Athletics Tracks

The Sports and Play Construction Association, SAPCA, is the recognised UK trade organisation for the athletics track construction industry. SAPCA was formed in 1997, incorporating the previous Synthetic Sports Surfaces Association (SSSA), and plays an important role in the promotion of high standards for the design and construction of athletics tracks.

SAPCA members construct the vast majority of athletics tracks across the UK, for all levels of use, from grassroots activity at clubs and schools to high-level training and competition.

SAPCA regulates the athletics track construction industry, sets standards for the quality of athletics track installation, and provides training and education. SAPCA works closely with UK Athletics (UKA).

Specialists in athletics track construction

SAPCA’s Track Division represents specialist athletics track contractors who have been approved by the Association. These constructors have demonstrated that they have the requisite technical expertise and experience, quality of workmanship and financial stability. Members of the Track Division must comply with the minimum construction specifications and quality of completed work, as detailed in SAPCA’s Code of Practice for the Construction and Maintenance of Athletics Tracks with Synthetic Surfaces. All members are committed to high standards of customer service and business practice.

For reassurance that companies selected for athletics track projects are recognised specialists, prospective customers should ensure that all firms under consideration are members of SAPCA’s Track Division. All companies have an official Certificate of Membership, identifying their membership status.

For a full list of SAPCA-approved athletics track contractors that operate in your area, please search the SAPCA membership database. Click on the "Find a Supplier" link below, select “Track Division”, choose the relevant area of operation, and then click on “Search”.

The database can also be used to find other relevant SAPCA members, including contractors, manufacturers and independent consultants offering a wide range of track-related products and services.

Find a Supplier.

Standards for athletics track construction

SAPCA’s Code of Practice for the Construction and Maintenance of Athletics Tracks with Synthetic Surfaces provides minimum construction standards for the industry and valuable guidance for all those involved in track projects; it is free to download from the Technical Guidance section of the SAPCA web site. Click on the link below – if you have not visited this section of the web site before you will be asked to register to gain entry, but this is free, quick and easy.

Technical Guidance.

Other information

Please visit the other areas of the SAPCA web site to find Industry News, Events and Exhibitions, Training and Education, and more. Use the menu at the top of the page to navigate.