Regulations for building a padel court

In previous posts we’ve discussed what to consider before setting up a padel club. This time, we want to delve into some of the most important regulations for building a padel court, from dimensions to the necessary permits, ensuring that the installation complies with official standards. This will not only guarantee an optimal playing experience but also allow the court to be certified and suitable for official competitions.
Padel court construction regulations
As we mentioned, following the regulations for constructing padel courts is essential if you want to build a sports club that meets federation standards and provides a high-level playing experience. Additionally, complying with local permits and regulations is crucial to avoid legal issues, ensuring a safe and high-quality space for players.
Padel court dimensions
The official dimensions of a padel court are 10 meters wide by 20 meters long, with a maximum tolerance of 0.5%. It’s essential to adhere to these dimensions correctly to have the court certified.
The service lines must be located 6.95 meters from the back of the court, while the center service line must be perpendicular to the net. According to the regulations for constructing a padel court, the lines should be 5 centimeters wide, ensuring visibility during the game and accuracy in ball calls.
For indoor or covered installations, the regulations require a minimum height of 6 meters free from obstacles over the entire court surface, which can go up to 8 meters if including lighting equipment.
The net
The net of a padel court must be 10 meters long, with a height of 88 centimeters at the center and 92 centimeters at the ends. It is suspended by a metal cable with a diameter of 10 centimeters and must be attached to side posts with a maximum height of 1.05 meters. These posts should be located outside the court at its lateral boundaries.
Lighting
The regulations for constructing a padel court mandate the use of artificial lighting, regardless of whether the court is indoors or outdoors. It is essential to comply with the European UNE-EN 12193 standard on lighting in sports facilities. Light levels must be uniform and sufficient to ensure player visibility and safety, with a recommended intensity between 300 and 500 lux.
Enclosures
The enclosure of a padel court is crucial for ensuring proper game development. The back walls have an internal length of 10 meters and a height of 4 meters. The first 3 meters of these walls must be made of glass or brick, either transparent or opaque, while the last meter may use a metal mesh to complete the enclosure.
For the side walls, there are two possible configurations. The most common includes a staggered section with a height of 3 meters for the first 2 meters of length, then 2 meters high for the next 2 meters. The rest of the sidewall is completed with metal mesh, reaching a total height of 4 meters at the ends and 3 meters in the center of the court.
The metal mesh should have a square or diamond shape, with a size between 5 and 7 centimeters. The thickness of the steel used in this mesh should be between 2 and 4 millimeters, ensuring its strength and durability.
Court surface
The surface of a padel court is key in the construction regulations. It can be made of artificial grass, concrete, wood, or cement. It’s essential that the material allows for a consistent ball bounce. If the court is made of artificial grass or synthetic pavement, it must comply with the UNE 41958 IN standard related to sports pavements. Additionally, paved courts can have a maximum slope of 1% to facilitate water drainage in non-draining areas.
Access and accessibility
Padel courts must have two lateral access points, which may or may not have doors. The access points must be symmetrical, with regulated dimensions ranging between:
- 1.05 x 2 meters minimum.
- 1.20 x 2.20 meters maximum.
Additionally, all courts must comply with accessibility regulations for people with reduced mobility, removing any architectural barriers.
Permits needed to open a padel court
Before starting the construction of a padel court, it’s important to manage the necessary permits to avoid legal complications during construction:
- Building permit: Required for construction or land modification.
- Activity permit: Essential for the facility to operate legally as a sports center.
- Land use permit: Make sure the land is classified as suitable for sports facilities.
- Permits for complementary facilities: If you want to add locker rooms, cafeterias, or parking areas, you’ll also need this type of permit.
- Compliance with safety regulations: Ensure that the court meets safety standards.
- Registration of the sports facility: It must be registered with the appropriate body to be officially recognized.
- Commercial license: Necessary to generate income from the court’s use.
- Liability insurance: A civil liability policy is required to cover potential accidents or damages on the court.
Padelgest: Padel court builders
If you’re considering building a padel court, Padelgest offers a wide range of services to simplify the process. Among our standout designs, you can find everything from super panoramic padel courts for maximum visibility and spectacle to our Club crystal padel court design, crafted for top performance on a versatile playing surface.
We manage everything from planning to execution. Our team of experts is ready to help you meet all regulations and ensure that your facility is not only functional but also of the highest quality. Contact us and start shaping your project today!