The latest news and views from SAPCA THE MAKING OF MULTI-USE GAMES AREAS:
SAPCA’s new Code of Practice offers essential construction guidelines for MUGAs
S
APCA will shortly release the Multi-use Games Area Code of Practice 2014 – its latest document dedicated to raising standards across the sports and
play construction industry. Many charged with choosing a playing
surface suitable for a variety of sports opt for a MUGA – while a good facility can offer astounding versatility, the vast range of surface types can make the decision a confusing one and a MUGA will always be a compromise as no single playing surface is perfect for all sports.
Updated construction advice TonyHession, project manager at SAPCA, explains why the new code of practice is an essential aid to potential facility owners. “Existing guidelines concentrate on
performance requirements of individual sports," he says. "They don’t address or detail the important considerations of site investigation, construction design requirements and the technical information that's vital to a successful installation. “Documents such as Sport England’s Design Notes and the British and European Performance Standards guidelines offer important performance and safety limitations, but don’t really deal with addressing core construction issues that help a client get an accurate costing at the
Whether it’s limited space, restricted budgets or a demand for different sports to be available in one single facility, SAPCA’s Code of Practice will address the key issues which need to be considered when contemplating the installation of a MUGA
design and funding feasibility stage. “The Design Specification and
Construction of Multi-use Games Areas including Multi-sport Synthetic Turf Pitches was written by Sport England in collaboration with SAPCA over a decade ago. Since then, the number of additional MUGA surfaces available, including 3G turf, has grown enormously, so the code of practice needed not only an update, but to broaden the knowledge base, while at the same time narrowing the focus to pinpoint quality construction guidelines. In our view, this update is essential to ensure MUGA surfaces are properly installed.”
Nine surface options, one area It’s important to remember that there are nine principle types of surfacing for MUGAs, each of which has different benefits, ranging from grip, through shock absorption, to ball rebound. From standard macadam through to polymeric surfacing and synthetic turf, each type of surface for a MUGA holds a distinct strength
suited to a particular sport. For example, standard grip macadam is ideal for tennis, whereas sand-dressed synthetic turf (with shockpad) is ideally suited to hockey.
Clear quality guidelines Hession adds that with the latest code of practice, SAPCA aims to establish clear construction quality guidelines which not only clarify the importance of proper design, build standards and installation issues, but ensure that the surface chosen meets the needs of the client’s key requirements – and that the expectations of playing performance are realistic. “SAPCA members all pledge to
maintain the highest of quality standards – by providing written advice and expert guidelines SAPCA is helping the industry create even better sports and play facilities nationwide,” he explains.
Design and project management The MUGA code of practice will also detail useful design guidelines and project management considerations, such as: • Design considerations • Site considerations and location • Local infrastructure • Size, orientation and gradients • Drainage • Sub-bases • Edge kerbs • Macadam, polymeric and synthetic grass surface options
• Playing lines • Quality control
The code of practice has been finalised Current guidelines for MUGAs concentrate on performance requirements of individual sports 80
and received input from all SAPCA members following a thorough consultation process. The final document will be published shortly.
sportsmanagement.co.uk issue 3 2014 ©Cybertrek 2014
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