Archive

Archive for the ‘Dept of Education Sports Equipment’ Category

Sep
30

Blog Inside Basketball
 
After over a decade of supplying and fitting indoor basketball units for Irish schools, GAA clubs and community centres, these units can be broadly broken down into two principal categories; Main and Practice basketball units.
 

Main Basketball Units.

 
These basketball units are usually found on either end of a sports hall and will facilitate competitive basketball matches.

1. Motorised ceiling mounted basketball units.

 
Dept. of Education specification (PE/594/31) with 1800mm x 1050mm Perspex boards, safety padding, spring loaded rings and brake cable safety devices.
 
This basketball option facilitates National League competitive basketball games and will retract back towards the ceiling when out of play. Most schools and community centres we have dealt with over the years would ideally prefer this option.
 
Ceiling Mtd Basketball
 

2. Main wall mounted units with Perspex backboards & spring loaded rings.

 
Main wall mounted side folding 1.75m up to 3.75m, 1800mm x 1050mm Perspex boards, safety padding and spring loaded rings.
 
When the ceiling mounted basketball option is not possible because of the sports hall structure/design or budget constraints we have installed these basketball units for a number of venues. National League basketball matches can be played using this specification.
 
Main basketball with Perspex

 

3. Main wall mounted side folding units with timber backboards.

 
Main wall mounted side folding units 1.75m up to 3.75m with 1800mm x 1050 timber backboards.
 
Schools & sports venues on a tighter budget maybe wish to forgo the Perspex backboards and break away rings while still being able to play competitive basketball matches. This indoor option however is not to National League standards.
 
Wall Mtd Side Folding with timber 1
 
 

Practice Basketball Units.

 
These units’ backboards are always the smaller 1200mm x 900mm and will be found on a sports halls side walls. There are normally four units in each sports hall for players to practice and hone their basketball skills.
 

 1. Practice side folding goals

 
Wall mounted practice side folding goals with up to 1.5m extensions and standard indoor basketball backboard, 1200mm x 900mm.
 
These types of practice units with extensions of up to 1.5m from the wall allow players to practice their run up techniques. The units fold away either vertically or horizontally when not in use. They can also be fitted with height adjusters as an optional extra.
 
Practice side folding basketball
 

2. Practice fixed goals

 
Wall mounted practice side fixed goals with up to 1.5m extensions and standard indoor basketball backboard, 1200mm x 900mm.
 
Again these types of practice units with extensions of up to 1.5m from the wall allow players to practice their run up techniques but remain in a fixed position from the wall. The height adjustor optional extra is again available for this indoor practice option.
 

Practice fixed basketball
 
3. Flat Fixed Basketball Practice Goals.

 
Standard indoor basketball backboard, 1200mm x 900mm, timber battens to suit.

 
This practice basketball option is chosen when budgets are tightest but a school or sports facility still wants its players to practice their basketball skills. As there are no wall extensions, players can’t practice their run up techniques.
 
Practice flat fixed basketball

 

Click for related products.

Basketball line marking                     Outdoor basketball units.

Indoor Linemarking Sports FloorOutdoor Baskeball Units

 

Contact Fitness Functions.

Contact Fitness Functions.

If you require more detailed indoor basketball information or pricing please do not hesitate to contact us, email our marketing manager; niall@fitnessfunctions.ie, visit our website www.fitnessfunctions.ie or low call us on 1890-252-856. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Feb
11

sports hall divisonal net - Rathmines, Dublin.

 

Sports Hall Netting

Over the past 10 years we have supplied and fitted countless netting systems in sport halls throughout Ireland for schools, GAA clubs, community centres and sports clubs.

Sports Netting Systems.

These indoor netting systems allow sporting venues to divide their sports halls in various ways to optimise space and play numerous games/sports at the same time.

Golf Clubs & Centres.

We also supply netting for golf clubs and centers for indoor and outdoor applications.

Department of Education Divisional Nets.

The Department of Education indoor 594 package references the divisional net as PE 594/39 and states:

 

Divisional Net c/w Hanging Bag.sports hall divisonal net, Dublin

Net: Width and height (determined by size of hall) , lower section 2 m

green canvas, remainder in 22 mm K-K green mesh nylon netting. All

best quality knotless nylon, corded top and both sides with 50 mm

protective canvas, band at bottom with wall bag. Lanyards, for ease of

adjustment. To be fitted at appropriate centres across the full width of

Hall. . Flame retardant canvas and netting.

Note: Larger mesh size is not suitable as it will allow the penetration of

shuttles etc. to adjacent courts.

Trackway: To comply with BS 1892-2.11: 1989

Extruded aluminium section.  Length determined by size of hall.

Complete with levelling hangers, trolleys, net clips and fixings. Trackway

to be rigidly fixed in such a way that no vertical or horizontal movement

is possible.

Note : Normally the net is suspended underneath a central main roof

structural steel member which is accessible and not obstructed by light

fittings and radiant panels. Roof drawings should be made available to

PE Supplier to confirm that this is so.

 

Contact Fitness Functions.

Each sports hall in Ireland is unique and as such, the divider netting fitting & installation is customised to suit the individual sports venue dimensions and requirements.

 

Should you require advice, pricing or quotations in relation to the Sports Divisional Nets don’t hesitate to email Niall Clancy (niall@fitnessfunctions.ie), Lo-call 1890-252-856 or visit our main website www.fitnessfunctions.ie

 

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Nov
11

Line Marking

 

PE406/50 Indoor Line Marking.

Fitness Functions has carried out hundreds of projects direct from the Department of Education School Sports 406 and 594 packages, the Department allows for 7 courts to be painted for sports activities.

 

The official list comprises:

  • 1 x main basketball court
  • 1 x volleyball court
  • 4 x badminton courts
  • 1 x five a side football – set of penalty and goal circles

In general, we believe teachers should be aware of the following 7 factors.

1. Sports Hall Cleaning.

If the school has enlisted the services of a professional line marking company ensure the hall isn’t treated with detergents and soaps beforehand. The best preparation is to simply sweep the hall clean and ensure its as ‘dust free’ as possible.

2. Save Money/Value for Money.

We are often asked how much it costs to line mark one sports court for a school.

The answer and reality is that, it’s much better value for the school to get a number of sports courts marked at the same time. The main reason being the cost of labour. So deciding on the number of courts, what games will be played and ordering them all together will save the school a lot of effort and more money.

3. Existing Courts / Fading Courts.

Existing courts can be relined and remarked, in fact the majority of our work is to re line existing courts. The time involved is more or less the same but it may require some additional preparation work.

4. How long after the work are the courts playable?

Ideally the courts should be left for 2 full days however most schools use the the courts afters 24hours.

5. Court Sizing.

Sports Halls come in various sizes and the line marking professionals selected should be able to resize the courts back to the schools exact requirements.

6. Multi-Purpose Lines.

In the case of Primary Schools, the main sports courts may not be needed and as such multi-purpose lining is a much versatile and cost effective option.

7. What surfaces can be lined.

The majority of courts to be lined are either timber, vinyl or rubber. Although most professional court markings companies can line mark more surfaces. We line mark all the main surfaces and please feel free to contact us for specific situations.

 

If you have any queries or questions regarding Line Marking for your school don’t hesitate to email niall@fitnessfunctions.ie, Lo-call 1890-252-856 or visit our website www.fitnessfunctions.ie

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Oct
30

School Gym Mats

PE/10 Gymnastic Mats.

The first item on the Department of Education list for secondary schools sports hall tender packages is gymnastics mats.
There are two gym mats currently recommended by the Department of Education for PE general exercises; the PE10A Horizontal Gym Mat and the PE10B Lightweight Vertical Gym Mat.

A.) Horizontal Storage type Flame Retardant Gymnastic Mat.

1830 mm x 1220 mm x 25 mm to comply with EN 12503 with particular reference to regulations concerning:

  • A) classification & intended use
  •  B) flame retardancy

4.5 kg (10 lbs) density reconstituted chipfoam. Bonded cover. Anti-slip base. Horizontal storage recommended.

OR

B.) Lightweight Flame Retardant Gymnastic Mats.

1830 mm x 1220 mm x 32 mm to comply with standard, specification & flame retardancy as above. Anti-slip base. Designed for vertical storage. This gym mat is slightly more costly than the standard school gym mat.

PE/11 Mat Trolleys

To complement the choice of mats choosen there are two mats trolleys.

1. Horizontal Mat Trolley.

  • For Horizontal Storage type Flame Retardant Gymnastic Mat.
  • Flat bed type. Suitable for transporting 20 gymnastic mats (PE594/10A).
  • Six Non-marking 100 mm x 25 mm ball rack mounted swivel castors.
  • Tubular steel construction with pulling handle.
  • Framework finished with epoxy powder coated paint.

OR

2. Vertical Mat Trolley.

  • For Lightweight Flame Retardant Gymnastic Mat.
  • Tubular steel construction c/w side frames and pulling handle.
  • Accepts 10 lightweight mats (PE594/10B).
  • Four Non-marking 100 mm x 25 mm ball rack mounted swivel castors.
  • Brakes on castors on 2 diagonally opposite corners.
  • Framework finished with epoxy powder coated paint.

Contact us / Pricing.

If you have any queries or questions regarding which gym mats or which mat trolleys are best for your school don’t hesitate to email niall@fitnessfunctions.ie, Lo-call 1890-252-856 or visit our website www.fitnessfunctions.ie

- See more at: http://blog.fitnessfunctions.ie/gymmats/02/gym-mats-for-schools/#sthash.VXGy3e3W.dpuf

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Oct
16

School Sports Equipment – Department of Education Standards.

We have been manfacturing suppying sports equipment that meets the Irish Department of Education standards and specifications for almost ten years.

We intend to post a grouping of the main sports items fom the 3 main School Sports packages on a frequent basis. We’ll include a brief description, some images and relavant links.department of Education

The main Department of Education school sports equipment packages in Ireland are:

 

406 – indoor sports package

594 – indoor sports package

Outdoor sports package

Contact Fitness Functions.

If you require additional information or if you would like Fitness Functions to visit your school sports hall, please do not hesitate to contact us. Email our digital marketing manager; niall@fitnessfunctions.ie or visit our website.

- See more at: http://blog.fitnessfunctions.ie/#sthash.EkviG7ai.dpuf

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Aug
08

Top 5 things Irish Schools & Clubs should know when buying Basketball Units

 

Basketball, as one of the fastest growing sports in Ireland requires appropriate facilities. Irish Schools & Sports Centres/Halls over the last 10 years have often approach us for advice on installing basketball goals and units in their sports hall. We believe that the following 5 factors, ultimately, decide what Basketball Goals a sports venue will have.

 

Ceiling mounted basketball Sports Halls

1. Sports Hall Construction.

The  design of your  sports centre  will  decide what basketball  goals are the most adequate for your sports hall. In order for your facility to take a ceiling or roof  mounted  basketball  system you’ll need to have  sufficient steelwork at roof level. For wall  mounted basketball goals you’ll need blockwork capable of taking the load (the wall must be of suitable strength to support a load of 200 kg on a cantilever arm of 4 m extension from the wall at a height of 4 metres.)

Fitness Functions offer a free consultation service to determine your requirements *

2. Competition Level.

This factor plays a critical part in deciding what basketball units will best suit your venue.   Some venues host  national super league or International matches,  but most halls will play to schools competitions and  incorporate  practice goals basketball. Mobile basketball goals, wall or ceiling mounted systems can be provided for each level.

Click to request a brochure.


3. Budget.

As a general rule “Wall” as opposed to “Ceiling” mounted basketball units are the  least expensive solution. The  wall units can be in a fixed  play  position or could be either side or vertically folding to the wall when not in use, to avoid interfering with other activities.

 

4. Age Group

Coming to a decision on what groups and ages will actually be playing determines the  design of the units required. In a junior or national school the ring height would be set to 8′ 6″for players up to 13 years, senior level ring height is 10ft. Our goals can be fixed and made to suit one height. Alternatively, we can make the units with a lifting/lowering device to allow play at both heights.

5.  Manual or electrically operated basketball system.

The decision here relates to the basketball system being either manually operated via a winch system or an electronic system which will raise and lower your units into place. Naturally the manual system is the more economically option but the electronic option is the preferred choice.

Contact Fitness Functions.

If you require need us to call out to your Sports Hall or require additional, basketball sets, basketball rings or backboard information please do not hesitate to contact us, email our marketing manager; niall@fitnessfunctions.ie or visit or website www.fitnessfunctions.ie. We look forward to hearing from you.



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Jul
15

Irish Builders Outdoor Basketball Installation Guide.

 

Outdoor Basketball Collage

 

Fitness Functions have supplied countless main contractors in recent years with Outdoor Basketball sets for new build Irish schools & colleges which conform to the Department of Education Outdoor Specifications. As we manufacture these sets in our premises in Co. Carlow, they’re always in stock and ready to ship directly to site.

Outdoor Basketball (PEO/150) parts list (c/w)

  1. - ground socket (2)Outdoor Basketball with Safety Padding.
  2. - insert caps (2)
  3. - upright 88.9mm pole (2)
  4. - extension arm with board bracket (2)
  5. - 4ft x 3ft back board (2)
  6. - heavy duty ring and net (2)
  7. - protective padding (2) (optional)
  8. - pack fixings & safety labels (optional)

Basketball Sockets Ordering & Delivery.

When a Builder places on order for a Basketball set (s) we organise delivery to site. These basketball sockets are often required on short notice especially if theresa new asphalt basketball court involved that no one wants to dig up !!

Outdoor School Basketball Installation Guidelines

  1. Install ground sockets at correct locations. If basketball court is unmarked check with architect or client for clarification. Each basketball socket requires hole size of min 500mm diameter and approximately 900mm depth. Ensure the basketball socket is set level with ground after installation. Concrete should be painted after installation. Vital: it is essential that ground sockets are correctly installed to ensure basketball poles are upright.
  2. Court size; sockets should be set 28m apart where possible, but at least 1m from end fences/walls. If necessary reduce court size to allow adequate safety runoff.
  3. Allow basketball sockets to settle for a minimum of 48 hours before assembling the goals. Two men should assemble the units. First place extension arm over the upright, lock the arm to the pole at approximately 4ft.
  4. Now, the board and ring should be attached to the basketball extension arm using the bolts supplied. Ensure the basketball board is level and plumb. Black target box should be towards the bottom of board-top of ring should line up with bottom line of small rectangle box (150mm from bottom of back board).
  5. Using a step ladder and bracing bar, bring the basketball board/arm/ring combination to the correct height. Lock the grub screws/bolts into position using allen key/19mm ratchet.
  6. The correct height from ground of the basketball ring is 10ft for seniors and 8ft6” for juniors.
  7. Ensure all bolts are fully tightened and attach safety warning labels to boards and/or uprights. Finally, attach safety padding (if supplied)

Contact Fitness Functions.

If you have any further queries or require some information regarding installation of outdoor basketball equipment please feel free to contact niall clancy, niall@fitnessfunctions.ie

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Feb
01

School Outdoor Basketball Sets.

To kick start 2013 we are giving away a FREE basketball with every school outdoor basketball set ordered, before the 31st March this year.

To claim your FREE Basketball?

To ensure you receive your free basketball with your order just mention/reference the flyer below, its that simple.

Email: niall@fitnessfunctions.ie OR Phone: 1890-252-856.

Click to View Outdoor Basketball Set.

School Outdoor Basketball Set

About our School Outdoor Basketball sets.

1.    Our outdoor basketball is made to strict Department of Education Specifications.
2.    We have supplied / installed hundreds of these sets for Irish primary and secondary schools over the past ten years, from Wexford, Dublin and Donegal to Kerry.
3.    Safety Padding; safety padding for the basketball posts is an optional extra

Outdoor Basketball surfaces & line marking.

In addition to our school outdoor basketball goals & padding, we apply basketball court lining and painting (as pictured above) to indoor & outdoor courts.

Contact Fitness Functions.

If you require additional, basketball sets, basketball rings or backboard information please do not hesitate to contact us. Email our digital marketing manager; niall@fitnessfunctions.ie. We look forward to your email.



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