The International Padel Cluster (CIP) and UNE will work together to ensure that the padel court standards achieve a globally applicable standard

The new UNE 147201:2024 Standard, which sets quality and safety standards for padel courts, aims to become an International ISO Standard

  • November 18, 2024
  • |Jorge Caña

The padel industry continues to expand internationally, bringing with it the need to establish technical standards that ensure the quality and safety of padel courts worldwide. Following the recent publication of UNE 147201:2024, the first standard regulating the design, manufacturing, maintenance, and inspection requirements for padel courts, the International Padel Cluster (CIP) has initiated the process to transform this new Spanish standard into a globally recognized ISO Standard.

Objective and Benefits of ISO Certification

The transition from a national standard to an ISO standard is a significant step that will enable the standards established in UNE 147201:2024 to be applied not only in Spain and Europe but also in all countries adopting the future ISO standard for padel courts. This not only ensures the safety and quality of facilities on a global scale but also facilitates the expansion and competitiveness of manufacturers in new markets.

Steps to Convert UNE 147201:2024 into an International ISO Standard

The process of transforming UNE 147201:2024 into an ISO standard involves a series of structured steps that require collaboration and involvement from multiple international standardization committees, as well as compliance with various technical and administrative requirements.

Main Steps of the Process:

1. Initial Proposal to ISO and Feasibility Assessment

  • The first step is to submit a formal proposal for an international standard to the relevant ISO Technical Committee, in this case, ISO/TC 83 (Sports and other recreational facilities and equipment). The proposal is prepared by UNE and fully supported by the International Padel Cluster (CIP), which acts as the project's promoter and sponsor, given its vested interest and status as a corporate member of UNE.
  • ISO evaluates the feasibility of the proposal and determines whether the UNE standard meets the criteria and global interest required to become an international standard.

2. Formation of an International Working Group

  • Once the proposal is accepted, a Working Group (WG) is formed within the ISO committee to develop the standard. This group comprises international experts, including representatives from associations like CIP and technical specialists in sports facilities from various countries via their own National Technical Committees.
  • The WG members represent diverse countries, ensuring that the specific characteristics and regulations of each region are considered—especially in areas where the padel market is expanding, such as Europe, Latin America, and the United States.

3. Review and Adjustment of Technical Requirements

  • During this phase, the committee reviews the UNE 147201:2024 standard and evaluates whether adjustments are necessary to adapt it to ISO standards. This may include revising certain technical requirements to ensure global compatibility.
  • One of the most significant challenges is harmonizing structural criteria. For example, the structural calculations in the UNE standard are based on the European Eurocode, which might need modifications to align with structural codes from other regions, such as the U.S. building codes.

4. International Public Consultation

  • After the standard has been reviewed and modified, the draft is subjected to an international public consultation. During this period, all ISO member countries can review the document and propose changes.
  • Experts and stakeholders worldwide-including manufacturers, sports federations, and regulatory authorities—are invited to submit their observations and suggestions during this phase.

5. International Voting

  • Once the consultation period concludes, a formal vote is conducted, in which each ISO committee member country casts a vote in favor, against, or abstains from adopting the standard.
  • The standard is approved only if there is international consensus, which generally requires a majority of favorable votes and the resolution of any significant objections raised during the public consultation.

6. Approval and Publication of the ISO Standard

  • If the vote is favorable, the final draft undergoes one last review and adjustment before its official publication as an ISO Standard.
  • At this stage, the standard becomes a global reference for the design, manufacturing, maintenance, and overall safety of padel courts. All countries adopting the standard will be required to comply with its requirements.

7. National Adoption of the ISO Standard

  • Although the standard becomes an ISO standard, each country has the option to officially adopt it at the national level, making it a recognized standard in its legislation.
  • In Spain, for example, the ISO standard would be published in the Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE) and adopted as UNE-ISO, potentially becoming mandatory in certain contexts, particularly in public projects. In private initiatives, compliance with the standard would undoubtedly become a key reference when selecting the origin of padel courts.

Advantages of International Certification

Once UNE 147201:2024 becomes an ISO standard, padel court manufacturers will be able to use this standard to confidently enter new markets with an internationally recognized certification. This will simplify the recognition of padel courts as regulated products by local administrations and technical authorities, streamlining the process of obtaining construction permits worldwide.

Moreover, sports facility owners around the globe will have the assurance that their courts meet the highest standards of safety and durability. This directly benefits users of the sport, which, as we all know, continues its rapid global expansion.

Alignment with the FIP Rules of Play

The UNE 147201:2024 Standard also addresses alignment with the regulations of the International Padel Federation (FIP), specifically in Chapter 5, where the FIP’s rules regarding court dimensions and specifications for gameplay conditions have been incorporated. However, the FIP's regulations alone do not cover essential elements such as manufacturing standards, maintenance, inspection methodologies, or structural calculations necessary to ensure both structural and usage safety. These aspects, along with manufacturing standards affecting individual components of the padel court, are crucial for the product's safety and longevity. The FIP has already been informed by the Cluster about the existence of this new UNE Standard for padel courts.

  • Jorge Caña, Co-CEO at AFP Courts and First Vice President of the International Padel Cluster

“Achieving an ISO Standard based on UNE 147201:2024 would represent a significant milestone for the international padel industry. Not only would it level the playing field for all court manufacturers in global markets, but it would also contribute to improving the quality and safety of padel facilities worldwide, benefiting players and fans alike.”


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