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From DIN EN 12193 to the finished order: everything about lighting classes, light distribution, GR value and LED selection for sports fields and sports halls.
Standards-compliant sports field lighting requires more than achieving a lux value: uniformity, glare limitation, colour rendering and a light distribution suited to the sport in question are equally decisive. This guide takes you from the relevant standards through light planning to the correct LED selection – practical guidance for local authorities, clubs, electrical planners and architects.
Many planning projects fail not because of insufficient light, but because of incorrectly distributed light. A football pitch with an average of 300 lux can still be non-compliant if uniformity is inadequate or players are dazzled by poorly aimed luminaires. Standard DIN EN 12193:2019-07 therefore defines a whole set of requirements that must all be met simultaneously.
For B2B buyers this means: selecting the correct LED luminaire does not begin in the product catalogue, but with a complete light plan. Only once the lighting class, mast positions, beam angles and glare limit values have been established can the appropriate luminaire be specified.
Standard DIN EN 12193:2019-07 applies to the most common sports practised in Europe – for both outdoor and indoor facilities. It distinguishes three lighting classes based on the level of use.
| Lighting Class | Use | Eh,av min. (lux) | Uniformity U₀ min. | Colour Rendering Ra min. | GR Limit (Outdoor) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LC I | National / international competition | ≥ 500 | 0.7 | ≥ 65 | ≤ 50 |
| LC II | Regional match play / club sport | ≥ 200 | 0.6 | ≥ 65 | ≤ 55 |
| LC III | Training / recreational sport | ≥ 75 | 0.5 | ≥ 20 | ≤ 55 |
Significantly higher requirements apply to TV broadcasts: HDTV typically requires at least 1,400–2,000 lux; the precise specifications are determined by the requirements of the relevant governing body (e.g. FIFA, UEFA, DFL). These values are well above the minimum standard requirements and must be agreed separately with the governing body concerned.
Important: the lighting class should be selected correctly from the outset. Retrofitting from LC III to LC I is technically possible, but considerably more expensive than an installation dimensioned correctly from the start.
Light distribution describes how a luminaire distributes its luminous flux in space. For sports facilities, choosing the correct luminous intensity distribution curve (LDC) is at least as important as the wattage.
For outdoor sports facilities, well-shielded LED floodlights with asymmetric luminous intensity distribution are recommended. These direct the main luminous flux precisely onto the playing surface without illuminating players or spectators directly. The tilt angle of the luminaire on the mast is critical: luminaires mounted at too shallow an angle produce high GR values and cause glare for players and neighbouring residents.
Recommended mounting heights in accordance with DIN EN 12193:
The mast geometry – number of masts, spacings, positions relative to the playing field – directly influences uniformity. Four-mast installations at the corners are widely used for football, but with unfavourable orientation they deliver poorer uniformity values than six- or eight-mast configurations.
In sports halls, glare when looking up at high balls (volleyball, basketball) is the central problem. The standard stipulates that luminaires must not be mounted directly above the playing area if this leads to disruptive direct glare. Specifically:
Instead, luminaires are positioned to the side of the playing area or in the peripheral zones of the hall. Suitable light distributions here are high bays with narrow to medium beam angles (60°–90°) and UGR values below 22.
The Glare Rating (GR) is the standardised measure of direct glare for outdoor sports facilities. The scale runs from 10 (no glare) to 90 (intolerable glare). DIN EN 12193 sets a maximum value of GR ≤ 50 (LC I) or GR ≤ 55 (LC II/III) for most sports.
The GR value is calculated in the light plan – it depends on the luminance of the luminaires, their position, the tilt angle and the number of luminaires. An early GR check in the DIALux model prevents costly remedial work on site.
To calculate the GR value you need the complete luminaire data file (IES or LDT) from the manufacturer. When purchasing, ensure that these files are available for all luminaires offered.
| Sport / Facility | Lighting Class | Lux min. | Luminaire Type | Mounting Height | Protection Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Football (training) | LC III | 75 | LED floodlight, asymmetric | ≥ 16 m | IP65/IP66 |
| Football (club sport) | LC II | 200 | LED floodlight, asymmetric | ≥ 16 m | IP65/IP66 |
| Football (national competition) | LC I | 500 | LED floodlight, asymmetric | 18–20 m | IP66 |
| Tennis (outdoor) | LC I–III | 75–500 | LED floodlight, narrow (20°–40°) | 6–8 m | IP65/IP66 |
| Sports hall (multi-purpose) | LC I–III | 200–500 | LED high bay, ball-impact resistant | 7–12 m | IP65 |
| Basketball (indoor) | LC I–II | 300–500 | LED high bay, side-mounted | 7–10 m | IP65 |
| Padel court | LC II–III | 200–300 | LED floodlight, 40°–60° | 5–7 m | IP65/IP66 |
| School sport (indoor) | DIN EN 12464-1 | ≥ 300 | LED high bay, ball-impact resistant | 5–8 m | IP65 |
For football pitch lighting, tennis court lighting, basketball court lighting and padel court lighting, Clightstore offers sport-specific pre-configured LED luminaires in each category.
DIN EN 12193 is the core standard, but not the only one. Depending on the facility and its use, additional regulations must be observed:
Note on protection rating: at least IP65 is recommended for outdoor facilities; the specific requirement follows from the risk assessment and local conditions. High-quality LED floodlights for professional sport achieve IP66 (to IEC 60529) and are therefore also protected against powerful jets of water. Read more about the significance of IP protection ratings in our guide IP Protection Ratings Explained: IP20 to IP69K.
For competition and training facilities outdoors, LED floodlights with IP66, Philips or MOSO drivers and selectable beam angle are recommended. The following models cover the power range for LC I to LC III:
The full range of LED sports field lighting and the LED floodlights premium series can be found in the respective categories.
For sports halls, multi-purpose halls and school sports halls, ball-impact-resistant LED high bays with IP65, dimmable driver and UGR values below 22 are suitable. The following models are designed for mounting heights from 6 m:
The full range can be found in the LED high bays category.
Purchase costs are only one part of the total cost of ownership (TCO). Particularly for sports facilities that are in operation for several hours each day, energy costs and maintenance expenditure make the decisive difference.
A typical example for a football pitch LC II with four masts and four luminaires each (16 luminaires in total):
Note: these figures are indicative values for guidance purposes. For your specific installation we will prepare an individual TCO calculation on request as part of the free DIALux light planning service.
On colour temperature: 5000K (daylight white) is recommended for sports facilities with TV coverage; for purely training and recreational facilities, 4000K (neutral white) is sufficient. Read more in our guide LED Colour Temperature: 2700K to 6000K.
Conversion to LED sports lighting is eligible for funding in Germany. The following programmes are currently relevant:
Important: Funding applications must generally be submitted before construction begins. Commission the planning at an early stage so that all documents (light plan, product data sheets, energy calculation) are available in good time.
Further information on lux requirements in various settings can be found in our guide How much lux do you need?.
LC I applies to national and international competition (≥ 500 lux, U₀ ≥ 0.7), LC II to regional match play and club sport (≥ 200 lux, U₀ ≥ 0.6) and LC III to training and recreational sport (≥ 75 lux, U₀ ≥ 0.5). The class determines not only the lux value but also requirements for uniformity, colour rendering and glare limitation.
According to DIN EN 12193, the minimum is 75 lux for training (LC III), 200 lux for regional match play (LC II) and 500 lux for national competition (LC I). Significantly higher requirements apply to TV broadcasts, as specified by the relevant governing bodies (e.g. DFL, UEFA, FIFA), typically between 1,400 and 2,500 lux.
The GR value (Glare Rating) is the standardised measure of direct glare for outdoor sports facilities. The scale runs from 10 (no glare) to 90 (intolerable glare). It is calculated in the light planning software (e.g. DIALux) on the basis of luminaire data, mast positions and tilt angles. DIN EN 12193 prescribes GR ≤ 50 (LC I) or GR ≤ 55 (LC II/III) for most sports.
The core standard is DIN EN 12193:2019-07. Additionally applicable are DIN 18032-1 (building technology requirements for sports halls), DIN VDE 0710-13 (ball-impact resistance of luminaires) and DIN EN 1838 (emergency lighting). For school sport, DIN EN 12464-1 with a minimum of 300 lux must also be observed.
Yes, conversion is possible in most cases. The existing mast infrastructure can often be reused. It is important that the new LED floodlights are planned photometrically from scratch, as LED luminaires have different luminous intensity distribution curves from HIT floodlights. A DIALux simulation ensures that the standard values are met after conversion. All electrical connection work must be carried out by a qualified electrician.
Relevant programmes include the BAFA scheme for efficient buildings (non-residential buildings including sports halls), KfW municipal loans for public infrastructure, and state-specific sport and energy efficiency funding programmes. Funding applications must be submitted before construction begins without exception. We support you with the necessary technical documentation.
Light emission refers to the stray light radiated from an outdoor facility onto neighbouring properties or into the night sky. The LAI Light Emission Guideline (2012) provides reference values. Asymmetric LED floodlights, correct tilt angles and optional shields reduce stray light considerably. An early emission calculation in the light plan avoids conflicts with authorities and neighbours.
At least IP65 (to IEC 60529) is recommended for outdoor facilities. For professional sports facilities and locations with increased weather exposure, we recommend IP66. High-quality LED floodlights for professional sport achieve IP66 and are therefore also protected against powerful jets of water. Read more about IP protection ratings in our guide IP Protection Ratings Explained.
Clightstore offers you a free DIALux light plan including GR value calculation, uniformity verification and product recommendation – tailored to your sport, lighting class and funding situation. EU-wide delivery in 2–5 working days, up to 5 years' warranty.
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