When it comes to drama, there's nothing like watching an ace pitcher facing off against a wily batter, the fate of the game hanging in the balance. But there wouldn't be much excitement if the bat being used was poorly designed or lacking in hitting power. Thankfully, a standard that describes a test method for examining the performance of baseball bats has been developed by ASTM International, a member and audited designator of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). ASTM F1881-11, Standard Test Method for Measuring Baseball Bat Performance Factor, provides guidance for measuring a given bat's batted-ball speed, bat performance factor, and bat-ball coefficient of restitution, among other factors.
World Series tickets can be hard to come by, but for fans who are lucky enough to snag a sought-after seat in the stands, a standard from the ANSI-accredited International Code Council (ICC) helps to keep those seats comfortable and safe. ICC 300-2007, Standard for Bleachers, Folding and Telescopic Seating and Grandstands, sets down requirements intended to protect public health, safety, and general welfare through the structural strength of grandstands, bleachers, and folding and telescopic seats. The standard covers means of egress and safety in connection with the construction, repair, operation, and maintenance of structures of this sort.
During night games, fans in attendance and watching the game at home will depend on electrical lighting systems to make their view of the diamond possible. IESNA RP-6-01, Sports and Recreational Area Lighting, includes design criteria for the effective development of new lighting systems for sports stadiums, among other locations, as well as for the evaluation of previously installed lighting in these sorts of venues. The standard was developed by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer.
While a clear view of the game is essential to most fans' enjoyment, being able to hear the crack of the bat and the umpire's shouted calls makes the whole experience that much more fulfilling. Luckily, IEC 60268-5 Ed. 3.1 en:2007, Sound system equipment - Part 5: Loudspeakers, makes it possible. The standard was developed by International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Technical Committee (TC) 100, Audio, video and multimedia systems and equipment, which is chaired by David Carlton Felland of ANSI member and accredited standards developer the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE). The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), also an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, serves as the U.S. National Committee (USNC)-approved Technical Advisory Group (TAG) administrator to TC 100.
Whether you're hoping to cheer on your favorite team, or just watching the drama unfold, standards help make the World Series fun, safe, and viewable for all.