The German authorities have revised their standard DIN 18035-3 – the key guideline for drainage of sports fields. The update reflects technical advancements, new types of sports facilities, and stricter demands for climate resilience and maintenance.

While the previous version (2006, corrected in 2007) focused mainly on conventional sports fields, the revised standard explicitly considers other types of terrain, such as golf courses and equestrian facilities.

New insights and current data

The standard has been updated with the latest insights in hydraulic design. It now uses KOSTRA-DWD raster data – the current rainfall statistics from the German Meteorological Service – as the basis for drainage calculations. In addition, the revised version aligns more closely with related standards such as DIN 1986-100 for rainwater discharge.

Innovation in design and materials

A notable addition is Annex A, which provides practical construction examples for various drainage solutions. The update also introduces new techniques, such as rohrlose Sickerpackungen (pipe-free drainage packages), offering faster and more flexible installation in specific site conditions.

Drainage material requirements have also been revised. This affects suppliers of drainage sand, lava, and synthetic drainage layers. Only materials that meet the new specifications will remain compliant with the DIN framework.

Maintenance and documentation

Another key element of the revision is the introduction of guidelines for documentation and maintenance. The standard acknowledges that the performance and lifespan of drainage systems depend heavily on ongoing management. For sports clubs and municipalities, this means greater focus on recording construction data, conducting inspections, and performing regular system checks.