What is EN 14877:2013?
EN 14877:2013 is the European technical standard that defines the performance, safety, and durability requirements for synthetic sports flooring used in track and field and multipurpose areas. It establishes objective criteria for evaluating materials and multi-layer systems, both in terms of performance and user safety.
What does the EN 14877:2013 standard require?
EN 14877:2013 requires a series of rigorous product tests, including:
- Impact absorption: essential for athlete safety.
- Abrasion and spike resistance: to ensure durability even under heavy-duty conditions.
- Anti-slip properties: tested on both dry and wet surfaces to ensure safety in every situation.
- Performance stability: Surfaces must retain their properties even after accelerated aging cycles.
Compliant materials are thus recognized for their long-term reliability, build quality, and the comfort they offer users.
Shock Absorption: Why Is It Essential?
Impact absorption refers to the flooring’s ability to “cushion” the impact generated by the weight and movements of athletes while running, jumping, or engaging in other activities. This parameter is essential for the safety and well-being of users, as it reduces the risk of joint and muscle injuries.
For surfaces compliant with EN 14877:2013, shock absorption is measured through specific tests that simulate the actual impact of an athlete on the track. An adequate value ensures not only physical protection but also greater comfort during prolonged use of the surface.
What are spikes?
When it comes to sports surfaces, especially for track and field, it is essential to evaluate abrasion resistance and spike resistance.
But what is meant by “spikes”? In technical sports terminology, spikes are the metal points found on the soles of track shoes, used by athletes to improve traction on tracks and jumping areas. These spikes, which are often very sharp and durable, can subject the surface to particularly intense and localized stress during running, jumping, or sprinting.
Spike resistance, therefore, measures the surface’s ability to withstand repeated impact from spikes over time without sustaining significant damage such as punctures, tears, or accelerated wear. Good spike resistance is essential for maintaining the integrity of the flooring, ensuring athlete safety, and extending the useful life of the sports facility.
In summary, spike resistance tests simulate the actual use of spiked shoes on track and field surfaces, providing concrete guarantees in terms of both durability and performance.
Non-slip properties: safety in all conditions
The slip-resistant properties of a sports surface are essential for preventing falls and injuries, especially in sports where speed, changes in direction, and weather conditions can increase the risk of slipping.
The EN 14877:2013 standards require testing on both dry and wet surfaces—simulating rain or humidity—to ensure that the flooring maintains adequate levels of traction at all times. Good slip resistance protects all users—from professionals to students—in every situation.
Long-Term Performance Stability: The Accelerated Aging Test
A sports surface must not only perform well immediately after installation, but also maintain its characteristics over time, even after years of use and exposure to sun, rain, frost, and temperature fluctuations.
Performance stability is verified through accelerated aging tests: the material is subjected to extreme environmental conditions in the laboratory, after which the results are evaluated.
Only surfaces that pass these tests are considered truly reliable and durable according to EN 14877:2013.
A concrete example: ECO-SPORT ROLL
ECO-SPORT ROLL is a technical subbase made from recycled rubber from ELTs, specifically designed for use on track and field surfaces as the first layer of a multi-layer “sandwich” system. In this configuration, the roll is installed on rigid subbases and then coated with specific polyurethane resins, forming the complete structure of the sports flooring.
To ensure full compliance with the requirements of the EN 14877:2013 standard, ECO-SPORT ROLL undergoes all the tests specified by the standard as part of this composite system—that is, as a key component of an athletic track built using the most advanced construction techniques.
Passing these tests certifies its effectiveness in terms of performance, safety, and durability, making it the ideal choice for anyone looking for a reliable and innovative subfloor.
In addition to ensuring performance and safety, this product is also a sustainable choice: upon request, it can be supplied with REMADE® certification, which attests to the presence and traceability of recycled material according to objective criteria, in line with the Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAM) required in public tenders and Green Public Procurement.
Would you like to learn more? Discover ECO-SPORT ROLL and its applications on athletic tracks
Why choose a surface that complies with EN 14877:2013?
Choosing flooring that complies with EN 14877:2013 means relying on solutions that:
- Tested for safety and comfort,
- Durable and high-performing even after years of use,
- Easily incorporated into public and private technical specifications,
- Pay attention to sustainability, especially if they are REMADE®-certified.
FAQ – EN 14877:2013: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EN 14877:2013 standard?
It is the European standard that defines the minimum requirements for synthetic sports surfaces intended primarily for track and field.
What does compliance with EN 14877:2013 entail?
Compliance is verified through laboratory tests that evaluate shock absorption, resistance to abrasion and spikes, slip resistance, and performance retention after aging.
What are the benefits for those who choose a surface that complies with this standard?
Greater safety for users, proven durability, ease of management in public tenders, and enhanced value for the sports facility.
What role does sustainability play in the selection of sports surfaces?
Choosing products like ECO-SPORT ROLL—made from recycled rubber and REMADE®-certified—means combining high technical performance with environmental responsibility and compliance with CAM standards.
Does ECO-SPORT ROLL comply with EN 14877:2013?
Yes, ECO-SPORT ROLL has been tested in accordance with the criteria of the standard and meets all of its requirements.
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