The purpose of this article is to discuss the floor or ground surfaces of areas of sport activity in State and local government facilities, public accommodations, and commercial facilities. The 2010 ADA Standards that cover an area of sport activity include 204.1, 206.2.2, 221.2.1.4, 221.2.3. The photo on the right is representative of a basketball court area of sport activity.

An Area of Sport Activity is defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as, “That portion of a room or space where the play or practice of a sport occurs.” Note that an area of sport activity is different from a play area which is defined in the ADA as “A portion of a site containing play components designed and constructed for children.” So a play area is a playground. An area of sport activity can be lots of areas such as basketball courts, baseball field, track, gymnasiums, bowling alleys, shooting range, and the list goes on.

In almost all cases an area of sport activity will need a route to the area from another place such as a parking lot. This route will need to be fully accessible as defined by the ADA. 2010 ADA Standard Advisory 206.2.2, [Accessible Route] Within a Site, states, “An accessible route is required to connect to the boundary of each area of sport activity. Examples of areas of sport activity include: soccer fields, basketball courts, baseball fields, running tracks, skating rinks, and the area surrounding a piece of gymnastic equipment. While the size of an area of sport activity may vary from sport to sport, each includes only the space needed to play. Where multiple sports fields or courts are provided, an accessible route is required to each field or area of sport activity.” The photo above shows an accessible route leading to an area of sports activity.

So the route(s) in an area of sport activity must be fully accessible but the areas of sport activity are not required to comply with the floor or ground surface issues such as stable, firm, and slip resistant, width, slope, or changes of level in ground surfaces. The graphic below is representative of a sports complex with multiple areas of sport activity, all connected by accessible routes.

There may be opportunities in some areas of sports activity to employ temporary installations to make the route to the area of sports activity accessible by a route that is compliant. The photo on the right is a mat installed over grass. The photo below is representative where a mat has been installed over sand at a beach.

Regarding protruding objects in areas of sports activities, 2010 ADA Standard 204.1, General, states, “Protruding objects on circulation paths shall comply with [Standard] 307.” An exception to this Standard include when within areas of sport activity, protruding objects on circulation paths shall not be required to comply with [Standard] 307.2 [Protrusion Limits]. In other words protruding objects are allowed within the boundary of an area of sports activity but are not allowed over the floor or ground of an accessible route to the area of sports activity. A great example of protruding objects in an area of sports activity would be in a gym. See the photo above for a representation.

However, this exception for protruding objects in an area of sports activity does not negate the requirement for clear spaces at all elements, whether they be in an area of sports activity or along the route to an element or area of sports activity. The diagram below is representative of clear spaces in a gym.

One unique aspect of areas of sporting activity pertains to team or player seating. 2010 ADA Standard 221.2.1.4, Team or Player Seating, states, “At least one wheelchair space complying with [Standard] 802.1 shall be provided in team or player seating areas serving areas of sport activity.” An exception for this Standard is that wheelchair spaces are not required in team or player seating areas serving bowling lanes that are not required to comply with [Standard] 206.2.11.

Furthermore, wheelchair spaces in team or player seating areas serving areas of sport activity shall not be required to comply with [Standard] 221.2.3 for lines of sight and dispersion, and team or player seating areas serving areas of sport activity shall not be required to comply with [Standard] 221.4 for designated aisle seating. The diagram below is representative of team or player seating at a sports field.

SUMMARY

In summary, an area of sport activity requires an accessible route to the area of sport activity, but not within the area of sport activity. The area of sport activity may require accessible seating at the team seating location. The requirements for clear spaces at elements applies on the route to the area and within the area of sport activity.

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If you observe a facility or area of sport activity that is not ADA compliant and you would like to know how to proceed, please see the link at What To Do When A Building Is Not ADA Compliant or Accessible.

ADA Inspections Nationwide, LLC, offers ADA/ABA/FHA accessibility compliance inspections for buildings and facilities, as applicable to the different laws, and expert witness services with respect to ADA/ABA/FHA laws for building owners, tenants and managers. Also, ADAIN offers consulting for home modifications as a CAPS consultant for people wishing to age in place in their homes. For a complete list of services please see ADAIN Services.

Thank you.