EN 12503-1:2013
(Main)Sports mats - Part 1: Gymnastic mats, safety requirements
Sports mats - Part 1: Gymnastic mats, safety requirements
This European Standard specifies safety requirements (including performance requirements) for 8 types of gymnastic mats used in school, training and competition, see Clause 4.
The performance and safety values cover shock absorption, anti-slip characteristics of the base and top friction characteristics of the surface.
NOTE For the specific requirements of international official competitions, see appropriate international regulations.
Sportmatten - Teil 1: Turnmatten, sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen
Diese Europäische Norm legt sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen (einschließlich Anforderungen an die Ausführung) an 8 Typen von Turnmatten für den Gebrauch in Schulen, beim Training und bei Wettkämpfen fest, siehe Abschnitt 4.
Die Werte bei der Ausführung und Sicherheit betreffen die Dämpfungseigenschaften, Reibungseigenschaften der Unterseite und Reibungseigenschaften der Oberseite.
ANMERKUNG Hinsichtlich der besonderen Anforderungen bei internationalen offiziellen Wettkämpfen siehe die entsprechenden internationalen Regeln.
Tapis de sport - Partie 1: Tapis de gymnastique, exigences de sécurité
La présente Norme européenne prescrit les exigences de sécurité (y compris des exigences de performance) de 8 types de tapis de gymnastique utilisés dans les écoles, à l'entraînement et en compétition (voir Article 4).
Les valeurs qui reflètent les performances et la sécurité sont l'absorption des chocs, les caractéristiques de frottement de la base et de la face supérieure.
NOTE Pour répondre aux exigences spécifiques des compétitions officielles internationales, il est nécessaire de se conformer aux réglementations internationales appropriées.
Športne blazine - 1. del: Gimnastične blazine, varnostne zahteve
Ta evropski standard določa varnostne zahteve (vključno z zahtevami glede zmogljivosti) za 8 vrst gimnastičnih blazin, ki se uporabljajo v šolah, na treningih in tekmovanjih, glejte točko 4. Zahteve glede zmogljivosti in varnosti zajemajo absorpcijo udarcev, protidrsne karakteristike podlage in karakteristike trenja površine.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 19-Feb-2013
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 136 - Sports, playground and other recreational equipment
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 136/WG 22 - Gymnastic and playing field equipment
- Current Stage
- 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
- Start Date
- 06-Jan-2025
- Completion Date
- 14-Apr-2025
Relations
- Effective Date
- 27-Feb-2013
- Effective Date
- 27-Feb-2013
Overview
EN 12503-1:2013 is the CEN European Standard that specifies safety and performance requirements for gymnastic mats (sports mats). It covers eight types of gymnastic mats used in schools, training and competition and sets measurable criteria for shock absorption, base anti-slip characteristics, and top surface friction. The standard links to specific test methods (EN 12503-4, -5 and -6) for verification and includes marking and user guidance requirements.
Key Topics
- Scope and classification
- Defines eight mat types by typical use (e.g., mats for floor exercises with/without jumping, dismount mats, fall mattresses).
- Shock absorption (performance)
- Specifies peak deceleration, deflection and resilience requirements per mat type when tested to EN 12503-4. Example limits in the standard include peak deceleration ranges (e.g., ≤ 80 g for Type 1 down to ≤ 14 g for Type 6) and associated deflection/resilience values.
- Base friction
- Minimum frictional values for the underside of mats (tested to EN 12503-5) to reduce slippage on the floor; values vary by mat type.
- Top friction
- Minimum top-surface friction (tested to EN 12503-6) to ensure safe foot traction during use; several mat types require a top friction ≥ 0,8.
- Marking
- Mats must be indelibly marked with the standard number (EN 12503-1), the mat type, manufacturer/trader details and the top surface identification.
- Informative annexes
- Annex A: flame-retardancy note (UK reference to BS 1892-3:2003).
- Annex B: end-user guidance recommending regular inspections and proper storage to maintain performance.
Applications
- Manufacturers and product designers use EN 12503-1:2013 to design and certify gymnastic mats that meet European safety expectations.
- Test laboratories and conformity assessors apply EN 12503-4/5/6 test methods to verify performance values (shock absorption, base/top friction).
- Facility managers, schools, sports clubs and competition organizers reference the standard when procuring mats to ensure athlete safety and regulatory compliance.
- Importers and retailers rely on the marking and classification rules to communicate correct mat use and limit liability.
Related Standards
- EN 12503 series:
- EN 12503-2 (pole vault/high jump mats), EN 12503-3 (judo mats),
- EN 12503-4 (determination of shock absorption),
- EN 12503-5 (determination of base friction),
- EN 12503-6 (determination of top friction),
- EN 12503-7 (static stiffness).
- BS 1892-3:2003 (UK guidance on flame retardancy for sports mats).
This standard is essential for ensuring consistent, tested safety performance of gymnastic mats across manufacturing, procurement and sports facility management. Keywords: EN 12503-1:2013, sports mats, gymnastic mats, safety requirements, shock absorption, base friction, top friction, CEN.
Frequently Asked Questions
EN 12503-1:2013 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Sports mats - Part 1: Gymnastic mats, safety requirements". This standard covers: This European Standard specifies safety requirements (including performance requirements) for 8 types of gymnastic mats used in school, training and competition, see Clause 4. The performance and safety values cover shock absorption, anti-slip characteristics of the base and top friction characteristics of the surface. NOTE For the specific requirements of international official competitions, see appropriate international regulations.
This European Standard specifies safety requirements (including performance requirements) for 8 types of gymnastic mats used in school, training and competition, see Clause 4. The performance and safety values cover shock absorption, anti-slip characteristics of the base and top friction characteristics of the surface. NOTE For the specific requirements of international official competitions, see appropriate international regulations.
EN 12503-1:2013 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 97.220.30 - Indoor sports equipment. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 12503-1:2013 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 12503-1:2001, EN 12503-1:2001/AC:2002. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 12503-1:2013 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Sportmatten - Teil 1: Turnmatten, sicherheitstechnische AnforderungenTapis de sport - Partie 1: Tapis de gymnastique, exigences de sécuritéSports mats - Part 1: Gymnastic mats, safety requirements97.220.30Oprema za dvoranske športeIndoor sports equipmentICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 12503-1:2013SIST EN 12503-1:2013en,fr,de01-julij-2013SIST EN 12503-1:2013SLOVENSKI
STANDARDSIST EN 12503-1:2002/AC:2003SIST EN 12503-1:20021DGRPHãþD
EUROPEAN STANDARD NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 12503-1
February 2013 ICS 97.220.30 Supersedes EN 12503-1:2001English Version
Sports mats - Part 1: Gymnastic mats, safety requirements
Tapis de sport - Partie 1: Tapis de gymnastique, exigences de sécurité
Sportmatten - Teil 1: Turnmatten, sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen This European Standard was approved by CEN on 21 December 2012.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre:
Avenue Marnix 17,
B-1000 Brussels © 2013 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national Members. Ref. No. EN 12503-1:2013: ESIST EN 12503-1:2013
Flame retardancy . 7 Annex B (informative)
End user guidance . 8 Bibliography. 9
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