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Australian Sports Lighting Standards

Australian standards for lighting including stadium lighting, sports field lighting, courts, playing areas, and sports lighting in general, depend on the level of competition that will take place and the related standards, where available, for sport lighting levels and lighting uniformity.

 

Key Australian lighting standards which apply to Sports Lighting include:

  • AS 2560.1:2018 – Sports Lighting Part 1: General Principles
  • AS 2560.2:2021 – Sports Lighting Part 2: Specific Applications
  • AS 4282:2019 – Control of the obtrusive effects of outdoor lighting

It is important to note that not all sports applications are currently covered under Australian lighting standards (AS 2560.2), however, the committee board of LG-009 Sports Lighting is working to introduce and include further sports and activities which require sports lighting. Halliday Lighting Australia has a representative on this committee so please do contact us for current guidance and updates.

 

For Australian lighting standards relating to the following sports, please click the relevant link from the list below:

The following tables provide an overview of the Australian lighting standards for various sports and stadium lighting which we have not covered in individual articles within Support Hub.

Netball and Basketball Australian Standards for Sport Lighting – AS 2560.2.4

 

Level Average horizontal maintained illuminance Minimum horizontal uniformity Maximum glare rating
Eh lux U1Min/Avg U2Min/Max GR
Recreation or training and low-level local competition 100 0.5 0.3 50
Mid-level local and regional competition, high-level training 200 0.6 0.4 50
International and national competitions with large spectator galleries 500 0.7 0.5 45

 

Lawn Bowls Australian Lighting Standards – AS 2560.2.8

 

Level Average horizontal maintained illuminance Minimum horizontal uniformity Maximum uniformity gradient Maximum glare rating
Eh lux U1Min/Avg U2Min/Max UG (per 2m) GR
Recreation, training and competition 100 0.6 0.4 1.43 50

 

(The tables above provide only some of the key values set out in the Australian standard for sport lighting. For more detailed information, guidance documents are available below in the Useful Links section.)
 

 

What do these sports field lighting terms mean?

  • Lux levels – Lux levels refer to the measurement of illuminance, or the amount of light falling on a surface, typically expressed in lux (lx). Australian standards for lux levels provide guidelines for adequate lighting levels in various settings, ensuring appropriate visibility and safety.
  • Illuminance – the term used to describe the level of light on a surface in lumens/m2 or lux.
  • Maintained illuminance – is the term used to describe the average illuminance on a reference surface when maintenance must be carried out.
  • Eh lux – Average maintained illuminance.
  • U1Min/Avg – The lowest recorded lux value on the playing surface divided by the average.
  • U2Min/Max – The lowest recorded lux value on the playing surface divided by the highest value.

Wider Context: Australian Standards for Lighting in Built Environments

While AS 2560 is the primary reference for Australian standards for lighting in sports applications, it forms part of a much broader national framework covering lighting design across all sectors—from urban infrastructure to indoor workplaces.

Other commonly referenced Australian standards include:

  • AS/NZS 1680 – Interior and workplace lighting: Covers lighting requirements for offices, schools, hospitals, and commercial environments, with a focus on visual comfort and task performance.
  • AS/NZS 1158 – Road lighting: Specifies the design and performance of lighting systems for streets, public thoroughfares, and open-air car parks to ensure night-time safety.
  • AS 4282:2019 – Control of obtrusive lighting: Also relevant outside of sport, this standard is crucial in managing light spill, glare, and sky glow in any outdoor lighting project.

Understanding these broader Australian lighting standards is essential when planning multi-purpose venues or sports complexes that include public access areas, pedestrian paths, or indoor training spaces. Halliday Lighting’s team can advise on full-site compliance, ensuring your lighting design meets the latest national standards across all relevant applications.

Our team of lighting experts is available to answer any queries you may have about floodlights and to support you through the planning and design stages of your sports lighting project. If you would like to discuss the floodlight requirements for your sports facility or stadium lighting with one of our experienced team members, please contact us.

 

Useful Links:
NSW Office of Sport – Outdoor Design
Queensland Government Sports Field Lighting – Get in the Game

 

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page has been collated from various sources, including those provided above in Useful Links. This information may be subject to change at any time by sports governing bodies and standards agencies.