Question 1

Are FOSPO's standards and written recommendations binding?

Accepted Answer

FOSPO's standards and written recommendations are not legally binding, but are rather intended as planning guidelines that reflect the latest technology.
They may be declared binding for particular planning approval procedures (planning permission, grants), or they may be consulted if the courts are asked to resolve legal disputes.

Question 2

Can competitions be held on a playing field whose dimensions do not meet regulatory requirements?

Accepted Answer

The relevant national or international sports federations are solely responsible for authorising playing areas for competitions. FOSPO has no authority to make rulings about this.
Thus, only the relevant sports associations can grant exemptions with regard to dimensions, safety zones and clear heights of pitches, courts or playing fields.

Question 3

Are there plans available for turnkey projects?

Accepted Answer

The sport facilities unit is not a planning agency, and it does not design projects.
The unit's publications (available in German, French and Italian) provide information on all aspects that need to be taken into account from the point of view of sport.

Question 4

Which companies install sports surfaces?

Accepted Answer

FOSPO factsheet 901 – Sports surfaces supplier directory (only in german) – lists all suppliers known to us and all products offered in Switzerland.
The publication does not provide any type of evaluation of the companies or products listed.

Question 5

Which companies supply sports equipment?

Accepted Answer

FOSPO factsheet 902 – Facilities, apparatus and equipment (only in german) – lists all suppliers known to us and the products that are offered in Switzerland.
The publication does not provide any type of evaluation of the companies or products listed.

Question 6

Who offers grants for sports facilities?

Accepted Answer

Sports facilities may be eligible for grants from cantonal Sport-Toto funds. The first point of contact is the cantonal sports office.
The Confederation only makes contributions to selected sports infrastructures of national importance (construction financing), within the framework of the National Sports Facilities Programme (NASAK).

Question 7

Are there any funding programmes for sports facilities?

Accepted Answer

The effeSPORT national funding programme serves to increase the energy efficiency of lighting in sports facilities (football, tennis, indoor swimming pools ...). Funding is available for refurbishment projects that meet certain conditions and will be completed in 2024.

FAQ sport facilities

Eidgenössische Hochschule für Sport Magglingen EHSM