EN 12503-6 Sports Mats - Part 6: Determination of Cushion Top Surface Friction Value

A European standard, EN 12503-6, defines a test method for determining the static rolling friction of sports mat types described in other parts of this standard.

For the purposes of this standard,

• The term shock absorption refers to the cushion's ability to reduce impact forces on the athlete, defined as maximum deceleration under the test conditions defined in the first section.
• Static stiffness refers to the ability of the cushion to deform under a force expressed as the maximum deflection under test conditions.
• Durability refers to the ability of the cushion to return energy after an impact, expressed as percent flexibility under the test conditions defined in Chapter XNUMX.
• The surface expression refers to the top of the mat on which the athlete is moving.
• Its basic expression is its underside, which is designed to come into contact with the ground during use. means.

Essentially, the EN 12503 standard consists of the following subsections under the main title of "Sport mats":

• EN 12503-1 Part 1: Gymnastic mats, safety requirements
• EN 12503-2 Part 2: Pole vault and high jump mats, safety requirements
• EN 12503-3 Part 3: Judo mats, safety requirements
• EN 12503-4 Part 4: Determination of shock absorption
• EN 12503-5 Part 5: Determination of sole friction
• EN 12503-6 Part 6: Determination of cushion upper surface friction value
• EN 12503-7 Part 7: Determination of static hardness

According to that standard, a heavy foot of defined mass, size and shape is rotated in contact with the upper surface of the cushion and a gradually increasing torque (twisting motion) is applied until the first movement. This torque value is saved. This value is also measured as defined in the EN 7044-2.2 standard (BS 7044-2.2 Artificial sports surfaces - Test methods - Methods for determining person/surface interaction).

Among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors, our organization also provides testing services for the determination of the friction value of the upper surface of sports mats, within the scope of EN 12503-6 standard, with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.