Voluntary standards: it's going to be tough
While certain sports such as soccer already have standards governing many aspects of the discipline, such as the size of goalposts, some emerging practices remain unclear. But they don't intend to stay that way! Those involved in pump track, MMA, and esports understand that voluntary standardization is essential.
Occupational health and risks
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Set boundaries so you don't end up on the mat. In recent years, MMA has experienced rapid growth, accelerated by its legalization in France in 2020. In competition, Mixed Martial Arts is practiced in a "cage": an octagonal wire enclosure that plays an integral role in the discipline, as fighters can use it during confrontations. On the ground, a mat similar to a judo tatami cushions the often violent falls.
Except that today, there are no technical specifications for these two essential elements of the sport, notes Jean-René Savary, founder of SportCom Europe and manufacturer of MMA cages, among other things. However, the mesh must meet very specific requirements, being both flexible enough not to injure the fighters, but also strong enough that they cannot break through it! And the floor must ensure the safety of the athletes, some of whom weigh 130 kg and are thrown by their opponents, while also allowing for rapid movement. Violent blows to the head are one of the main risks.
Voluntary standards to fill a gap
According to this specialist, there is therefore a real legal and regulatory vacuum that protects no one: not athletes, not fight organizers, not local authorities wishing to install MMA cages, and not equipment manufacturers. In practical terms, in the event of a serious accident, insurance companies could refuse compensation on the grounds that there is no regulatory framework. This is a major obstacle to the development of the sport, says Jean-René Savary.
That is why this professional turned to AFNOR several months ago, asking for some thought to be given to the subject. His wish has been granted: a standardization committee has been set up, bringing together several professionals, the federation, and expert laboratories, tasked with calculating the resistance of different materials based on the loads to which they are subjected.
Standardization to prevent run-off-road accidents
When it comes to pump tracks, stakeholders intend to shift into high gear. With their dips and bumps, these asphalt tracks are used by mountain bikes, BMX bikes, skateboards, and scooters. In 2021, an AFNOR Spec was developed by industry pioneers. At the time, France had fewer than 250 tracks. Six years later, the 1,000 mark has just been surpassed!
AFNOR Spec has clearly accelerated the development of this sport.
Vincent Chrzanowski, co-founder of HTracks and designer of pump tracks, notes that you can hear in this video at the start of the standardization work in 2019 during his partnership with Hurricane, which is now over. The construction of tracks is generally the responsibility of local authorities. The reference document reassures town halls, which now have a document to rely on. This is because these facilities are not without risk. Bumps that are too close together, turns that are too tight, poorly separated tracks, and you're bound to fall or collide!
Vincent Chrzanowski continues: We now need to go further with a voluntary standard, based on a principle of balance: setting strict safety rules, but leaving some leeway for track designers. There's no question of having the same pumptrack course everywhere in France! What makes this activity so exciting is precisely its diversity. Loops and jumps over the track, for example, would be among the features prohibited by the standard, as they are reserved for professionals and unsuitable for children. The kick-off is approaching: the work of the standardization commission—a world first on the subject—will begin on June 17, 2025.
Standardize so you don't get beaten
When it comes to esports (pronounced "i-sports"), enthusiasm is more measured. In this recent and alternative field, the normative issue does not attract as much attention as the broadcast of a virtual video game competition, which can bring together several million people around the world! It all depends on the very definition of esports, sums up Nicolas Besombes, esports sociologist and lecturer at Paris-Cité University. It is a multifaceted activity, with fighting, racing, strategy, card, and shooting games played on computers, tablets, or consoles. There is also exergaming, a combination of exercise and gaming, for games that simulate sports movements... In short, esports has its own identity.
However, some countries, particularly in Asia, are accelerating standardization efforts in this area. The underlying motivation is to bring these activities closer to the traditional sporting framework. This offensive is viewed unfavorably in France. Esports intends to defend its independence, without seeing its disciplines attached to an existing federation, insists Nicolas Besombes. We must therefore make our voice heard! On the other hand, we encourage voluntary standardization that would facilitate the organization of tournaments, set rules for the necessary digital architecture, or support broadcasting.
A regulatory battle is therefore on the horizon. You can register for our informational webinar on the subject, scheduled for July 1, 2025. But before stepping into the ring, participants may need to consider a new standard... Because despite its long history, boxing has no voluntary standards for ring design! A new topic for AFNOR?
