile and target market
include cellarage and storage serviced by a nearby vehicle should allow for a changing room layout appropriate to an
delivery point and direct access to refuse collection. As far as Arena’s pattern of use. Accommodating varying ratios of
possible deliveries should be remote from the main entrance male and female changing, or group change with additional
and not obstruct public areas. buffer or overflow areas, or individual cubicles affects the
space requirements. There must be changing accessible
In small Arenas vending machines may be sufficient to meet to disabled players. Sport England recommends that all
the need for refreshments, but even where a bar is provided, changing areas are designed so that disabled people can
vending machines should still be available. Their strategic use them and, for small schemes, that at least one individual
siting can have a significant impact on sales and, in addition unisex accessible changing room with shower and toilet is
to the foyer, locating them behind the courts will ensure provided so that assistance can be given by someone of
steady use. The location of vending machines should be either sex.
considered early on to ensure there is sufficient space, small
power provision, water and ventilation if required. It is unlikely that an Arena will have outdoor grass pitches,
but it is possible in a joint venture development, and these
would require separate changing facilities with external
access. Though not ideal, all-weather pitches can share
indoor facilities and need to be considered when calculating
the capacity.

Changing rooms should be designed with high ceilings and
design features or materials, such as suspended ceilings or
exposed services which are vulnerable to damage, must be

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03.

avoided. High quality, robust and easily cleaned materials First aid
should be used to present an impression of hygiene and
cleanliness. The décor will very much depend upon the user Provision must be made for first aid treatment and, although
profile and target market. The quality of changing rooms and a dedicated first aid room can be provided, at the most basic
toilets are very important to women users. level this can be accommodated within an office or staffroom.

Toilet provision should be calculated to cope with maximum Refer to Sport England guidance note Sports Halls Design
occupancy of the Arena, including players and spectators. and Layouts for further information regarding
Provision should consider whether events or functions are to minimum requirements.
be hosted, as occupancy for these could be higher than for
normal everyday use. Toilet provision can be shared between Storage
players and other users where facilities are located close to
the social area and can be accessed independently of the Sufficient storage capacity for sports equipment is essential,
changing rooms. and this should be provided in suitably located stores. Sport
England guidance note Sports Halls Design and Layouts
Refer to Sport England guidance notes Sports Halls Design recommends that a total of 12.5% of the hall floor area is
and Layouts and Accessible Sports Facilities for further required as a minimum, but the actual space required will
information regarding changing and toilet capacity, layout, be determined by the activities in the sports courts. Door
minimum dimensions and accessible provision. The provision and internal store heights need to be suitable for bowling
of sanitary facilities should be calculated in accordance with machines if they are to be used at the Arena. Stores should
BS 6465-1:2006. be located where they will efficiently serve the courts making
the changing of equipment easy. Additional storage will be
Arena operators will be required by law to provide employees required if furniture and equipment for functions and events is
with clean well-maintained facilities, including toilet, washing stored on site. Cellarage and food storage, observing safety
and changing facilities and somewhere to eat and drink standards and security considerations will be required for
during breaks. These should be separate from customer any bar or refreshment area and suitable stores should be
facilities and disabled staff must be provided for. provided adjacent to vending machines. A cleaner’s store or
lockable cupboard with sink is required.

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03.

Lockers, bag drop and buggy store

Lockers are best located behind the courts where they
restrict space less than in changing rooms, are convenient
for use by all patrons and are less susceptible to vandalism.
Sport England guidance note Sports Halls Design and
Layouts recommends for locker provision allowing 2.5 times
the calculated changing room capacity. A range of sizes
should be provided to accommodate items, from small
valuables to clothes and bags.

Many Indoor Cricket players participate on a casual basis
using equipment provided by the Arena, whereas others
Bag drop within sight of players and lockers in a range of sizes will use their own kit. Allowance needs to be made for the
storage of personal cricket equipment. This could take the
form of a bag drop area, adjacent to the courts and should
be within sight of the players.

Where ‘sports wheelchairs’ are used it is necessary to
provide for the secure storage of unused day chairs.

It is advisable to provide a secure area for customers to store
prams or buggies, particularly where soft-play areas are
offered.

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03.

Plant room The Arena layout must also consider the safe evacuation of
all users. The number, width and position of escape routes
The plant room should be appropriately sized and located will normally determine the occupancy capacity. For further
to accommodate incoming utilities, plant equipment and information see Building Regulations Approved Document B
boilers. Where possible, access should be remote from the Volume 2.
main entrance.
Internal materials
Circulation
The Arena will operate for long hours every day and, with a
Circulation should be spacious yet efficient, making for a constant stream of users, will unavoidably be subject to high
well organised building layout, which is easy for the user levels of wear and tear. It is therefore important that materials
to navigate and staff to supervise. The design of corridors are selected not just for appearance but for robustness, ease
should consider all users, including those with buggies, of long-term maintenance and repair. Circulation areas and
wheelchair and ‘sports wheelchair’ users or players with kit changing rooms are especially vulnerable, with doors and
bags. Any change in floor level must be capable of being exposed corners requiring particular attention to detailing.
negotiated by all users. Poorly maintained facilities will say more about the Arena
than any other decisions made regarding finishes.
Refer to Sport England guidance notes Sports Halls Design
and Layouts and Accessible Sports Facilities, Building
Regulations Approved Document M and British Standard
BS8300:2009 for further information regarding minimum
requirements.

While the design of a new Arena will have a greater emphasis
towards the provision of adequate facilities for all users, it
is still important to consider the implications of refurbishing
an existing building. Whether an Arena is a new build or a
refurbishment, it is recommended that an Access Statement
is produced to review the layout with regard to its access and
use by all building users.

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04. Sports courts

Layout If the sports courts are to accommodate sports other than
those within the tensioned net courts then Sport England
The sports courts layout will be influenced by the space and relevant national governing body guidance documents
available and the programme of daily use. It is desirable that must be consulted for minimum dimensions, if affiliation or
the layout allows maximum flexibility for sports use, both funding is being considered. Minimum internal heights may
within the tensioned net courts and any other multi-sports be greater than required for Indoor Cricket.
provision, as well as for other non-sports events. The key
questions to be addressed when planning the sports courts The Arena layout should consider the creation of a ‘show
are: court’, which would be the first to be booked and would
stage feature games such as local or corporate finals. A
– how many tensioned net courts? show court provides an opportunity to promote the sports
– what size are the courts? on offer at the Arena and, as such, must be the most
– is there other multi-sport provision in addition to the visually prominent. On a small scale, this would be located in
tensioned net courts? front of the social area for casual viewing, but a larger Arena
– does the space need to accommodate non-sporting might have the potential for spectator seating around the
events or functions? court. See spectators section and Appendix A show court.
– is spectator seating required?
In addition to the proposed use of the space, the sports
The space available will go a long way towards determining courts layout will also be dependent upon safe access
many of these issues, but equally, decisions at the feasibility around the courts and other sports areas, the fire strategy
stage will determine the space required and inform the and evacuation demands, possible equipment delivery and
choice of existing building or site. Identification of the sports maintenance access to all components. See Appendix B for
provision, and other activities necessary for the Arena to be possible arena configurations.
a viable operation will be an essential part of the business
plan, and determine the number of Indoor Cricket courts
and the level of other sports provision required.

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04.

There must be a safety margin around the court to ensure Indoor Cricket can be played on a 10m wide court, but a
there is no risk of players colliding with structure, equipment wider court gives more reaction time for balls played off the
or non-players outside the court. The safety margin between nets, which for new participants particularly, can lead to a
courts not only prevents interference between games on more pleasurable, less intimidating playing experience.
adjacent courts but collisions between players participating
in those games. Where football is a substantial component of the sports on
offer then a wider court is desirable. Although small-sided
Arena operators must consider the implications of not football can be played on a narrow court the width does not
providing the safety margin between courts and the comply with The Football Association’s (FA) recommendation
risk this presents for players and the Arena. The Arena for five-a-side. A four-a-side form of the game could be
operator and tensioned net installer must agree any design played but the appeal to players will depend largely on a
variation on the minimum guidance provided by the ECB comparison with other facilities which are available locally.
and acknowledge full liability for its design, operation and A width of 16.5m will allow football to be played on a
performance. court which meets The FA’s minimum recommended pitch
dimensions, without runoff.
The court dimensions might be restricted by existing
building or site constraints, but the sports use will also have The game of indoor netball played within the tensioned net
an impact and be a major consideration when determining court, is played within an area corresponding to the court
the suitability of a building. dimensions for Indoor Cricket.

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04.

Court dimensions

A Length of Court 28.0m (minimum) 30.0m (maximum)
B Width of Court 10.0m (minimum) 12.0m (maximum) competition standard
10.0m (minimum) no maximum recreational standard

C Height of Horizontal Top Net 4.0m (minimum) 4.5m (maximum)
1.0m (minimum) from structure, adjacent courts or circulation up to a height of
D Safety Margin (surrounds) 2.0m. Above 2.0m height margins are to be not less than 0.5m to reduce the risk
of balls striking equipment fixings or structure.

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04.

Multiple court setting out

Relationship of two competition standard
courts incorporating safety margin and
circulation. Apply the same principles for
three or more adjacent courts.

A 12.0m maximum 10.0m minimum
width of court width of court
B 30.0m maximum 28.0m minimum
length of court length of court
C 1.0m minimum safety margin around
and between courts up to a height
of 2.0m clear of all structure, fixed
equipment, seating, lockers (not shown)
and circulation. Above 2.0m margins
are to be not less than 0.5m.
D 1.5m minimum circulation width clear of
all structure, fixed equipment, seating
and lockers
X Zone for support structure and fixings
outside court corner, clear of circulation.

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Tensioned nets Where the layout permits, some Arenas will choose to maximise
court flexibility with removable dividing nets to form a larger
The tensioned nets used shall conform to the requirements court, more suitable for playing football. To maintain the safety
indicated in this document. See the Performance and margin when the courts are used separately, two dividing nets
Construction Standards for Tensioned Nets to be used will need to be removed in order to combine two adjacent courts.
for the game of Eight-a-Side Indoor Cricket.
The procedure for removing the dividing nets must ensure
Netting forming the enclosed Indoor Cricket court is a that when in use the tension is comparable to the other nets
permanent tensioned net system. The vertical perimeter nets surrounding the court. The method for securing the base of
must be securely attached to the floor and to the horizontal the dividing nets must ensure there are no hazardous floor
top net such that the balls cannot pass under, over, through fixings in the playing area when the dividing nets are in place
or between the nets. During normal game play the tensioned and when removed. The Arena operator will be responsible
nets must withstand balls hitting the net and players running into for ensuring there are no hazardous floor fixings in the playing
them, as this forms an integral characteristic of the game. Indoor area and when in place the dividing nets are performing
Cricket spectators and players will congregate outside the court in accordance with the Performance and Construction
and the net must protect them from ball and player impact. Standards for Tensioned Nets to be used for the game of
Eight-a-side Indoor Cricket. Any equipment used to raise
For the vertical nets it is recommended that knotted coloured or lower the net must be located outside the safety margin
polythene netting mesh is used in either a diamond or square surrounding the courts and must be suitably protected for the
mesh pattern. The netting colour, typically green, must safety of Arena users. Allowance should be made in the court
contrast with and not impair visibility of the yellow Indoor bookings schedule for raising and lowering the net.
Cricket ball. At the base of the net it is recommended that
a heavier grade net is used or the net reinforced to resist Access to the court should be via either a flap entry or
wear. Where penetrations are required for the fixing of netball an opening covered with a tensioned section of netting,
rings or football goals the netting must be reinforced locally, sometimes referred to as a gate. The court access must
and the hole covered with a section of net to contain the ball be easy for all players to use and, during the game, must
within the court. Scoring zones should be marked with white contain the ball within the court. Where a flap entry is used
tape outside the court, secured at the base of the net and an alternative suitably sited gate access must be provided to
with an elasticated fixing at the top of the net. allow easy entry for disabled players. The opening in the net
for the gate access should be a minimum width of 900mm,
and where necessary must consider the requirements for
sports wheelchairs.
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04.

Arena operators should consider how anticipated sports
or events will use the courts, to ensure the access is sized
to suit any equipment such as bowling machines, goals or
tables and chairs.

Court access points should be located to suit the anticipated
building use but in areas of least impact to the performance
of the tensioned net, or the playing of the game of Indoor
Cricket. For means of escape there must be a minimum of
one alternative access / egress point, at the opposite end
of the court to the primary access. The gate must be used
for means of escape and must be designed and sited to
suit the Arena escape routes. See court dimensions and
multiple court setting out diagrams for preferred court
access locations.

It is likely that where the court is used for non-sporting
activities the desired capacity will be greater than for sports
use. The location and width of access points will determine
the court occupancy capacity within the overall sports courts Court access flap (L) and gate (R)
capacity. The distance from the location in the court furthest
from the access point must be considered as part of the
overall escape travel distance. For further information see
Building Regulations Approved Document B Volume 2.

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04.

For the horizontal top net, it is recommended that a knotted
coloured polypropylene netting mesh is used and, to minimise
the sagging of the net, this should be of a thinner braid
than the vertical nets. The minimum clear height must be
maintained over the width and length of the court.

The roof netting should be made of fire retardant material in
accordance with BS 5867 Part 2.

All components should be UV resistant and not degrade or
weaken as a result of exposure to sunlight.
Corner structure chain (L) and column (C+R)
The nets are tensioned vertically by means of a wire rope or
cable at the base anchored to the floor and a similar wire rope
or cable at the top secured to either the building structure or
a supporting structure. Horizontally, the nets are tensioned
to either a steel post or vertical chain at the corners outside
the court. The form of the corner is maintained by either
a tube on the court side of the nets or a heavy duty sewn
seam which in both instances are tied back to the corner
structure or chain. Where a tube inside the court is used, it
must be protected to prevent damage or player injury. The
fixings required to tension the base wire rope must, for safety,
be either protected or outside the line of the court. See the
Performance and Construction Standards for Tensioned Nets
to be used for the game of Eight-a-Side Indoor Cricket.

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The tensioned nets contractor is responsible for the safe Playing surface
installation of the nets, giving due consideration to health
and safety, risk assessment and method statements, even The sports playing surface shall conform to the standards
if a CDM Co-ordinator is not involved. See [TS7] A Quick described in the Performance and Construction Standards
Guide to Getting the Business Started. It is the operator’s for Synthetic Sports Surfaces to be used for the game of
responsibility to provide the contractor with any required Eight-a-Side Indoor Cricket. The operator is responsible for
information relevant to the building, and to inform them confirming with the supplier that the playing surface conforms
of any known hazards such as asbestos. to the Standard.

The tensioned nets contractor shall provide details of the It is essential that in choosing the premises, or designing
operation and maintenance of the system to ensure it remains an Indoor Cricket Arena, the floor construction is considered
in good working order for the life of the installation. It should at the outset. The floor must be flat in order to achieve
include: an acceptable regularity of the finished playing surface, or
an allowance be made for remedial works prior to laying
– ‘as installed’ drawings the playing surface. The floor construction must also be
– maintaining and testing level of tension appropriate for securing the tensioned net fixings. See the
– inspecting the fixings Performance and Construction Standards for Tensioned
– safe access to services above the top net Nets to be used for the game of Eight-a-Side Indoor Cricket.
– keeping nets clean and free from dust Where renovation work is carried out to an existing floor,
– repairing damaged netting feasible thermal improvements may be required. For
further information see Building Regulations Approved
The desired frequency of operations should be indicated so Document L2B.
that they form part of a regular maintenance schedule the
user can refer to in order to manage and monitor the extent The sports performance of the playing surface is one of
of the work required and make available the resources to do the most important components of the facility and must be
the work. considered at the outset. An Indoor Cricket Arena is unlikely
to cater solely for Indoor Cricket, making the requirements of
Where there is no CDM Co-ordinator, it is the operator’s the other sports to be played fundamental in the selection of
responsibility to ensure that this information has been the playing surface.
provided.

Page 25

04.

Where a multi-sports area is provided in addition to the The desired frequency of operations should be indicated
tensioned net courts, then Sport England and relevant so that they form part of a regular maintenance schedule
national governing body guidance documents must be the operator can refer to in order to manage and monitor
consulted to determine the most appropriate surface for this the extent of the work required and make available the
area. It is likely to be a different surface from that within the resources to do the work.
tensioned net courts.

The use of the sports courts for non-sports events must not
compromise the playing performance and safety requirements Court markings and equipment
of the playing surface. The surface must withstand increased
loadings and be protected from any potential damage or The playing surface colour should be considered in
spillages. conjunction with the sports courts decoration as a whole,
contributing to a bright and inviting playing environment. The
Compliance testing after the playing surface is installed colour must be a contrast to the yellow Indoor Cricket ball
should be undertaken to ensure the requirements are and the pitch should be a contrasting colour to the rest of
achieved. In an increasingly litigious world, on-site testing the court surface.
and compliance with standards might be used in personal
injury claims and compliance with ECB guidelines should The line markings for synthetic turf and textiles surfaces
be regarded as the minimum requirement to defend such should be incorporated into the playing surface during
a claim. Guidance documents from relevant national manufacture or by being inlaid. Indoor Cricket lines should be
governing bodies and Sport England must be consulted for white, netball lines should be red in accordance with Sport
the requirements of other sports. England guidance, while football line markings should be
yellow. See Appendix C for Indoor Cricket, netball and football
The supplier / installer of the playing surface shall provide line marking setting out. Coordination of different markings
details of the operation and maintenance of the system to will vary depending on court dimensions.
ensure it remains in good working order for the life of the
installation. It should include:

– cleaning and removal of debris
– replacement sections and repairs

Page 26

04.

Netball rings and nets must comply with England Netball
requirements and must pass through the tensioned nets to
be fixed securely to a post or structure outside the court
safety margin. The rings must be detachable to ensure other
sports can be played safely in the court and must comply
with relevant British Standards for sports equipment. In
accordance with England Netball requirements, the goal ring
shall have an internal diameter of 380mm and, to cater for
young people’s netball (High Five and First Step Netball) and
wheelchair netball, goals should have adjustable ring heights
of 3.05m, 2.75m and 2.44m.

Football goals must be anchored securely during play, but
must be portable, leaving no hazardous anchoring points
inside or outside the court, for the safety of players and
spectators. Sizes should be in accordance with The Football
Association Football Goals guidance note, Guide to indoor
areas for small sided football and disability football and must
comply with relevant British Standards for goals.

When not in use, netball rings and football goals must be
stored somewhere safe and secure, either in a designated
store or safely near the court, clear of public circulation
routes.

Typical 30.0m x 12.0m court layout Alternative 30.0m x 12.0m court
with Indoor Cricket, netball and layout with Indoor Cricket and
football markings netball markings

Page 27

04.

Typical arrangement to end of court illustrating seating, circulation and netball ring and football goal fixing

Page 28

04.

Umpire and scoring systems

The umpire is located outside the court at the batter’s end,
sitting or standing on a 3m raised steel platform. The platform
must comply with relevant British Standards for ladders and
walkways, and be positioned outside of the court safety
margin. See court dimensions section.

The umpire will call the game though a microphone and
typically use a computer package to keep score, which
displays on an electronic scoreboard adjacent to the umpire.
The scoreboard display can also incorporate logos and
advertising. The scoring software can be linked to a web-
based application which automatically updates the statistics,
results and league tables at the end of the game. It can also
be used by the Arena to stay in touch with players, informing
them of fixtures, and accepting registrations and bookings.
One of the big attractions this provides for players is the ability
to track their statistics and team performance online and
at the Arena to get an instant post match score-sheet. By
collecting this from the bar, the Arena management can use it
to engage with the players after the game.

It is important to confirm the hardware requirements for Typical relationship of batter, umpire platform and scoreboard display
displaying the score in the sports courts, as well as the small
power requirements for operating the system and linking to
the internet. The scoreboard screen must be large enough
for the graphics to be visible for players and spectators at the
bowler’s end of the court, or consider the use of an additional
screen outside the court at the bowler’s end.

Page 29

04.

Spectators When considering spectator events, sufficient parking must
be provided, while the Arena facilities must be designed to
The game of Indoor Cricket, as with the conventional game, cope with the increased capacity, and have the appropriate
requires the non-fielding team to wait outside the playing area licences in place for the bar and, more importantly, fire
when not batting. Depending on the numbers involved in the escape. Viewing facilities for spectators with disabilities must
game, this is either four or six players, plus any non-playing be allowed for and the sports flooring should be protected.
team members. They are usually accommodated behind the
court at the bowler’s end.

It is preferable to provide some fixed seating, which when
located between the courts and circulation routes, will
informally define the safety margin around the tensioned
nets, whereas loose chairs will eventually end up obstructing
access. Seating can take the form of a single bench or a
larger stepped seating unit and, in everyday recreational play,
serves as a casual viewing area.

Where it is intended that the Arena is to stage major games or
competitions for Indoor Cricket or other sports where a large
number of spectators can be attracted, then the requirements
must be established at the outset. Retractable seating can be
integrated into the sports courts wall, or alternatively provision
can be made for temporary spectator stands. These can be
kept on site, with suitable storage provided, or hired when
required, with appropriate delivery access on site and to the
sports courts. The sports courts layout must consider where
spectator seating is to be located by determining which court
is the show court and how seating will relate to it, which could
be seating on courts either side, or on a multi-sports area.
Player seating separating court safety margin from circulation
See Appendix A Show Court.

Page 30

04.

Structure Walls and roof

Consideration needs to be made for the fixing of the As the game of Indoor Cricket takes place entirely within
tensioned net system and the loadings this will impose the tensioned net court the traditional sports hall safety
upon the building structure. In a new building this can be requirement for flush-faced impact resistant internal walls is
incorporated into the overall structural design from the not applicable, except for where other multi-sports areas are
outset. In an existing building, with the necessary clear spans provided. This makes existing industrial buildings particularly
to accommodate Indoor Cricket courts, it is likely that the suitable for fitting out as Indoor Cricket Arenas.
primary structure will be capable of taking the forces required
in the tensioning of the nets. Fixings should only be made to Visibility of the cricket ball against the playing background
the primary structure or suitably sized secondary members. is a crucial factor in a player’s experience of the game and
Where these are not readily available, or appropriately is of particular importance for visually impaired players to
located, then additional steel members or an independent enjoy the game. If the flight of the ball cannot be picked up
structure may be required. Fixings should not be made to quickly, the game not only becomes dangerous, but player’s
cladding rails. enjoyment decreases accordingly. The wall colour needs to
be considered in conjunction with the floor colour, to ensure
Detailed requirements are set out in the Performance and contrast with and visibility of the yellow Indoor Cricket ball.
Construction Standards for Tensioned Nets to be used for The sports courts roof soffit colour and reflectance should be
the game of Eight-a-Side Indoor Cricket. Structural design in accordance with the Sport England guidance note Sports
considerations can be addressed with the appointment of a Halls Design and Layouts.
Structural Engineer. See [TS7] A Quick Guide to Getting the
Business Started. Where renovation work is carried out to an existing wall
or roof thermal improvements may be required to those
elements. For further information see Building Regulations
Approved Document L2B.

Page 31

04.

Acoustics

One of the key issues regarding acoustics in Indoor Cricket
Arenas is sound reverberation in the sports courts. To limit
the level of background noise, measures should be taken
to reduce reflected sound through the use of absorbent
materials. This is particularly important where blind players
rely on hearing the rattle of the ball in order to play the game.

The game of Indoor Cricket is adjudicated by an umpire at
the batter’s end of the court. The location of speakers is
important to ensure that the umpire is audible to all players
on the court and by spectators watching the game, without
interfering with games on adjacent courts.

The transmission of noise into and out of the facility should
also be considered. In an existing industrial building, an Arena
is unlikely to have an adverse impact on neighbours.

Acoustic design is a complex issue that can be addressed
with the appointment of a specialist consultant. See [TS7]
A Quick Guide to Getting the Business Started for more
information. Further advice is also available in the Sport
England guidance note Sports Halls Design and Layouts.

Page 32

05. Building services engineering

Mechanical and electrical services Where existing buildings are to be refurbished, consideration
may also need to be given to the potential implications of
When considering the design of mechanical and electrical the current Building Regulations:
services systems for sports facilities, the full life cycle cost
commitment and environmental impact of all proposed Change of energy status – where a previously unheated
systems needs to be assessed, including; building is to be heated for the first time as part of the
works, feasible thermal improvements are likely to be
– capital costs required to the existing walls, windows, floors and roof.
– annual energy consumption costs
– annual maintenance costs Consequential improvements – where an existing building
with a floor area exceeding 1,000m2 is extended, heating /
Wherever possible, buildings should be designed to operate cooling services are to be provided for the first time, or the
in a simple and easily maintainable manner, with energy heating / cooling services capacity will be increased, there
efficiency in mind. The future replacement of mechanical and may be a requirement for thermal upgrades to the existing
electrical services systems needs to be carefully considered building envelope and / or energy efficiency improvements
at an early stage. to the existing building.

The building envelope and all systems contained therein On completion of both new construction and also building
need to be durable, accessible and as functional as refurbishment works, all mechanical and electrical services
possible. Within existing facilities that are to be refurbished, installations should be tested and commissioned in order to
the quality and functionality of the systems needs to be ensure that they are fully operational.
reviewed in order to ensure that all systems are fit for
purpose.

The capacity of the utility services installations (gas, water,
electricity and drainage) may need to be considered for
both new build and refurbishment schemes, as the energy
requirements of a new sports facility may not match the
usage of an existing building or site facility.

Page 33

Lighting installations The following design parameters would be appropriate:

Lighting installations should be provided with simple, Illumination Uniformity
individually zoned control systems that can be operated Level (Lux)
locally in order to achieve a good level of energy efficiency. Indoor Cricket 500 0.8
The use of occupancy sensor control systems would be Club Use / National Level
appropriate in most instances. Control panels, timers,
Indoor Football
switches, etc for lighting installations should be located
Club Use 300 0.8
within a central management area, usually behind the
National Level 500 0.8
reception or bar, which is easily accessible to the staff
on duty. Indoor Netball
Club Use 300 0.8
Sports courts lighting National Level 500 0.8
Wherever possible, the use of natural daylight should be
maximised. Careful consideration should be given to the The recommended illumination levels refer to average
shading of roof lights and windows in order to avoid un- illumination levels. Circulation areas around the courts
necessary glare. The selection and design of the lighting could be illuminated by light spill from the court only.
system should give due consideration to the average
illumination at floor level, uniformity, colour rendering and Surface finishes that are light in colour will be most
control of glare within the sports courts. appropriate, with a typical reflectance factor of 0.7
being achieved where possible.

Page 34

05.

It should be noted that in order to achieve the desired so that the design parameters are met for each court
illumination levels and uniformity within the court, the individually when no adjoining courts are in use.
lighting layout will need to take account of the court location
within the building. A court which is surrounded by walls Artificial lighting should be provided by the use of fluorescent
will benefit from light reflectance and will, therefore, require tube light fittings mounted at high level in regular rows above
a lower artificial light output than a court that has no the netting. The lamp life should be considered in order
surrounding walls. The lighting design will be a balance of to limit the frequency of maintenance access above the
the court location, fitting and lamp specification and height tensioned nets.
above the court. The lighting layout should be designed

Lighting layout to achieve recommended illumination level of 500 lux with a uniformity of 0.8 for a 30m x 12m court

Page 35

05.

The use of sodium (S.O.N.) lamps would need to be Entrance foyer, reception and social areas lighting
considered carefully in terms of their suitability to provide The selection of lighting systems to serve the social
sufficient light output, uniformity and glare issues if they are areas will be dependent upon individual requirements; a
to be utilised within the sports courts. combination of both service and decorative light fittings may
be appropriate.
Control of the illumination level within the sports courts
could be by means of an intelligent lighting control system Changing rooms, toilets and ancillary areas lighting
which would maximise the use of natural daylight or by the The selection of lighting systems to serve the changing
use of multiple switching arrangements. rooms, toilets and ancillary areas will be dependent upon
individual requirements; fluorescent tube fittings are likely
to be most appropriate, with an occupancy sensor control
system fitted.

Emergency lighting
The building including sports courts will need to be
equipped with an emergency lighting installation which is
designed and installed to the current British Standard BS
5266.

Where existing emergency lighting installations are to be re-
utilised within existing buildings, the systems will need to be
Typical batten luminaire relating to the lighting layout
reviewed, fully tested and commissioned in accordance with
current standards.

Page 36

05.

Heating installations Where the sports courts are to be used for purposes other
than playing sport, consideration will need to be given to an
It is likely that the facility will require a variety of heating increase in the environmental space temperature that will
system types and, in the interest of energy efficiency, these need to be achieved. An increase in space temperature will
systems should be provided with simple, individual control be particularly important to provide comfortable conditions
systems. Wherever possible, heating systems should be where more sedentary activities will be taking place.
zoned to suit local areas of use. Control panels, timers,
switches, etc for heating installations should be located As space heating is likely to be used on an intermittent
within a central management area, usually behind the basis, the heating system will need to be selected to provide
reception or bar, which is easily accessible to the staff a fast response time; the optimum solution may be one of
on duty. the following system types;

Sports courts heating Warm Air Unit Heaters – Wall or floor mounted direct fired
Wherever possible, the sports courts envelope should be warm air heaters mounted within the sports courts would
designed and constructed in a manner that would negate deliver warm air circulation directly into the space. Existing
the requirement for heating within the space; a highly warm air heating systems that are to be re-used could be
insulated and well-constructed building should be able to re-configured to suit the optimum layout.
maintain the required space temperatures for the majority
of a normal heating season. This could be achieved within Radiant Heating – Radiant heating panels mounted at
existing buildings by retrospective treatment to the existing high level within the space would provide radiant heating
building envelope. Where water services are present within to the occupied zone; localised zone control could be
the sports courts, consideration may also need to be given included within the system design. In addition to ensuring
to the provision of frost protection within the space. maintenance access the radiant heating panels must be
installed a safe distance above the horizontal top net to
The sports courts may require a low level of avoid any fire risk.
background heating.
If a roof mounted heating installation is selected as the
preferred solution, then careful consideration needs to be
given to access for future maintenance.

Page 37

05.

Changing rooms, toilets and ancillary areas heating
The changing rooms, toilets and ancillary areas will also
require a higher level of heating.

The selection of space heating within these areas is likely
to be influenced by the solution that is applied to the social
areas; radiators would be appropriate for toilets and ancillary
Warm air heating unit (L) and radiant heating unit (R) areas, with the potential for the use of under floor heating
systems to serve changing room areas.

Entrance foyer, reception and social areas heating Typical Space
The social areas are likely to require a higher level of heating. Temperature °C
Space heating within social areas is likely to be used on a
Sports courts
more regular basis, therefore the heating system should
Minimum 12
operate independently of the sports courts system. Space
Optimum 14
heating systems within these areas would normally be
thermostatically controlled. The optimum solution may be Entrance foyer, reception and social area 18-21
one of the following system types;
Changing rooms 21

Low Temperature Hot Water (L.T.H.W.) Heating – A gas Toilets and ancillary areas 18
or oil fired heating installation comprising radiators, fan
convectors, radiant panels or under floor heating circuits
would be appropriate.

Local Panel Heaters – Gas fired or electric panel heaters
could be utilised to serve local heating requirements.

Page 38

05.

Ventilation installations Doors could be opened for the purpose of introducing air at
low level in some instances, albeit that security issues may
Ventilation systems should be provided with simple, need to be considered.
individual control systems that can be operated
independently of the heating control systems in order to Natural ventilation may be supplemented by the use of
achieve good energy efficiency. Control panels, timers, extract fans mounted at high level within the space in order
switches, etc for ventilation installations should be located to increase ventilation rates at peak operational times or
within a central management area, usually behind the to suit environmental conditions. Wind driven ventilation
reception or bar, which is easily accessible to the staff towers mounted at roof level may be utilised to provide both
on duty. supply and extract ventilation. If a roof mounted ventilation
installation is selected as the preferred solution, then
Sports courts ventilation careful consideration needs to be given to access for future
The sports courts will need to be provided with adequate maintenance, in particular with regard to the accessibility of
fresh air to meet the needs of the occupants. In most fan units through or above the net installation.
instances, a natural ventilation system should be capable of
providing a satisfactory level of fresh air input. Entrance foyer, reception and social areas ventilation
The social areas will need to be provided with adequate
Where appropriate, a natural ventilation strategy may be fresh air to meet the needs of the occupants. In most
supplemented with a mechanical ventilation system in order instances, a natural ventilation system will be capable
to deal with peak operating conditions, i.e. high occupancy of providing a satisfactory level of fresh air input. Where
times or periods of high ambient summer time temperatures. necessary, localised air supply and extract systems can be
This type of system could operate without the use of the provided to supplement the natural ventilation. Localised
mechanical ventilation fans for the majority of the operating ventilation systems should be equipped with individual
periods. controls.

Natural ventilation could be achieved by the use of
motorised windows or louvres located at high level within
the space, with replacement air input through motorised
louvres, or other openings at low level in the external walls.

Page 39

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TS7 - Indoor Cricket Facilities Design Guidelines

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