Irish Builders Outdoor Basketball Installation Guide.

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)
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

Sports Equipment Grants

We have taken a number of calls and emails on the topic of Sports Grants & Funding. We have over 10 years experience working with Sports & GAA Clubs, Community Centres & Sports Associations. We advise on the sports equipment best suited to a club/organisations needs and offer discounted packages.

Details & Aims.

Michael Ring, Minister of State for Tourism & Sport approved sports equipment grants for 2.6 million late last year. 22 national sports bodies have been included for these grants, they range from the Irish Rugby Football Union, Canoeing Ireland, the GAA, the Irish Sailing Association, to the Football Association of Ireland and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association.

The sports equipment grant for the 22 sporting bodies will allow them to:

1. purchase new sports equipment

2. enhance participation in sport

3. improve sporting performance

True Sporting Benefit.

Minister Ring, commented that although the sports equipment grants will be used at a national level the true benefit and focus will more keenly be felt at a local level in communities around Ireland “who head out on weeknights and weekends to train with their local club”

 Sports Equipment Grant Allocation:

Ceiling & Cross Court Basketball Goals, Co. Mayo & Tipperary

A Customised Investment.

Basketball units, particularly Ceiling mounted basketball goals are usually the most costly fixed sporting element in a sports hall. As the vast majority of Irish sports hall differ in size, shape and dimensions the basketball units will need to be customised to take in the unique features of each venue.

Request Outdoor Brochure (featuring Basketball Units) >>

Our most recent basketball project.

This was exactly the situation for our most recent basketball installations (May 2013) in Co. Mayo & Tipperary. With the proper care these basketball goals will be used and enjoyed by students for years.

Standards & Specifications.

We manufacture & install ceiling mounted & cross court basketball goals to Department of Education Specifications & Standards. We install motorised wall mounted basketball goals complete with Perspex backboards, basketball padding, break cable safety device in sports centres & schools throughout Ireland.

Contact Fitness Functions.

If you require 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 digital marketing manager; niall@fitnessfunctions.ie. We look forward to your email.

Playground Markings; Top 7 things all Irish Teachers need to know.

Over the years Fitness Functions has advised hundreds of teachers and numerous schools on their playground markings enquiries. Consistently a number of topics come up time and again. Below we have listed the ‘top 7 things every Irish Teacher needs to know’ when deciding on Playground Markings for their school.

1. Life expectancy. Teachers understandably want to know how long their markings will last. Markings can last anywhere from 2 to over 15 years. There are no guarantees, as it depends on factors such as footfall, surface conditions but the type of playground markings chosen has the biggest impact on how long the markings will last.
2. Types of Markings. The choice of playground markings comes down to either vibrant ‘Thermoplastic’ solid colours with a life span of 12-15 years or “Specialised Paint’ featuring more basic games which may last for a few years.
3. Safety. Our thermoplastic and specialised paint are both ‘non slip’. We also advise on the nature of games in relation to space, play area borders and age groups. This practical experience gained over the years regarding safely laying out the yard is of the utmost importance. Read more…

Spring Time is ‘Healthy & Active’ Playground Markings Time!

This month started and ended with snow down here in Co. Carlow but we’re an optimistic lot and we know with the longer, brighter days the heat will return. I said we’re ‘positive’ thinkers!

This time of year schools & community centres thoughts usually turn to outdoor activities. Thermoplastic playground markings are an attractive, healthy, long term answer when it comes to adding fun and stimulating games for all children. The vibrant colours, exciting patterns and games are certain to get children active during playtime.

SPRING OFFER “FREE Hopscotch Solid” (valued at €195)” with all orders over €1,700. Offers must be placed before 31st May 2013. Standard T&C’s apply.

How do I get the Spring Playground Markings offer?

1. Click download to instantly download a Pricing & Packages brochure.

2. Then contact us for a personalised quote on the exact markings you wish to order: niall@fitnessfunctions.ie

Read more…