New padel glass regulations: revision of the UNI 7697/2021 glass regulation

UNI 7697/2021 glass regulation: This is the text that the characteristics of the padel glasses to be assembled refer to.

In this article we will see what changes have been made to the padel glass regulations already in force regarding the construction of the padel courts, and what are the new criteria for choosing suitable glass when building a new structure.

We also see what the legally binding rules are currently.

The use of glass in the construction of padel courts dates back to the 1989, several years after the birth of padel and brick or wooden courts.

Glass quickly became popular, as it was a choice that allowed, and still allows, spectators to get a better view of the action on the pitch; until finally arriving at the panoramic padel court, which does not even have metal uprights.

The technical standard in force since 1977, and already modified in 2015, was then revised on August 26, 2021.

Uni 7697/2021 “Safety criteria in glass applications”

The revised standard now imposes criteria for selecting suitable glass, based on the intended use, with the aim of guaranteeing minimum safety requirements for users.

This does not only concern glass for padel courts, but also glass used in construction, glass used in the construction of public buildings such as schools, and all glass for any purpose not regulated by other regulations.

With the amended law, it is therefore required to use laminated glass, in case the breakage of tempered glass could become dangerous due to the fragments falling en masse; a requirement that was previously only recommended. This revision explicitly excludes applications using monolithic tempered glass.

Indeed the risk of rupture has already materialized during the 2018 World Padel Tour in the Lisbon stage, when champion Paquito Navarro broke the glass of the walls during a game actionA scene that leaves no room for doubt: everyone's safety comes before any other consideration.

FIT Padel Regulations: How are padel glasses regulated?

Although the legislation has been changed at a legal level, the choice of laminated glass is not yet binding, since on FIT (Italian Tennis Federation) regulations, version 2020 we refer to the law EN 12150-1, which requires the tempered glass sheets, with a thickness of 10 or 12 mm, which complies with European regulations.

Padel glass: the specifics of the regulation

The game rules specify in Title I, point C:

“The walls may be made of any transparent or opaque material (glass, brick, etc.), as long as they have an adequate consistency for a regular and uniform bounce of the ball.

Any material used must have a uniform, hard, and smooth surface, without any roughness, which allows for body contact or the ball to slide.

The color of the opaque walls must be single, uniform and preferably green, blue or terracotta and clearly different from the color of the playing surface.

They may bear a logo, printed or painted, but no more than one per wall and of a size and color that does not interfere with the players' vision."

For courts with glass walls, the rules for the tempered glass sheets: a) for the European Union: EN 12150-1; b) for other countries: consult the specific regulations.”

Laminated glass for padel: is it mandatory?

The rule in question UNI 7679/2021, which provides for an improvement of materials, is not linked to any decree, and it is considered a guideline, therefore it is not considered mandatory; consequently, many clubs and sports centers avoid it.

For a UNI standard to become mandatory, it must be referenced by a law that specifies its intended recipients and fields of application. In this case, however, the UNI 7697:2021 standard is, by its legal nature, a "technical specification" adopted by a national standards body with which "compliance is not mandatory", according to the notion, definition, and classification adopted by Regulation (EU) No. 1025/2012 – art. 2, 1st paragraph, no. 1, letter d).

The fact that the rule is not mandatory does not exclude the fact that In the event of an accident, injury, or other event that causes damage, the responsibility falls directly on the person responsible for the facility.

The judgment is still imputed because the legislation is clear and clearly states which materials are most suitable for the protection of athletes and spectators. On the contrary, it is a question of default.

Obviously, there is no obstacle to making laminated glass by joining two tempered glasses with a rigid interlayer, which thus prevents shattering from posing a danger.

Please remember that building a padel court requires the assistance of a specialized technician who can grant the necessary authorizations.

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