Installing a multi-use games area is the most cost-effective solution for clients who will be participating in multiple sports. As a general rule, any facility surfaced with macadam or polymeric surfacing is considered to be a MUGA, as are synthetic turf areas of less than 3,000m2.
DCM Surfaces is able to offer various surfaces to meet specific performance requirements, including IAAF, Sport England and SAPCA.
SURFACING OPTIONS
SPORT ENGLAND ACCREDITED MULTI USE GAME AREAS
Hard Court MUGA surfaces are suitable for a wide range of sports. Netball or tennis are the priority sports for both Type 1 and Type 2 MUGA surfaces however they are also commonly used for Tennis, basketball and other ball rebound sports.
These Multi Use Games Areas are constructed using the same methods but have either an open textured porous macadam surface or a high grip open textured macadam surface. The surface can be finished with a slip resistant acrylic paint coating. This coating is available in a variety of colours, including red, light green, dark blue and purple. Sport line markings can be added to both Type 1 and Type 2 MUGA surfaces.
It is worth noting that both type 1 and 2 MUGA surfaces can also be constructed using more dense macadam which is impervious to liquid. However, this type of surface is less popular as the majority of users (particularly for installations in schools and sports clubs) require ‘year around’ usability.
Type 1 and 2 courts are the most cost-effective MUGA options. However, these systems offer no cushion underfoot, making them harder on joints.
Polymeric Structure Spray (Type 3) consists of an SBR shockpad with a 2-3mm spray coating of granulated EPDM rubber.
The structure spray is applied in two layers and gives the surface higher skid resistant properties than Type 4, which is needed for professional netball surfaces.
The spray is available in a variety of colours, including red, green or blue. Netball line markings are applied to the top-coat.
– Netball Surface
– IAAF tested
– Anti-slip properties (TRRL 75)
– Same build up as Type 4 (13-14mm), but a harder spray coat is applied
– Very hard-wearing
– Porous
– Designed to meet Sport England MUGA 3 specifications
Polymeric Structure Spray (Type 4) consists of an SBR shockpad with a 2-3mm spray coating of granulated EPDM rubber.
The structure spray gives the surface high skid resistant properties which are needed for a range of sports, as set out by SAPCA, Sport England and AENA. These sports include:
• Athletics Training
• Recreational Football, Five-a-side football, Panna Football
• Basketball
• Tennis, Mini tennis
• Low-level netball
• Hockey, Hockey Training, Uni-hockey, Roller hockey
• Rugby Union, Rugby League, Tag Rugby
The structure spray is available in a variety of colours, including red, green or blue. Various line markings are applied to the structure spray, depending on the sport played.
– IAAF tested
– Anti-slip properties (TRRL 55)
– Shock absorption to reduce impact force when running
– 12-14mm depth
– Porous
– Designed to meet Sport England MUGA 4 specifications
Artificial Grass (Type 5) consists of an SBR shockpad as a sub-base and sand-dressed Artificial Grass surface layer.
The shockpad is a resilient layer introduced between the base and the playing surface in order to provide a degree of comfort to players. Although various forms of the shockpad exist, including foam pads, DCM install an in-situ pad to ensure that any risks of carpet movement are alleviated.
There are many types of synthetic turf construction, the majority are surfaced with sand-dressed carpets with shorter, denser pile heights. Experience has shown this form of carpet to have good durability and performance when used in the extreme wear conditions that are experienced on MUGAs
The line-markings are cut in or tufted into the surface and allows the artificial grass to be used for a range of sports, as set out by SAPCA, Sport England and AENA. These sports include:
• Hockey & unit-hockey
• Five a side football, Football, American Football
• Athletics & training areas
• Rugby Union, Rugby League
• Lacrosse
• Tennis (when laid to macadam)
The artificial grass is available in blue, yellow, red and black.
– 20mm grass pile height
– FIH national 1, FIH Multi-Sport 1, ITF CPR 5 (fast)
– Shock absorption to reduce impact force when running
– Porous
– Designed to meet Sport England MUGA 5 specifications
NON-ACCREDITED MULTI USE GAME AREAS
A layer of rubber is applied direct to macadam. This is coated with an anti-slip coating, making the surfaces ideal for a variety of sports. The systems are porous allowing water to drain through and ensuring year round usage.
The surface is not as abrasive as structure spray, making it ideally suited for use in primary schools, where a more forgiving surface is required.
The anti-slip coating is available in a variety of colours, including red, light green, dark blue and purple. This solvent based paint provides a particularly flexible, hard-wearing and durable coating that contains texturing agents for the necessary grip and slip resistance. Line markings are also available, creating multi-use areas ideal for football, basketball and netball.
Please note, this surface is not Sport England accredited.
– Specification does not meet Sport England specifications
– Recreational Football, Hockey and Hockey Training, Athletics, Basketbal, Netball (low level), Mini-tennis, Tennis
– 5 year warranty
– Anti-slip layer delivers slip resistant properties
– Easy to re-coat
– Shock absorption to reduce impact force when running
– Porous
SPORT ENGLAND ACCREDITED RUNNING TRACKS
A basemat running track system made of high-grade recycled rubber and coated with a self-levelling moisture-cured polyurethane binder. The basemat is crowned with layers of EPDM rubber and sealed using Single Cast Sealer (SCS), which creates an exceptionally strong bond and prevents delamination. Running track markings are applied to the structure spray.
– IAAF tested
– Premium Running Tracks or Rooftop Athletic Tracks
– Non-permeable
– Very Durable
– Spike Resistant
– Non-Slip
Polymeric Structure Spray (Type 4) consists of an SBR shockpad with a 2-3mm spray coating of granulated EPDM rubber.
The structure spray gives the surface high skid resistant properties which are needed for Running Tracks and Long Jumps.
The structure spray is available in a variety of colours, including red, green or blue. Various line markings are applied to the structure spray, depending on the sport played.
– IAAF tested
– Anti-slip properties (TRRL 55)
– Shock absorption to reduce impact force when running
– 12-14mm depth
– Porous
– Designed to meet Sport England MUGA 4 specifications
SPORT ENGLAND ACCREDITED MULTI USE GAME AREAS
TYPE 1 & Type 2 MUGAs (Painted & Unpainted Macadam)
Hard Court MUGA surfaces are suitable for a wide range of sports. Netball or tennis are the priority sports for both Type 1 and Type 2 MUGA surfaces however they are also commonly used for Tennis, basketball and other ball rebound sports.
These Multi Use Games Areas are constructed using the same methods but have either an open textured porous macadam surface or a high grip open textured macadam surface. The surface can be finished with a slip resistant acrylic paint coating. This coating is available in a variety of colours, including red, light green, dark blue and purple. Sport line markings can be added to both Type 1 and Type 2 MUGA surfaces.
It is worth noting that both type 1 and 2 MUGA surfaces can also be constructed using more dense macadam which is impervious to liquid. However, this type of surface is less popular as the majority of users (particularly for installations in schools and sports clubs) require ‘year around’ usability.
Type 1 and 2 courts are the most cost-effective MUGA options. However, these systems offer no cushion underfoot, making them harder on joints.
Type 3 MUGA (Professional Rubber Netball Surfacing)
Polymeric Structure Spray (Type 3) consists of an SBR shockpad with a 2-3mm spray coating of granulated EPDM rubber.
The structure spray is applied in two layers and gives the surface higher skid resistant properties than Type 4, which is needed for professional netball surfaces.
The spray is available in a variety of colours, including red, green or blue. Netball line markings are applied to the top-coat.
– Netball Surface
– IAAF tested
– Anti-slip properties (TRRL 75)
– Same build up as Type 4 (13-14mm), but a harder spray coat is applied
– Very hard-wearing
– Porous
– Designed to meet Sport England MUGA 3 specifications
Type 4 MUGA (Structure Spray Rubber Sport Surfacing)
Polymeric Structure Spray (Type 4) consists of an SBR shockpad with a 2-3mm spray coating of granulated EPDM rubber.
The structure spray gives the surface high skid resistant properties which are needed for a range of sports, as set out by SAPCA, Sport England and AENA. These sports include:
• Athletics Training
• Recreational Football, Five-a-side football, Panna Football
• Basketball
• Tennis, Mini tennis
• Low-level netball
• Hockey, Hockey Training, Uni-hockey, Roller hockey
• Rugby Union, Rugby League, Tag Rugby
The structure spray is available in a variety of colours, including red, green or blue. Various line markings are applied to the structure spray, depending on the sport played.
– IAAF tested
– Anti-slip properties (TRRL 55)
– Shock absorption to reduce impact force when running
– 12-14mm depth
– Porous
– Designed to meet Sport England MUGA 4 specifications
Type 5 MUGA (Artificial Grass)
Artificial Grass (Type 5) consists of an SBR shockpad as a sub-base and sand-dressed Artificial Grass surface layer.
The shockpad is a resilient layer introduced between the base and the playing surface in order to provide a degree of comfort to players. Although various forms of the shockpad exist, including foam pads, DCM install an in-situ pad to ensure that any risks of carpet movement are alleviated.
There are many types of synthetic turf construction, the majority are surfaced with sand-dressed carpets with shorter, denser pile heights. Experience has shown this form of carpet to have good durability and performance when used in the extreme wear conditions that are experienced on MUGAs
The line-markings are cut in or tufted into the surface and allows the artificial grass to be used for a range of sports, as set out by SAPCA, Sport England and AENA. These sports include:
• Hockey & unit-hockey
• Five a side football, Football, American Football
• Athletics & training areas
• Rugby Union, Rugby League
• Lacrosse
• Tennis (when laid to macadam)
The artificial grass is available in blue, yellow, red and black.
– 20mm grass pile height
– FIH national 1, FIH Multi-Sport 1, ITF CPR 5 (fast)
– Shock absorption to reduce impact force when running
– Porous
– Designed to meet Sport England MUGA 5 specifications
NON-ACCREDITED MULTI USE GAME AREAS
Anti-Slip Surfacing (similar to Type 4, though not as abrasive)
A layer of rubber is applied direct to macadam. This is coated with an anti-slip coating, making the surfaces ideal for a variety of sports. The systems are porous allowing water to drain through and ensuring year round usage.
The surface is not as abrasive as structure spray, making it ideally suited for use in primary schools, where a more forgiving surface is required.
The anti-slip coating is available in a variety of colours, including red, light green, dark blue and purple. This solvent based paint provides a particularly flexible, hard-wearing and durable coating that contains texturing agents for the necessary grip and slip resistance. Line markings are also available, creating multi-use areas ideal for football, basketball and netball.
Please note, this surface is not Sport England accredited.
– Specification does not meet Sport England specifications
– Recreational Football, Hockey and Hockey Training, Athletics, Basketbal, Netball (low level), Mini-tennis, Tennis
– 5 year warranty
– Anti-slip layer delivers slip resistant properties
– Easy to re-coat
– Shock absorption to reduce impact force when running
– Porous
SPORT ENGLAND ACCREDITED RUNNING TRACKS
Professional Running Tracks (Sandwich System)
A basemat running track system made of high-grade recycled rubber and coated with a self-levelling moisture-cured polyurethane binder. The basemat is crowned with layers of EPDM rubber and sealed using Single Cast Sealer (SCS), which creates an exceptionally strong bond and prevents delamination. Running track markings are applied to the structure spray.
– IAAF tested
– Premium Running Tracks or Rooftop Athletic Tracks
– Non-permeable
– Very Durable
– Spike Resistant
– Non-Slip
Running Tracks & Long Jumps
Polymeric Structure Spray (Type 4) consists of an SBR shockpad with a 2-3mm spray coating of granulated EPDM rubber.
The structure spray gives the surface high skid resistant properties which are needed for Running Tracks and Long Jumps.
The structure spray is available in a variety of colours, including red, green or blue. Various line markings are applied to the structure spray, depending on the sport played.
– IAAF tested
– Anti-slip properties (TRRL 55)
– Shock absorption to reduce impact force when running
– 12-14mm depth
– Porous
– Designed to meet Sport England MUGA 4 specifications
LAYOUT & DIMENSIONS
Standard Dimensions for Multi Use Game Areas
• Tennis (23.77m x 10.97m)
• Netball (30.5m x 15.25m)
• Basketball (28m x 14m)
• 5v5 Football (37m x 18.5m)
If a client wanted to include all of these different sports the total area size would need to be 34.5m x 19.25m= 664.13 square metres. This would also allow safe run offs for all sports.
*It is advisable to have recesses of at least 4m x 2m on each end of the MUGA pitch to allow storage of equipment (e.g. goals) and maximise playing space.
Synthetic Court Pitches
• 7v7 Football (64m x 45m)
• Football (90m x 45m or 120m x 90m)
• Hockey (91.4m x 55m)
Example Pitch Layouts
Standard Dimensions for Multi Use Game Areas
• Tennis (23.77m x 10.97m)
• Netball (30.5m x 15.25m)
• Basketball (28m x 14m)
• 5v5 Football (37m x 18.5m)
If a client wanted to include all of these different sports the total area size would need to be 34.5m x 19.25m= 664.13 square metres. This would also allow safe run offs for all sports.
*It is advisable to have recesses of at least 4m x 2m on each end of the MUGA pitch to allow storage of equipment (e.g. goals) and maximise playing space.
Synthetic Court Pitches
• 7v7 Football (64m x 45m)
• Football (90m x 45m or 120m x 90m)
• Hockey (91.4m x 55m)
Example Pitch Layouts
Example of a Synthetic Court Pitch: Hockey, 5v5 Football & Football
Example of a Polymeric Type 4 MUGA: 5v5 Football
Example of a Type 3 or 4 MUGA: Tennis, Mini-Tennis & Netball
PLANNING PERMISSION
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
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
DRAINAGE
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.
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
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.
2. 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.
5. 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.
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.
2. 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.
5. 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
• 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.
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
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, FeasibilityLocation 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
