ASTM_F_1676_-_96.pdf

Designation:F 1676 96Standard Specification forBasic Tumbling Mats1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 1676;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon(e)indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This specification describes the characteristics and useof a basic tumbling mat.The intent of this specification is toprovide a mat that will minimize the potential dangers associ-ated with basic tumbling exercises.1.2 This standard is not intended to apply to advancedtumbling activities that may require different performance testsand parameters as defined by various national and internationalgymnastics and tumbling organizations.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:F 355 Test Method for Shock-Absorbing Properties of Play-ing Surface Systems and Materials23.Terminology3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.1.1 basic tumbling,nrefers to all skills listed in theUnited States Gymnastics Federation(USGF)Safety Manualsection entitled“Floor Exercise and Tumbling Skill Progres-sion,”except the following skills:3.1.2 forward salto,3.1.3 backward salto,3.1.4 aerial cartwheel,3.1.5 round off flip-flop backward salto(tuck),and the3.1.6 russian lift forward salto.3.1.7 basic tumbling mat,na resilient surface upon whichgymnastic tumbling activities are performed.3.1.8 playing surface,nthe area of the mat surface onwhich tumbling activities are performed,excluding any safetyarea.4.Materials and Manufacture4.1 The manufacturer shall supply as part of the purchase ofa basic tumbling mat the following items:4.1.1 Core,made of a shock absorbent material;4.1.2 Cover,which may be separate from or an integral partof the core;4.1.3 Instructional Materials;4.1.4 Assembly Instructions(where applicable);4.1.5 Care and Maintenance Instructions;4.1.6 Sources of Instructional Materials Specific to Use;and4.1.7 Warning Labels.5.Performance Requirements5.1 The appropriate governing association shall specify themat(s)size(s).SeeAppendix X1 for listings of associations andtheir addresses.5.2 Test the mat,core,and cover combined for shockattenuation properties using Test Method F 355,Procedure A,with an impact velocity of 424 cm/s(167 in./s).NOTE1424 cm/s is equivalent to a free fall drop of 91 cm(3 ft).Theimpact velocity is specified,rather than drop height,because of varyingdegrees of friction in the guide rails of the equipment.5.3 The maximum severity index shall be 350.5.4 Design the cover of the mat so there is a smooth playingsurface.5.5 The playing surface normally shall be one piece.If morethan one section is used,securely fasten both sections togetherwith a stepoff of no greater than 1.5 mm(116in.).6.General Requirements6.1 With each mat,the manufacturer shall supply materialsclearly marked:“These are assembly,care,maintenance andinstructional materials.Read carefully before assembling andusing this mat.”The package shall contain the following items:6.1.1 Assembly InstructionsUnless specified otherwise inthe rules of the organization governing the competition,placethe tumbling mats on a firm,level surface at least 1.8 m(6 ft)from walls,obstructions or protrusions.The minimum over-head clearance of 3.7 m(12 ft)is recommended.6.1.1.1 Use the mat in well-lighted areas.If artificial illu-mination is provided,it is recommended that such artificialillumination meet the standards for gymnasiums and fieldhouses in the Illuminating Engineering Society(IES)RP-6,Recommended Practice for Sports Lighting.6.1.1.2 Place the mat in an area where traffic flow from thetumbling activity does not conflict with other activities.1This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F-8 on SportsEquipment and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F08.12 onGymnastics and Wrestling Equipment.Current edition approved Feb.10,1996.Published April 1996.2Annual Book of ASTM Standards,Vol 15.07.1Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959,United States.6.1.2 Care and MaintenanceInclude the following state-ment with the manufacturers care and maintenance instruc-tions for the mat:“Inspect the tumbling mat before using andreplace or repair any worn cover or core.”The followingconditions represent potential hazards:6.1.2.1 Punctures,holes,tears in the cover,6.1.2.2 Deterioration in the stitching of the mat,6.1.2.3 Separation in the underlying foam,not visible be-cause of the top covering,6.1.2.4 Observed uneven surfaces of the mat,and6.1.2.5 Deteriorated core material.6.1.3 Instructional Materials(See Appendix X2)Includewith the instructional materials sent with the mat informationon obtaining the USGF Safety Manual and the AmericanAssociation(AA)for Cheerleading Coaches and AdvisorsSafety Manual(see Appendix X1).Also include a wall chartwit