ANSI shines a spotlight on Standards in action as they support safety, efficiency and well-being in interesting aspects of everyday life.
One of the oldest tennis championships in the world, the U.S. Open is set to run August 29 through September 11 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The popular event drew more than 631,000 attendees in 2021, with many more watching the livestream of the matches online. Whether you’re a casual tennis spectator or a player yourself, know that standards help to assure a safe, fun game.
The most important part of any tennis game before you even hit the court to start playing is choosing the right racket. Tennis rackets come in different sizes, weights, and string patterns, and all of these traits work together to accommodate each player’s unique playing style. ISO 11416:1995, Tennis Rackets -- Racket Components And Physical Parameters, specifies components and physical parameters of tennis rackets and defines the terminology used. This standard does not include the influence of these parameters on the quality of the tennis racket. ISO 11416:1995 was developed by ISO Technical Committee (TC) 83, Sports and other recreational facilities and equipment. ASTM International, an ANSI audited designator, administers the ANSI-accredited U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to ISO TC 83.
With any sport that involves a moving object, you shouldn’t forget about eye safety! ASTM F3164-19, Standard Specification For Eye Protectors For Racket Sports (Racquetball, Squash, Tennis), covers eye protectors—designed for use by players of racket sports such as racquetball, squash, and tennis—that minimize or significantly reduce injury to the eye due to impact and penetration by racket-sport rackets and balls. This specification applies to eye protectors for use by wearers of corrective lenses and also by those players who do not require prescription eyewear.
Now that you’ve got a racket and protective eye gear, it’s time to hit the court. There are many considerations for building and maintaining tennis courts, but standards also serve up guidance in this area. ASTM F1953-10(2018), Standard Guide For Construction And Maintenance Of Grass Tennis Courts, covers techniques that are appropriate for the construction and maintenance of grass tennis courts. ASTM F1953-10(2018) was developed by ASTM International.
Having a well-lit court is important to ensure the perfect view for both players and spectators, especially for any matches that happen at night. ANSI/IES RP-6-20, Recommended Practice: Lighting Sports And Recreational Areas, provides recommendations to aid in the design of sports lighting systems. ANSI/IES RP-6-20 was developed by Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), an ANSI-accredited standards developer.
As the pro tennis players prepare for the U.S. Open, perhaps you will feel inspired to also learn to play. Don’t forget your racket and your eye protection and the standards that serve an important role in their creation.
