Section 8: Safety Considerations
Glass Wall Safety Standards
All glass panels used in padel court construction must be tempered safety glass (also known as toughened glass), typically 10 mm or 12 mm thick. Tempered glass is designed to shatter into small, granular pieces rather than sharp shards in the event of breakage, significantly reducing the risk of injury. Glass panels must be regularly inspected for chips, cracks, or structural weaknesses. Courts must comply with local building codes and FIP structural standards.
Court Enclosure and Access
The enclosed court design provides inherent safety benefits — balls are contained within the playing area, reducing the risk of balls striking spectators. Access doors must open outward (away from the playing area) and must not protrude into the court when closed. Door latches must be flush-mounted to prevent player injuries from contact during play. The metallic mesh must be securely fastened and free of sharp edges, protruding wires, or structural damage.
Playing Surface
The court surface must provide consistent traction and cushioning. Artificial turf courts must be properly maintained with appropriate sand infill levels to prevent excessive sliding or abrupt stops. Worn or damaged turf sections must be repaired promptly. Indoor courts must have adequate drainage if exposed to moisture. The surface must be level and free of irregularities that could cause tripping.
Wrist Strap Requirement
All padel rackets must be equipped with a wrist strap, and players must wear the strap during play. This is a mandatory safety rule — if a player is found playing without the wrist strap, the chair umpire will stop play and require the player to attach and use it. The strap prevents the racket from being released accidentally and potentially striking another player, which is especially important given the enclosed court environment and close proximity of all four players.
Protective Eyewear
While not currently mandatory under FIP rules, protective sports eyewear is strongly recommended for all players. The small court dimensions and fast-paced nature of padel mean that players are in close proximity and balls can travel at high speeds, particularly during smashes and volleys. Several national federations and junior programs have adopted mandatory eyewear policies.
Weather and Environmental Considerations
Outdoor padel courts are subject to environmental conditions. Play should be suspended during rain (wet surfaces become dangerously slippery), thunderstorms (glass and metallic structures pose lightning risks), and extreme heat. Court operators should monitor surface temperature, as artificial turf can become extremely hot in direct sunlight. Adequate lighting is required for evening play — a minimum of 400 lux at court level for recreational play and 750 lux for televised events.