Current NCHSAA Lighting Standards
Updated Sept 2019

Safety & Performance Testing Video

It is strongly recommended that schools complete a Annual Systems Operation Maintenance Checklist and keep a copy on file at the school.

Lighting Performance Testing Worksheets

Baseball & Softball
Basketball
Football
Lacrosse
Soccer
Swimming & Diving
Tennis
Track & Field
Volleyball
Wrestling

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association Board of Directors approved the development of lighting standards in 1994. It has approved and accepted revisions since that time, including the most recent September 2019 guideline revisions. The following standards apply to the lighting of all high school athletic activities sponsored by the NCHSAA or its member schools.

Lighting athletic fields provide more opportunities for participants and allow increased family and community attendance at evening events while also contributing to better overall safety for participants and spectators alike. These standards incorporate the most current data regarding the desired performance, lighting electrical and structural issues that apply to install a safe, effective lighting system. Lighting technologies currently available vary inefficiency greatly, with the most effective providing life cycle savings equal to or greater than the system's initial cost, depending on hours of usage.

The standards are divided into recommended minimum standards and desirable features. The minimum standards establish criteria that are important to the safe conduct of NCHSAA activities and include evaluation of operating costs over the lighting system's expected life. Desirable features are established to give added values (such as durability, energy efficiency, environmental sensitivity to spill and glare issues, and cost-efficiency) were appropriate for a member school's needs.

NCHSAA playoff events are intended to be held only at facilities and sites meeting the recommended minimum lighting standards.

RESOURCE:
Please contact a qualified professional to conduct the recommended Annual System Operation & Maintenance Checklist should your school/system make the decision to conduct the annual checklist review for safety purposes. Please note that the NCHSAA does not require that member schools utilize NCHSAA partners for such contracted services. If your school district does not offer this service or cannot fulfill this service, as a member benefit and resource, the following company does offer inspection/analysis services; feel free to reach out on your own accord:

Musco Lighting. Contact: Brad Marolf, brad.marolf@musco.com | (336) 813-0194