Sports Court Lighting Without the Complexity

Sports Court Lighting. Made Practical.

Sports lighting has a reputation for being complicated. Lengthy reports. Over-specified systems. Generic floodlights sold as “good enough.” Confusion around compliance. It doesn’t need to be that way. Good sports lighting is about clarity, control and appropriate design — not unnecessary complexity.

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Why Sports Lighting Gets Over-Engineered

There are two common extremes in the market:​

1. The Consultant-Heavy Approach

Some projects become burdened with:

• 30-page lighting studies

• Excessive lux targets

• Oversized systems

• Inflated budgets​

More documentation doesn’t always mean better performance.

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2. The “Just Make It Bright” Approach

At the other end:​

• Generic floodlights

• Poor aiming

• No glare control

• No uniformity consideration​

The result is uneven courts, player discomfort and potential compliance issues.

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What Actually Matters

Whether it’s tennis, pickleball, netball or bowls, the fundamentals are consistent.

 

Even Light Distribution

Uniformity is critical. Hot spots and dark patches affect:​

• Ball tracking

• Depth perception

• Player safety

• Match quality​

Brightness alone does not solve this.

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Glare Control

Upward sightlines, long sightlines and fast play demand controlled optics. Lighting should illuminate the surface — not the players’ eyes.

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Appropriate Light Levels

Lighting should match the level of play:

• Recreational

• Club competition

• Association or regional facilities​

Over-lighting increases cost without improving performance. Under-lighting compromises the game. Balance is key.

 

Practical Installation

Lighting systems should be:​

• Straightforward to mount

• Sensibly spaced

• Appropriately aimed

• Supported by clear guidance​

If installation becomes unnecessarily complex, risk increases.

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How to Choose the Right System

Start with three questions:​

1. What Level of Play Is Required?

Recreational courts do not require the same performance as competition facilities. Clarify expectations early.

2. What Infrastructure Already Exists?

Existing poles, power supply and site constraints influence the best solution. Practical upgrades often reduce cost significantly.

3. What Are the Surrounding Conditions?

Residential proximity, spill control and council requirements must be considered. Precision aiming and beam selection matter more than simply adding fittings.

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Common Mistakes in Sports Lighting Projects

We regularly see:

• Too many luminaires added without improving uniformity

• Poor pole height selection

• No glare control consideration

• Systems specified without regard to maintenance access

• Overspending on performance levels not required​

Most issues arise from chasing brightness instead of designing for balance.

 

A Practical Approach

We focus on:

• Appropriate light levels

• Controlled glare

• Consistent coverage

• Sensible pole guidance

• Durable equipment

No inflated claims. No unnecessary complication. Just practical solutions that perform.

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Compliance Without Confusion

Where required, our systems can be selected to align with recognised Australian sports lighting guidelines, including applicable AS/NZS standards. Clear documentation. Appropriate targets. Ready for inspection.

 

Designed for Real Projects

We support:

• Electrical contractors

• Wholesalers

• Sports clubs

• Schools

• Councils​

Whether upgrading an existing facility or building new, the objective remains the same: Deliver lighting that works properly — without turning it into a design exercise.

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Planning a Sports Lighting Project?

Tell us:​

• Court type

• Location

• Level of play

• Project stage​

We’ll help you choose a practical solution.

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