This European Standard specifies performance and durability characteristics of needle-punched sports surfaces primarily used outdoors. Two categories of surfaces are covered, based on the principal sporting use of the surface, as follows: surfaces designed for multi sports use; and surfaces designed primarily for tennis. The requirements are intended to apply to surfaces used for community, educational and recreational sport. For professional and elite levels of competition, many sports governing bodies have published their own specifications; the requirements of the sport's governing bodies might differ from those detailed in this European Standard and facility developers are advised to ensure that they select surfaces offering the correct levels of performance for the levels of competition to be played on the pitch or court. This European Standard is based on type approval testing of products in the laboratory. Selected requirements may also be used on site to assess the suitability of installed surfaces.