Gymnasium Safety in Public Buildings, Schools, and Higher Education  

Photo: ©IRIS22 Productions LLC.; courtesy of Draper, Inc. 

Public gymnasiums require the use of equipment and designs that ensure the safety of those using the equipment, whether as players, spectators, operations staff, or visitors.

Gymnasiums in K-12 schools, higher education facilities, and community centers are typically designed for flexibility and to accommodate several different sports. Basketball is perhaps the most common, but the backstops often need to be moved to accommodate other sports such as volleyball or physical education activities. Further, there are typically spectator accommodations for games and/or practices, which may require some movable equipment. Designing such multi-use gymnasiums requires an understanding of the standards and rules of the sports that are being accommodated, but also of the details of the built-in equipment that are specified and incorporated into the design. This course reviews some of the broader issues of safety in gymnasiums and focuses on the recently released ASTM standard for basketball backstop equipment as a significant development in advancing the safety of players, spectators, coaches, and all others using such sports facilities. This detailed overview of the standard will be followed by two case studies showing how it has been applied.

Safety in Gymnasiums 

When safety is discussed in terms of gymnasiums, it is often the bodily safety of the athletes that is discussed to help avoid injuries from playing their sport. However, architects who design the facilities for these sports also recognize the need for the materials, equipment and other design elements to be equally safe, so they do not cause injuries or harm – not only to the athletes, but to anyone else in the facility too such as spectators, maintenance staff, operators, referees, etc. Architects are accustomed to addressing building safety concerns in gymnasiums, such as fire resistance, egress requirements, ventilation, etc., but there are also very real concerns when specifying or selecting equipment used in gymnasiums, such as basketball backstops, volleyball systems, etc. Many of these are built-in and operate to raise and lower for flexibility of use in the gym, meaning they are usually part of the design and construction scope of work. 

While it might seem like just one of many details in gymnasium design, the reality is that there are numerous documented cases of equipment failure that caused harm to people and, in some cases, were fatal. One instance in particular occurred in Joplin, Missouri, and received national attention in March of 2017. Spencer Nicodemus was 18 years old, a senior at Joplin High School, an Eagle Scout, and a mentor to younger children, with whom he was playing basketball on March 2 at the Irving Elementary School. During one game, an improperly installed basketball goal in the gymnasium collapsed, crushing Nicodemus and killing him. This event rattled many in the gym equipment business since it was the first known fatality in at least 35 years directly linked to equipment failure. It was reported that the basketball backboard, goal edge pad, and height adjuster all slid off the end of the backstop mast tube, crushing the victim’s torso under about 300 lbs. of product. While it was determined that the equipment was not installed correctly, the design of the products is significantly similar to that used by most other gym equipment manufacturers, so it resonated across the entire industry. 

Photos courtesy of Draper, Inc.

Wall-mounted basketball backstops can be fan-shaped or rectangular and can be stationary or upward or side folding. 

Relevant Codes and Standards 

When accidents occur in buildings, particularly fatal ones that direct attention to the relevant codes and standards. Did the design of the space meet code? Did the equipment meet relevant standards? What is the standard of care? Who’s to blame? As in most accidents like the one described above, a lawsuit follows, and usually, everyone involved gets named—the architect, the contractor, the supplier, the owner, etc. As a matter of risk management, then, it is critically important that everyone does what is reasonably expected of any competent similar firm —that’s the standard of care definition that most liability laws are based upon. 

In the case of gymnasium design, there has historically been less to point to in terms of codes and standards than otherwise might be expected. The International Building Code (IBC) and related codes address the needed egress and fire safety concerns with gymnasiums, which are often classified as places of assembly. That is all good, but it wasn’t relevant for the 18-year-old in Missouri since it was the equipment that seems to have failed, not the building layout. More relevant would be an industry standard developed by a nationally recognized organization such as ANSI or ASTM. Until recently, however, there have not been any such standards directly addressing the manufacture of specific gymnasium products. Nonetheless, gymnasium equipment manufacturers have typically been fairly safety conscious and routinely follow ASTM standards, but just for common materials and components such as steel, welding, bolts, fittings, and tempered glass. There has been nothing to point to for a complete product, such as the basketball backstop that failed and caused the death. 

Keep in mind that ASTM or other standards are not codes or laws unless they are specifically referenced by the Codes. Further, there are typically no policing bodies to confirm that manufacturers are following any particular standards; rather, it falls to the architect or other design professional to require them in specifications and confirm compliance in the submittal review process. The significance of ASTM standards comes from the potential for increased risk of liability if they aren’t followed. Once a national standard is developed and adopted, it becomes the standard of care against which all involved are judged. Therefore, requiring compliance with such standards helps architectural practices with their risk management and helps construction and manufacturing companies with their own liabilities. 

ASTM COMMITTEE F08 

In 1969, ASTM established Committee F08 “Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces and Facilities.” In 2018, the year after the Joplin, Missouri tragedy, representatives from the leading North American gymnasium equipment manufacturers met in Kansas City, Missouri. They worked with ASTM and, in 2019, were approved to form a subcommittee that is known as “Sub-committee F08.69 Commercially Installed Sports Equipment for Public Venues.” The stated mission of this subcommittee is to set industry standards for safety, manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and education around ceiling and wall-suspended gymnasium equipment products.

Their vision is to ensure the safety of all individuals who use sports facilities with ceiling and wall suspended equipment.

With the formation of a committee accomplished, the next step was to begin work on an industry-wide standard. All ASTM standards are drafted following consensus by a technical sub-committee with relevant expertise, in this case, representatives from all major gymnasium equipment manufacturers in North America. It should be noted that all standards undergo a rigorous review process first by stakeholders from their sub-committee. Once that is complete, then a ballot and approval process take place within the full committee before a standard is ever published. Hence, following this protocol and inspired by the fatal accident in Joplin, Missouri, they began their collaborative work. 

Source: ASTM

The new ASTM standard covers all aspects related to the safety of basketball backstops. It is the first of several standards under development for gymnasium equipment safety. 

ASTM Standard F3731 

The ASTM F08.69 subcommittee has been productive, although progress was slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, they completed their work, and the full F08 committee voted to approve it, resulting in the publication of the first standard from the group in December of 2024 - ASTM F3731 – “Standard Guide for Ceiling Suspended and Wall Mounted Basketball Backstops”. This first standard is a good example of the increased attention being paid to safety in gymnasium equipment. It is intended to aid specifiers, designers, owner/operators, and others on the best practices for ceiling suspended and wall mounted basketball backstops. 

Neal Turner, CSI, CCPR, LEED AP, served as the chair of the subcommittee in his role as Market Director, Gymnasium Equipment for Draper, Inc. He notes, “It always amazed me that there have never been firm rules, regulations or standards related to basketball backstops or other similar equipment that hangs above people’s heads. We are fortunate that manufacturers of these products have always been very safety conscious, as the accident in Joplin is the first fatality I know of in my 35-year-long career. This new standard is a big first step to ensuring that manufacturers continue to keep safety in mind when designing and providing gymnasium equipment products.”

The sub-committee is currently working on two additional standards expected to be published soon. These include a “Standard Guide for Inspection and Maintenance of Permanently Installed Indoor Gymnasium Equipment” plus a “Standard Guide for Gymnasium Divider Curtains and Indoor Operable Practice Cages.” There are also plans for product standards for ceiling suspended volleyball systems, for wrestling mat hoists, and for gym equipment installation. Designers of gymnasiums of all types should watch for the publication and release of these pending standards in the near future.

Photos courtesy of Draper, Inc.

Ceiling-mounted backstops can fold forward, to the rear, or to the side. 

General Provisions of ASTM Standard F3731 

Due to the newness of ASTM F3731 and the increased attention on the details of making, installing, and designing conditions for gymnasium equipment to comply with it, let’s first look at the overall provisions of the standard before delving into the details. 

• Scope: The stated scope of the standard is that it “provides guidance for the design, manufacturing and safety requirements for ceiling-suspended and wall mounted backstops.” This includes both retractable and stationary equipment that is permanently installed. Note that, like most standards, it is not a substitute for a well-written specification; rather, it provides some broad performance criteria for the equipment that it addresses. 
• Referenced Documents: As is common, there are other industry standards, published by ASTM or others, that are listed and referenced in ASTM F3731. Many of these are related to specific materials and components such as fasteners, bolts, steel, welding, etc. In addition, due to the different public buildings where the equipment may be used, applicable Basketball Rules Books are referenced; for high schools they are published by National Federation of State High Schools (NFHS); for colleges they are published by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA); and for international competition teams, they are published by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
• Terminology: With any code or standard, it is always worthwhile to define the terms that are used to avoid any confusion and settle any disputes. This standard provides such defined terms, and they are the same terms used in this course. Perhaps the most relevant of the various ones listed, it is worth pointing out this one: “basketball backstop, noun—complete basketball system consisting of a rigid structure, basketball backboard, basketball goal, lifting system (if folding), goal height adjustment mechanism (if present) and other accessory items.”
• Significance and Use of the Standard: The intent is “to aid the specifier, designer, owner/operator, and others, when determining the best practices for ceiling suspended and wall mounted backstops.” Hence, designers and specifiers of such equipment in buildings are well advised to be aware of the details of the standard since it is now regarded as the standard of care.

Specific Product Requirements of ASTM Standard F3731 

There are numerous very specific requirements and factors to consider which are identified for basketball backstop systems, including the following:

• Backboard Size: Replacement or new backboards can be either fan-shaped or rectangular in shape, as is common. However, the rectangular vertical measurement of backboards should not exceed 3’-6” per all Basketball Rules, due to player safety concerns.  
• Welding: Welded connections in any part of a basketball backstop must hold up over time and repeated use. Therefore, all welding must meet the requirements of welding standards AWS D-1.1 certified and/or CSA W47.1
• Hardware: Any load-supporting hardware is equally important for the ongoing integrity of the basketball backstop system. Therefore, all hardware is called out to meet the following minimum requirements:
  • Grade 5 (SAE J429)
  • Type 1 (ASTM A449)
  • Class 8.8 (ISO 898)
  • Grade A325 Type 1 (ASTM F3125/F3125M) or Better

Photos courtesy of Draper, Inc.

Details of construction, such as hardware and welding, are among the topics covered in ASTM Standard F3731.

• Safety Straps: In order to prevent the unexpected fall of a basketball backstop, a safety strap is intended to be installed. The standard is quite specific that every upward folding backstop requires such a safety strap. While every manufacturer has offered such safety straps, they can come in several different forms. They also haven’t been provided as standard equipment in some cases, just as an option. Since their mandatory use is required by the standard, architects should verify that they are included in all cases, regardless of how they are priced. 
• Positive Lock/Stop Mechanism: When vertical tubes are used with clamps to hold any part of a basketball backstop system, those clamps need to be prevented from sliding down the vertical tubes. Therefore, a positive stop is required on all clamps used on vertical tubes.
• Height Adjuster Interlocks: It is routine to adjust the height of the backstop goal in many cases. In order to maintain the structural integrity of the height adjuster mechanisms, they shall be constructed with an integral safety catch interlock to prevent decoupling or sliding apart of the components in the event of an assembly or actuator failure. 
• Basketball Goal Mounting: The basketball goal is defined as the “horizontal circular metal ring that… may be rigid (stationary) or moveable (breakaway) and will have a method to attach a basketball goal net.” The standard states that the mounting of this goal should not allow excessive stress from a player impact (i.e., dunking or hanging on the basketball goal, or both) to be transmitted to the backboard glass. The solution is to use a basketball backboard designed to support such loads, direct goal attachment, or both. 
• Protective Edge Padding: All rectangular-style backboards should include edge padding for player safety. Such padding should be installed along the bottom edge and up sides at least 15 inches. The relevant basketball rulebooks have additional information. 

Photo courtesy of Draper, Inc.

Protective edge padding is needed along the bottom of the backstop as well as up the sides for at least 15 inches. 

• Mast Assembly Posts: All vertical posts should be made or trimmed in the field, so they are flush or above the bottom of the backboard edge padding. All vertical posts require end caps.
• Other Lifting System Components: The intent is for all other components or materials used in a basketball backstop lifting system to be properly sized and of sufficient strength to ensure the safety of those using and operating all equipment. These include: 
• Galvanized Wire Rope: The typical standard is ¼ inch diameter, 7x19 classification, with a minimum of 7,000 pounds breaking strength
• Wire Rope Terminations: The intent is to be sure that the terminations of the wire rope don’t compromise its breaking strength. If clips/ cable clamps are used, then two should be installed at each cable end termination with a rope turn back length as defined by the equipment manufacturer. Where wire rope thimbles are used, they need to be properly sized and need to protect the terminations from deformation or kinking. 
• Pulleys: All pulleys need to meet or exceed the minimum breaking strength of the galvanized wire rope. The ratio of the diameter of the pulley compared to the diameter of the rope (D/d) is called out to be 13:1. (i.e., if ¼ inch diameter rope is used, then the pulley needs to have a minimum diameter of 13/4 or 3-1/4 inches). Oil-impregnated bearings in the pulleys are suggested. 
• Turnbuckles: When turnbuckles are used, they need to be a shape and style per ASTM F1145 that cannot decouple while under load or during slack conditions. Traditionally, Type 1, Grade 1 forged turnbuckles are used.
• Support Chains: When chain is used for support, it needs to comply with ASTM A413/A413A or NACM specifications for ¼ ¼-inch, Grade 30 or better chain.
• Linkages – Other types of linkages used, such as shackles and quick-links, must use a mechanical connection to prevent decoupling under load or slack conditions. The types that are not acceptable include S-hooks, carabiners, or other types of hooks. 

Specific Operation Requirements 

When it comes to movable or adjustable gym equipment, safety is not only about the products and materials but also how the equipment is intended to be operated. This is especially true for hoist systems that raise and lower basketball backstops. From a design standpoint, there are direct implications for the placement and location of the controls and mechanisms that operate this equipment. Therefore, coordination with an equipment manufacturer to understand the options and capabilities of different control scenarios can help notably with the design process and help to maximize the potential for safe operation of all moving components. 

With the above in mind, ASTM F3731 describes three aspects related to the operation, movement, and control of basketball backstop systems.

• Electric Hoist Systems: The use of an electric hoist with cables is the recommended method to fold or move backstops, whether wall or ceiling-mounted. Such electric hoists should be built specifically for use with backstops with a lifting capacity greater than that required to operate the movement of the backstop. In order to ensure that the hoist doesn’t move the backstop too far, the use of limit switches is required. The wire rope or cable that is part of the system should feed into a grooved cable drum that is designed to ensure that the cable wraps into the grooves and does not wrap on top of or cross over the cable. The use of spring-loaded constant pressure rollers is recommended to ensure that the hoist cables track properly in the grooves, particularly under slack conditions. Similar to the design of pulleys, the diameter of the drum should be based on a minimum ratio of 13:1 compared to the wire cables. (e.g., 3-1/4 inches diameter if ¼” diameter rope is used). In terms of design coordination, the hoist itself should never be mounted on a wall or other location unless it can be at least 10 feet or more above any standing surface. This helps protect players and operators. 
• Electric Hoist Control Stations: In addition to the specifics of the hoist mechanisms and systems, the specifics of the control panel, or station, for the hoists is addressed in the standard. The most significant aspect in terms of design is stated clearly “The permanent or mobile control station should be located within the gymnasium, allowing the operator clear visual and audible feedback of each device while operating individually or simultaneously with other devices.” Hence, a wall mounted control panel must be located so the operator can readily see and hear the equipment that is moving by virtue of the controls being used. A portable panel (e.g., one that operates on a mobile device) also needs to meet this requirement, so there needs to be a place to stand in the gym to operate the controls and still see and hear all of the affected equipment. The standard goes on to say, “The permanent or mobile control station must not be located directly beneath the equipment.” This suggests a location just adjacent to the equipment location. 

Photo courtesy of Draper, Inc.

Electric hoists need to include a grooved drum and rollers to be sure that the wire stays in the proper locations. 

Photos courtesy of Draper, Inc.

Controllers for hoists must meet specific requirements, whether they are key-operated electric controls (shown on the left) or crank-operated manual controls (shown on the right). 

Beyond the locational requirements, the location controls must meet specific criteria. First, all controls must be momentary contact, meaning that the user must hold a control button or switch in the “on” position during the entire operational cycle to ensure that the operator is always directly in control of the movement of the equipment. Second, a key or password must be required to prevent unauthorized operation. The details of how electronic or analog controls work from there are not specified, although different manufacturers provide different solutions, all of which should meet the above criteria. 

• Manual Hoist System: We have noted that manual hoists are not recommended due to operator or equipment safety concerns. There are also hoisting limitations for manual systems. Nonetheless, in cases where they become part of a design, then minimum requirements apply. First, when used on upward-folding wall-mounted backstops, they should only be acceptable when a 12 ft-0 in. or less extension off the building wall structure exists. For upward-folding ceiling suspended backstops, they are only acceptable with a 26 ft-0 in. or less ceiling attachment height. Secondly, if these conditions are met, then the location of the manual hoist is identified. It “should be located to either side and not directly beneath the ceiling suspended or wall mounted backstop to ensure the operator is out of danger should a mechanical failure occur.” A suitable place needs to be identified in the design of the gymnasium in this case.

The operation details of a manual backstop hoist are very clear in the ASTM standard. Foremost is the use of a removable handle or crank to turn the hoist by hand. While it may be tempting to do so, it is never acceptable to operate the hoist using a hand-held electric winder or drill since damage to the equipment or personal injury to the operator become significant concerns. This is particularly true if such hand-held electrical devices allow movement beyond a fixed stopping point, causing product failures or injury to the operator. Overall, the operational requirements are as significant as the material and product requirements as outlined in the standard.

Specifying Safe Gymnasium Equipment 

When specifying gymnasium equipment, it is advisable to review the industry standards and model specifications that can be customized for specific projects, whether for new construction or renovation. In a standard, 3-part specification format following the CSI or MasterFormat system, gym equipment, including basketball backstops, curtains, volleyball systems, etc., is found in Division 11, Equipment, usually under Section 11 66 23 or a subsection thereof. Some of the relevant items to address are highlighted as follows. 

Part 1: General 

The scope of the specified work and related work, as well as any definitions, should be called out. It is advisable to call for a pre-installation meeting and to request submittals based on the project needs. Quality assurance can be addressed by calling out the relevant ASTM and other standards that need to be met, as described previously. Project conditions and product storage should all be addressed in typical fashion, along with any 

Part 2: Products 

 All of the different performance and material criteria for the products being specified need to be called out. This includes identifying the requirements for all of the materials following applicable standards. It also includes identifying the type of equipment required (i.e., ceiling or wall suspended, forward, side, or rear folding, etc.) The specifics of the construction and the limits of the height at the roof structure should be identified. Similarly, the control system for each folding basketball backstop needs to be specified. The details of electrical winches, cables, and control mechanisms (switch or electronic) must be clear. If the basketball backboard controls are part of a broader electronic gymnasium control system, that also needs to be indicated and described. If a manual winch is being used, the relevant components and restrictions on their use shall be identified. Finally, the specific type of products and details needs to be listed for components such as safety belts with locks, the backboard (size, shape, material), the goals (basket net and rim), height adjusters, safety edge padding, and any accessories. 

Part 3: Execution 

As with any site-installed product, the installation requires multiple steps that need to be clearly articulated in the specification in order to achieve the best results. First, coordination is required with the building structure, the electrical system, and the design layout for backstop and controller locations. Installation should follow approved shop drawings and maximum height and location requirements. Field quality control involves testing and operating all backstop systems and adjusting them to function properly and safely. After final cleaning, the basketball backstop systems must be demonstrated to the owner’s representative, with operation and maintenance manuals being submitted. 

Conclusion 

Safety in gymnasiums is getting better defined through the development of new consensus-based ASTM standards that address all aspects of the equipment design, manufacture, installation, and operation. While ASTM F3731 focused on basketball backstops is the first one released, more standards are in the works and should be regarded as the new standard of care when designing public gymnasium spaces. Failure to do so could lead to increased professional liability and place a firm at greater risk in the event a failure occurs.