The initial stage of the process is developing and finalising the design of your athletics track, prior to obtaining planning permission. Early guidance should be sought on policy and any necessary permission that may be required from the Local Planning Authority.

• It is normally advisable to locate a MUGA (especially floodlit ones) at least 12m, and ideally at least 30m from other residences.
• On flat terrain sites, landscaping and mounding can be used to obviate noise breakout and floodlight spillage.
• The location of the facility must not create a vehicle log jam-especially where access roads and infrastructure is limited (typically one car per three players).

Good locations for MUGAs include:

• Those close to car parks and support facilities (especially where constantly supervised).
• Those where there are good sound absorbing/spectator terracing and banking possibilities.
• Those where there is good access to the facility for people with disabilities.

Avoid locating a MUGA:

• Where steep gradients lead to and away from the area
• Where there is poor access to the facility for people with disabilities.
• Where the facility is remote from support facilities such as changing accommodation.
• In very exposed terrain.
• Where it is not possible for access roads/footpaths and maintenance routes to reach the main personnel/maintenance gates.
• Where incoming services (electricity feed cables and water/drainage) will be prohibitively expensive to install.
• Where emergency vehicles cannot readily get to the facility.
• Too close to unstable ground (landslides) or drainage outfalls (back falling or ponding on the MUGA due to blocked drains).
• Too close to leaf drop in autumn or leaf sap forming trees.

Preliminary Investigations

Understanding the ground conditions is vital, as the greatest risk of unforeseen problems and additional cost usually lies in the ground. The most important element in ground investigation is to confirm the underlying soil or rock. This is done using either boreholes or trial pits to allow close examination of each layer to provide a detailed engineering description in accordance with BS 5930. This is required right across the site to try to detect any variations.

Drainage

One area where MUGAs and Multi Court Synthetic Sport Pitches differ is in the design of the drainage system.

Due to the relatively small dimensions of most MUGAs they do not have any form of sub-court drainage other than a perimeter drain that is laid around one or more sides of the facility to prevent run-off from surrounding areas.

Base Construction

The base for a MUGA is normally a porous engineered construction consisting of two courses of open-textured bituminous macadam laid above a graded stone foundation.

• It should ensure that water, whether rainwater or natural ground water, will drain away freely through the sub-base material, either into the natural subsoil or into the drainage system.
• The foundations should be constructed using hard, clean, crushed frost-resistant aggregates.
• The macadam upper layers of the base should be of a carefully graded, open textured construction.

Fencing for MUGAS

Listed below are the key considerations required to meet the two basic functions of a fencing surround: retain balls within the playing area and allow spectators to view the game safely.

1. Twin-Mesh Fencing
   868 twin-wire mesh design with panels that overlap posts improves rigidity, while a polyester powder coating ensures fencing will be resistant to rust and avoid peeling paint.
   
   Roll form weldmesh fencing doesn’t have the strength of the rigid panel specification but is a good option for tennis courts or sports pitches where a budget-priced solution is necessary.
   
   
2. Open Mesh
   Welded mesh panels allow supervision at a safe distance.
   
   
3. Acoustic Fencing
   Noise pollution is a major concern within our environment and one which demands our close attention, particularly when developing new sports and activity facilities. Several pitch projects have incorporated very successful acoustic fencing designs.
   
   
4. Rebound Properties
   Reduces vibrations along the fence line to provide quieter playing environments. Used regularly in the bottom 1.2m of a fence line instead of traditional wooden rebound panels.
   
   
5. Height
   3 meters is the standard height for MUGA fences, which is sufficient to prevent most balls from leaving the area.
   
   
6. Gates
   Single gates should be 1.2m wide. Double gates should be 3.0m wide with a removable lintel panel above for ease of access with soccer goals. All gates should open outwards for safety of players.

Floodlighting

It is strongly recommended that any area provided for intensive use should be floodlit. The advantages of floodlights are:

• Increased use of facilities. Floodlighting facilities enables them to be used on winter evenings, giving substantially higher usage rates than equivalent non-floodlit facilities.
• Usage options. A floodlit MUGA adjoining a sports hall can accommodate activities such as football, netball and tennis, releasing more expensive indoor space for other activities.

Areas of consideration:

• Project brief: Establish need for floodlighting, Required standards for level of competition, Planned usage profile, Identify planning challenges, Feasibility.
• Location survey: Engage with planning authority, Local consultations, Identify design/specification options, Budget costs, Design.
• Develop preferred design and specification: Confirm costs, Submit planning application, Installation.
• Works programme: Foundations, Ducting Masts and floodlights, Control box, Commissioning.
• Testing & Maintenance: Certification, Maintenance, Bi-annual electrical and illumination certification, Annual maintenance.