Sports lighting: requirements for halls, pitches and riding arenas

Key facts in brief: EN 12193 (edition 2019-07) divides sports facilities into three lighting classes: Class III for training and school sport, Class II for mid-level competition, Class I for top-level sport. For football, 75, 200 and 500 lx apply; for equestrian sports, 200, 300 and 500 lx average horizontal illuminance.

Three lighting classes

The higher the level of competition and the greater the viewing distance of spectators, the higher the lighting class ^[1]:

Class I: top-level competition and training, spectators at long viewing distances
Class II: mid-level competition, performance training
Class III: simple competitions (usually without spectators), general training, school and recreational sport

Example: football

Class	E_h,av	E_h,min/E_h,av	GR
I	500 lx	0,7	50
II	200 lx	0,6	50
III	75 lx	0,5	55

For training and lower amateur leagues, 75 lx (Class III) is sufficient; for regional leagues 200 lx is required, for higher amateur leagues 500 lx – this is not yet suitable for television ^[1]. GR is the glare rating for outdoor facilities.

Example: riding (indoor arena)

Class	E_h,av	E_h,min/E_h,av
I	500 lx	0,7
II	300 lx	0,6
III	200 lx	0,5

In equestrian sport, the vision of horses must also be taken into account: their twilight vision is highly developed, and large luminance differences make them uneasy. Higher vertical illuminances are needed to see obstacles; because of dust and moisture, luminaires with a higher protection rating are required ^[2]. The table shows the values for indoor riding arenas (EN 12193:2019-07, Annex A.3) ^[2]; for outdoor arenas the standard specifies 500 lx (class I), 200 lx (class II) and 100 lx (class III) ^[4].

Sports halls

For sports halls, EN 12193 contains separate tables for each sport. In multi-purpose halls, the installation is usually designed for the most demanding sport and adapted to training and competition via switching groups. Ball-impact-resistant luminaires and freedom from glare when looking upwards (volleyball, badminton) are a must.

Class (indoor, e.g. handball, basketball, volleyball)	E_h,av
I	750 lx
II	500 lx
III	200 lx

Values as maintained values for the playing area ^[5]. If the general lighting fails, 5 or 10 % of the required level must remain available for 30 to 120 seconds depending on the sport; for show jumping in class I that is 25 lx for 120 seconds ^[5].

Neighbours and light spill

Floodlighting is one of the most common causes of complaints. In Germany, authorities assess room brightening and glare in the neighbourhood according to the Light Guideline, which explicitly mentions sports and leisure facilities ^[3]. Modern LED floodlights with precise optics and shielding direct the light onto the pitch and significantly reduce spill light.

Funding for municipalities

Retrofitting outdoor lighting at sports facilities can be funded under the Kommunalrichtlinie if a use-appropriate control is used, for example with two lighting levels for training and competition ^[6].

Frequently asked questions

Which class does our club need?

That depends on the league level and the requirements of the association. For training only, Class III is often sufficient; for league play we check the association's requirements.

Can existing floodlighting be converted to LED?

Usually yes, often reusing the existing poles. A structural and lighting calculation is a prerequisite.

Is the switch to LED floodlighting funded?

For municipalities, yes, via the Kommunalrichtlinie, provided a use-appropriate control with separate levels for training and competition is installed. Clubs should also check state and sports federation programmes.

Sources (in German)

Author: Paul Rostand Ndjeundoun, M.Sc. (Hons), Certified Lighting Expert (LiTG), Registered European Lighting Expert · As of November 2026. Standard values have been carefully researched but do not replace consulting the currently valid edition of the standard.