Guide to the artificial lighting
of football pitches
This publication is the result of a joint co-operation with FIFA.
Philips
Lighting
This publication is the result of a joint
co-operation with FIFA.
Fore more information:
info.sportslighting@philips.com
02/2002
Printed in France
PLAQUETTE FIFA.XP 12/02/02 17:20 Page 40
G u i d e t o t h e a r t i f i c i a l l i g h t i n g o f f o o t b a l l p i t c h e s 3G u i d e t o t h e a r t i f i c i a l l i g h t i n g o f f o o t b a l l p i t c h e s2
Guide to the artificial
lighting of football pitches
This publication is the result of a joint co-operation with the FIFA.
For the guidance of FIFA officials, Member Associations
and football pitch proprietors generally.
Fdration Internationale de Football Association
Technical Department ¥ Hitzigweg 11 ¥ CH - 8030 Zrich
Tel: 41-1/384 9595 ¥ Fax: 41-1/384 9696
Internet: www.fifa.com
Philips Sports Lighting
Rue des Brotteaux ¥ 01708 Miribel Cdex ¥ FRANCE
e-mail: info.sportsligthing@philips.com
Conception
PressÕ Citron ¥ Dijon ¥ FRANCE
Reproduction in whole or in part is permitted provided the source is acknowledged.
Introduction ......................................................................................................... Page 4
1.1 ..... page 4 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Scope
1.2 ..... page 5 ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Intent
User requirements ......................................................................... Page 6
2.1 ..... page 6 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... Objectives
2.2 ..... page 7 ...................................................................................................................................................... Competition categories
2.3 ..... page 8 ................................................................................................................................................................................ Pitch dimensions
2.4 ..... page 9 .................................................................................................................................................................... Obstacle free zones
2.5 ..... page 10 ......................................................................................................................... Unobstructed view of the Pitch
2.6 ..... page 11 ....................................................................................................................................................................................... Obtrusive light
Lighting requirements ............................................ Page 12
3.1 ..... page 12 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... Illuminance
3.1.A .............................................................. Horizontal Illuminance
3.1.B ......................................................................... Vertical Illuminance
3.2 ..... page 14 ............................................................................................................................................................ Illuminance uniformity
3.3 ..... page 16 ............................................................................................................................... Calculation & measuring grids
3.4 ..... page 17 .................................................................................................................................................................... Illuminance gradient
3.5 ..... page 17 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Glare
3.6 ..... page 18 ........................................................................................................................................ Colour properties of lamps
3.6.A ..................................................... Colour temperature (Tk)
3.6B ................................................................. Colour rendering (Ra)
Lighting recommendations ........... Page 20
4.1 ..... page 20 ................................................................................................................................................................................ Types of facilities
4.2 ..... page 21 .................................................................................................................................................................... Non televised Event
4.2.A ................................................................................................ Introduction
4.2.B ........................................................................ Installation planning
4.2.C ......................... Summary of lighting specifications
for non televised events
4.3 ..... page 26 ................................................................................................................................................................................... Televised Events
4.3.A ................................................................................................ Introduction
4.3.B ........................................................................ Installation planning
4.3.C .............................................................................. Camera positions
4.3.D ........................ Summary of lighting specifications
for televised events
Annexes ...................................................................................................................................... Page 33
5.1 ..... page 33 ............................................................................................................................................................... Measuring procedure
5.1.A ................................................................................................ Introduction
5.1.B ........................... Inspection prior to measurement
5.1.C .................................................................. Measuring equipment
5.1.D ................................................................................ Measuring points
5.1.E ........ Measurement of horizontal illuminance
5.1.F .................. Measurement of vertical illuminance
5.2 ..... page 36 ......................................................................................................................................... Measurement record sheet
5.3 ..... page 39 .................................................................................................... Glossary of terms FIFA lighting guide
1 •
2 •
3 •
4 •
5 •
PLAQUETTE FIFA.XP 12/02/02 17:20 Page 2
G u i d e t o t h e a r t i f i c i a l l i g h t i n g o f f o o t b a l l p i t c h e s4
1 • Introduction
As lighting is one of many considerations for a facility owner
or event organiser, FIFA and Philips Lighting have decided to
produce a second edition of the ÔLighting Design Guide for
Football PitchesÕ. This new edition is more self-explanatory as
regards lighting terminology (with both text and images to
illustrate lighting concepts) and it contains an update on the
new lighting technologies required for slow-motion replay and
digital and enhanced broadcasting, which bring the action
ever closer to the TV viewer.
This guide is divided into two main sections, ÔLighting
requirementsÕ, where key lighting concepts are explained, and
ÔInstallation planningÕ, where guidelines are given for the
creation of lighting systems in terms of location of equipment,
choice of mounting height, lighting specifications and lamp
characteristics.
We hope that this lighting guide will aid the planning process
and support the continuing growth of high-quality facilities
around the world. The champions of both today and tomorrow
need good facilities in order to train and perform at their
best.
January 2002
Fdration Internationale de Football Association
Today, soccer is probably the most popular
form of entertainment in the world. Events
such as the FIFA World Cup, the Euro
Championships, the Champions League and
the Copa America capture the attention of
almost everyone on the planet - thanks
mainly to TV coverage. In fact, it is TV that
has raised soccer to its current status and
otherwise plays a leading role in sports
development.
So for evening matches, when soccer and
TV can take advantage of peak viewing,
broadcasters require excellent lighting of
the playing field. But although the lighting
should provide perfect illumination of the
players, and in some cases the spectators
in the stadium too, it should never have a
detrimental effect on vision. At all times
players and fans must be able to enjoy
optimum visual conditions without glare.
Lighting also plays a key role in recreational,
non-televised soccer matches. Because
recreational soccer is usually played in the
evening after work, effective lighting
maximises the opportunity for people to
take part in the game. Although the lighting
level will obviously be lower compared to
televised games, the lighting quality should
remain high in terms of uniformity, visual
comfort and limitation of light pollution,
especially in the residential areas where
leisure sports facilities are often located.
Championship lighting for champion players
PLAQUETTE FIFA.XP 12/02/02 17:20 Page 4
In
tr
od
uc
ti
on
U
se
r
re
qu
ire
m
en
ts
Li
gh
ti
ng
re
qu
ire
m
en
ts
Li
gh
tin
g
re
co
m
m
en
da
tio
ns
A
nn
ex
es
G u i d e t o t h e a r t i f i c i a l l i g h t i n g o f f o o t b a l l p i t c h e s 5
G u i d e t o t h e a r t i f i c i a l l i g h t i n g o f f o o t b a l l p i t c h e s6
In
tr
od
uc
ti
on
U
se
r
re
qu
ire
m
en
ts
Li
gh
ti
ng
re
qu
ire
m
en
ts
Li
gh
tin
g
re
co
m
m
en
da
tio
ns
A
nn
ex
es
G u i d e t o t h e a r t i f i c i a l l i g h t i n g o f f o o t b a l l p i t c h e s 7
Pl
ay
er
s,
Re
fe
re
es
&
Of
ficia
ls ˙Lig
hting to deliver best perform
ance¨
Adver
tisers ˙Colour fidelity¨
prom
otes
Brand
recognition.
Spectators ˙To see c
lear
ly
all
th
at
is
go
in
g
on
,
ev
en
fr
om
fu
rt
he
st
se
at
¨
B
road
casters
/
Photographers ˙Enough light¨, o
f su
itab
le
qu
al
ity
, f
or
im
ag
e
ac
qu
is
iti
on
.
Rem
ote
audience
˙H
om
e
or
Aw
ay¨
- Big screen or television.
Objectives .............................................................................................................. 2.1
The objective of an artificial lighting system is
to Òcreate conditions of good visibility for
those who use or experience soccer facilitiesÓ.
The following persons are considered to be those persons
who use or experience a facility. And form the basis
for lighting specifications:
2 • User Requirements
Competition categories ............................................... 2.2
Five classes of lighting systems have been
defined, from I to V. The categories are
divided into the needs of televised and
non-televised competitions, in order to
group facilities by the needs of their users.
Television cameras require more light than the players
on the field and spectators standing at the sidelines.
While spectators sat far from the action have similar needs
to that of Television cameras, due to the apparent small size
of the ball caused by the long viewing distance.
While non-televised competitions need to provide satisfactory
conditions for the players on the field and persons at the
sidelines.
Televised Events
Class V ........ International
Class IV ........ National
Non-televised competitions
Class III ...... National games
Class II ........ Leagues and clubs
Class I ..........Training and Recreation
PLAQUETTE FIFA.XP 12/02/02 17:20 Page 6
In
tr
od
uc
ti
on
U
se
r
re
qu
ire
m
en
ts
Li
gh
ti
ng
re
qu
ire
m
en
ts
Li
gh
tin
g
re
co
m
m
en
da
tio
ns
A
nn
ex
es
In
tr
od
uc
ti
on
U
se
r
re
qu
ire
m
en
ts
Li
gh
ti
ng
re
qu
ire
m
en
ts
Li
gh
tin
g
re
co
m
m
en
da
tio
ns
A
nn
ex
es
G u i d e t o t h e a r t i f i c i a l l i g h t i n g o f f o o t b a l l p i t c h e s 9G u i d e t o t h e a r t i f i c i a l l i g h t i n g o f f o o t b a l l p i t c h e s8
5 m5 m
5 m5 m
FIGURE 2-4: Obstacle free zones.
Obstacle free zones ............................................................. 2.4
In order to promote player safety,
no lighting structures shall be placed within
5 m of the pitch side lines or goal lines.
WIDTH 68 m to 75 m
11 m 5,5 m 7,32 m 16,5 m
9,15 m
LE
NG
TH
10
5 m
to
11
0 m
16,
5 m5,5
m
9,15
m
11 m
1 m
Within the guidelines of the playing rules,
pitch dimensions can vary from 105 m
to 110 m in length, and from 68 to 75 m
in width.
FIGURE 2-3: Permitted pitch dimensions.
Pitch dimensions ................................................................................ 2.3
PLAQUETTE FIFA.XP 12/02/02 17:20 Page 8
In
tr
od
uc
ti
on
U
se
r
re
qu
ire
m
en
ts
Li
gh
ti
ng
re
qu
ire
m
en
ts
Li
gh
tin
g
re
co
m
m
en
da
tio
ns
A
nn
ex
es
In
tr
od
uc
ti
on
U
se
r
re
qu
ire
m
en
ts
Li
gh
ti
ng
re
qu
ire
m
en
ts
Li
gh
tin
g
re
co
m
m
en
da
tio
ns
A
nn
ex
es
G u i d e t o t h e a r t i f i c i a l l i g h t i n g o f f o o t b a l l p i t c h e s 11G u i d e t o t h e a r t i f i c i a l l i g h t i n g o f f o o t b a l l p i t c h e s10
Obtrusive light ...................................................................................... 2.6
ÒStray or Spill LightÓ
Is the light falling on vertical surfaces or entering a property
via windows etc, which causes most disturbance to residents
living nearby.
ÒIntensity toward an observerÓ
The brightness or intensity of the installation from specific
observer positions looking toward the installation.
ÒUpwardÓ or Òwaste lightÓ
The light emitted upward (above horizontal) from each
floodlight. This effect is often referred to as Òsky glowÓ.
Unobstructed view of the pitch ........ 2.5
Boundary of property Spill light to local
community
Upward light
creates skyglow
FIGURE 2-5: Lighting installation shall
not obstruct to spectator sightlines.
Where spectator areas are provided, whether enclined seating
blocks or at ground level, lighting structures shall be placed
outside spectator sightlines.
This will usually mean moving the equipment behind
spectators and will have the effect of increasing the required
mounting height.
FIGURE 2-6: Element of obtrusive light.
Useful light on pitch
Worldwide there is a growing awareness
of light which might cause disturbance
to persons living close to a lighting
installation or might prevent observation
of the night sky.
Recommendations now exist in some
countries and should be considered as
a positive step toward preserving our
natural environment, reducing disturbances
to people in their homes and hazards to
persons viewing bright light sources directly.
The official term becoming widely used
is that of Òobtrusive lightÓ. There are three
key facets of Òobtrusive lightÓ.
PLAQUETTE FIFA.XP 12/02/02 17:20 Page 10
G u i d e t o t h e a r t i f i c i a l l i g h t i n g o f f o o t b a l l p i t c h e s12
In
tr
od
uc
ti
on
U
se
r
re
qu
ire
m
en
ts
Li
gh
ti
ng
re
qu
ire
m
en
ts
Li
gh
tin
g
re
co
m
m
en
da
tio
ns
A
nn
ex
es
G u i d e t o t h e a r t i f i c i a l l i g h t i n g o f f o o t b a l l p i t c h e s 13
llluminance ......................................................................................................... 3.1
3 • Lighting Requirements
The average Òhorizontal illuminance (Ehave)Ó of the pitch
surface serves to establish the adapted state of the eye and
acts as a visual background against which players and ball
stand out, enabling them to be identified quickly and clearly.
Vertical illuminance (Ev) ............................. 3.1.B
Vertical planes are used to simulate the light falling
on the body of a player. The height chosen corresponds
to the upper-body and face of a player and forms the basis
of calculations.
FIGURE 3-1-A: Visualisation of horizontal illuminance.
FIGURE 3-1-B-1: Light surrounding the player. FIGURE 3-1-B-2: Simulated vertical planes of a player.
Illuminance can be calculated for any surface orientation,
which must be specified. This could be the horizontal surface
of the pitch, the inclined surface of a spectator tribune,
or a plane in the direction of a television camera.
The amount of light falling on a surface
is termed illuminance (ÒEÓ), is often referred
to as Òlighting levelÓ and is measured in
ÒluxÓ. It is independant of surface colour,
texture, reflective properties and is easy
to calculate and measured.
Horizontal illuminance (Eh) ..................................... 3.1.A
The original intent of providing a lighting system should always be kept in mind: ÒTo create conditions of good
visibilityÓ. As the competitive level increases, so too must the quantity and quality of the lighting provided,
enabling players to perform faster, with a greater degree of accuracy, in the most suitable conditions. The following
criteria are those used to specify, create and measure good lighting conditions.
PLAQUETTE FIFA.XP 12/02/02 17:20 Page 12
In
tr
od
uc
ti
on
U
se
r
re
qu
ire
m
en
ts
Li
gh
ti
ng
re
qu
ire
m
en
ts
Li
gh
tin
g
re
co
m
m
en
da
tio
ns
A
nn
ex
es
In
tr
od
uc
ti
on
U
se
r
re
qu
ire
m
en
ts
Li
gh
ti
ng
re
qu
ire
m
en
ts
Li
gh
tin
g
re
co
m
m
en
da
tio
ns
A
nn
ex
es
G u i d e t o t h e a r t i f i c i a l l i g h t i n g o f f o o t b a l l p i t c h e s 15G u i d e t o t h e a r t i f i c i a l l i g h t i n g o f f o o t b a l l p i t c h e s14
FIGURE 3-1-B-3: Calculation points
perpendicular to camera axis.
Vertical illuminance is the light in the direction of a camera
which is useful in creating a picture for a camera.
To ensure a camera receives sufficient light to create
an image, it is necessary to specify and measure the vertical
illuminance, perpendicular to each selected camera position.
Calculations and measurements shall be made 1.5 m above
the pitch surface, in the direction of the camera.
Where portable cameras are used at pitch level it is sufficient
to calculate the light on the four planes perpendicular facing
the side lines.
llluminance uniformity ....................................................... 3.2
U1 limits the total range over which a person or camera must
visually adapt and therefore contributes to visual performance.
Minimum pitch illuminance E min
U1 = ...................................................... = ............
Maximum pitch illuminance E max
U2 defines the difference between the adapted state of a
persons eye and the darkest point of the pitch and therefore
contributes to visual comfort.
Minimum pitch illuminance E min
U2 = ...................................................... = ............
Average pitch illuminance E ave
Values of U1 & U2 are defined in the chapters 4.2.C
and 4.3.D of the section 4 ÒLighting recommendationsÓ.
Ideally the pi