Task groups of Subcommittee F08.12 on Wrestling and Gymnastics invites participation as they develop ASTM standards for martial-arts floor matting and sports-wall padding. ASTM membership is not required.

The Martial Arts Floor Mats Task Group seeks martial artists or instructors, equipment manufacturers, and academics to create a standard for floor mats used in martial-arts training and competition.

The proposed standard will define what mats are suitable for various types of martial-art activities. Referencing the standard can assist producers with materials selection, according to subcommittee chairman Joey Higgins. “Having a standard will aid manufacturers in their use of quality foams and cover materials,” he said.

A Task Group on Wall Padding for Sports is developing a standard for indoor/outdoor wall padding for basketball, wrestling, field-house activities, and baseball. The group encourages participation from any interested party.

The proposed standard will cover shock absorption and fire retardant properties of wall padding used in gymnasiums, wrestling rooms, and stadium walls.

“Having a wall-pad standard will help manufacturers make safer pads for walls near activity areas,” said Higgins, president of Action Athletic Equipment, Inc., Zion, Ill.

Direct technical questions to Joey Higgins, Action Athletic Equipment, Inc., Zion, Ill. (phone: 847/746-2042). Committee F08 meets May 7-10 in Pittsburgh, Pa. For meeting or membership details, contact Jim Olshefsky, manager, ASTM Technical Committee Operations (phone: 610/832-9714). //

Copyright 2002, ASTM