EN 13546:2002/prA1

Overview

EN 13546:2002/prA1 is a European standard drafted by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) concerning protective clothing for field hockey players, with a specific focus on personal protective equipment (PPE) for goalkeepers and shin protectors for field players. This draft amendment (prA1) proposes modifications to the introduction and revises Table 17, which details the impact energies required for testing shin protectors. The document is managed by the CEN Technical Committee TC 162 and supports compliance with EU Directive 89/686/EEC on personal protective equipment.

Key Topics

• Protective Clothing Requirements: Specifications for protective gear covering the hand, arm, chest, abdomen, leg, foot, and genital areas for field hockey goalkeepers, as well as shin protectors for field players.
• Performance Testing: Updated impact energy criteria and maximum permissible transmitted forces, as outlined in the revised Table 17. This ensures that tested equipment offers an adequate level of protection in various zones (ankle, outer shin, central shin).
• Conformity with EU Legislation: Alignment with essential safety requirements of the EU PPE Directive, contributing to safer field hockey sports activities throughout Europe.
• Standardization Process: The document is part of the regular review and amendment cycle to maintain up-to-date protective equipment standards.

Applications

EN 13546:2002/prA1 is widely applicable in the production and testing of field hockey protective gear:

• Manufacturers use the requirements and test methods to certify their products, ensuring they meet recognized European safety standards for personal protection in field hockey.
• Sports Associations and Clubs reference the standard for defining minimum safety equipment criteria for goalkeepers and players, providing effective risk management against impact injuries.
• Testing Laboratories and Regulatory Bodies utilize the standard for clear impact testing protocols, performance level classifications, and comparative assessments of shin protectors.
• Procurement and Safety Officers rely on certified gear meeting this standard to ensure compliance with occupational health and safety policies for sports environments.

Related Standards

Organizations and professionals working with EN 13546:2002/prA1 should also consider the following related standards:

• EN 13546:2002 - The parent standard detailing comprehensive PPE requirements and test methods for field hockey.
• EN ISO 13688 - General requirements for protective clothing.
• EN 13158 - Standards for protective clothing in equestrian sports, relevant for impact protection concepts.
• EN 14404 - Protective knee pads for workers, illustrating analogous approaches to testing impact-resistant sports equipment.

By adhering to EN 13546:2002/prA1, stakeholders ensure that field hockey protective clothing and shin protectors deliver reliable, certified impact protection, supporting player safety and regulatory compliance across the sport.