ASTM F1676-96

Standard Specification for Basic Tumbling Mats

SCOPE
1.1 This specification describes the characteristics and use of a basic tumbling mat. The intent of this specification is to provide a mat that will minimize the potential dangers associated with basic tumbling exercises.  
1.2 This standard is not intended to apply to advanced tumbling activities that may require different performance tests and parameters as defined by various national and international gymnastics and tumbling organizations.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-1995
• Technical Committee: F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F08.12 - Gymnastics and Wrestling Equipment

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM F1676-96(2003) - Standard Specification for Basic Tumbling Mats (Withdrawn 2010)
• Effective Date: 10-May-2003

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: F 1676 – 96
Standard Specification for
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Basic Tumbling Mats
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 1676; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (ε) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4.1.2 Cover, which may be separate from or an integral part
of the core;
1.1 This specification describes the characteristics and use
4.1.3 Instructional Materials;
of a basic tumbling mat. The intent of this specification is to
4.1.4 Assembly Instructions (where applicable);
provide a mat that will minimize the potential dangers associ-
4.1.5 Care and Maintenance Instructions;
ated with basic tumbling exercises.
4.1.6 Sources of Instructional Materials Specific to Use;and
1.2 This standard is not intended to apply to advanced
4.1.7 Warning Labels.
tumbling activities that may require different performance tests
and parameters as defined by various national and international
5. Performance Requirements
gymnastics and tumbling organizations.
5.1 The appropriate governing association shall specify the
2. Referenced Documents mat(s)size(s).SeeAppendixX1forlistingsofassociationsand
their addresses.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.2 Test the mat, core, and cover combined for shock
F 355 Test Method for Shock-Absorbing Properties of Play-
2
attenuation properties using Test Method F 355, Procedure A,
ing Surface Systems and Materials
with an impact velocity of 424 cm/s (167 in./s).
3. Terminology
NOTE 1—424 cm/s is equivalent to a free fall drop of 91 cm (3 ft). The
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
impact velocity is specified, rather than drop height, because of varying
3.1.1 basic tumbling, n—refers to all skills listed in the degrees of friction in the guide rails of the equipment.
United States Gymnastics Federation (USGF) Safety Manual
5.3 The maximum severity index shall be 350.
section entitled “Floor Exercise and Tumbling Skill Progres-
5.4 Design the cover of the mat so there is a smooth playing
sion,” except the following skills:
surface.
3.1.2 forward salto,
5.5 Theplayingsurfacenormallyshallbeonepiece.Ifmore
3.1.3 backward salto,
than one section is used, securely fasten both sections together
3.1.4 aerial cartwheel, 1
with a stepoff of no greater than 1.5 mm ( ⁄16 in.).
3.1.5 round off flip-flop backward salto (tuck), and the
6. General Requirements
3.1.6 russian lift forward salto.
3.1.7 basic tumbling mat, n—a resilient surface upon which
6.1 With each mat, the manufacturer shall supply materials
gymnastic tumbling activities are performed.
clearly marked: “These are assembly, care, maintenance and
3.1.8 playing surface, n—the area of the mat surface on
instructional materials. Read carefully before assembling and
which tumbling activities are performed, excluding any safety
using this mat.”The package shall contain the following items:
area.
6.1.1 Assembly Instructions—Unless specified otherwise in
the rules of the organization governing the competition, place
4. Materials and Manufacture
the tumbling mats on a firm, level surface at least 1.8 m (6 ft)
4.1 The manufacturer shall supply as part of the purchase of
from walls, obstructions or protrusions. The minimum over-
a basic tumbling mat the following items:
head clearance of 3.7 m (12 ft) is recommended.
4.1.1 Core, made of a shock absorbent material;
6.1.1.1 Use the mat in well-lighted areas. If artificial illu-
mination is provided, it is recommended that such artificial
illumination meet the standards for gymnasiums and field
1 houses in the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) RP-6,
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F-8 on Sports
Recommended Practice for Sports Lighting.
Equipment and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F08.12 on
Gymnastics and Wrestling Equipment.
6.1.1.2 Place the mat in an area where traffic flow from the
Current edition approved Feb. 10, 1996. Published April 1996.
tumbling activity does not conflict with other activities.
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Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.07.
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F1676–96
6.1.2 Care and Maintenance—Include the following state- 6.1.4 Warning Statement—Include the following warning
ment with the manufacturer’s care and maintenance instruc- statement in the literature package:
tions for the mat: “Inspect the tumbling mat before using and
replace or repair any worn cover or core.” The following “Any activity involving motion or height creates the possi-
conditions represent potential hazards: bility of ac
...