There are many factors to consider when adding a gymnasium to your church facility. Poorly planned gymnasium projects result in facilities that are limited in the types and sizes of activities they can host. With proper planning and product selection, however, the process is not all that complicated.

Wall-mounted backstops are generally the least expensive and, under the right conditions, are very stable. With wall-mounted backstops, the backboard will be in close proximity to the wall (generally less than 12 feet). They also require a large open space on the wall from approximately nine feet above the floor to 13 feet, plus the extension above the floor. Wall-mounted backstops require a wall structure capable of supporting the loads created by the backstop and heavy play. As a general rule of thumb, wall-mounted backstops are designed to be mounted to CMU or similar strength walls. Wall-mounted backstops can place loads as great as 6,600 pounds on the wall structure. Loads at this level must be carefully considered when designing the construction of the wall. Manufacturers can provide information on exact loads and load distribution points.

Ceiling-suspended dual post backstops have the advantage of not requiring attachment to a wall. However, there are several disadvantages. They are restricted to only certain building types and applications; they tend to be more expensive, less stable and more difficult to install than other ceiling suspended backstops; they are not recommended for facilities without full-time maintenance staff; and they do not offer a direct goal attachment.

Ceiling-suspended single post backstops do not require attachment to the wall. Also, single post backstops allow for higher attachment points without the use of cradles or increased structural sections in order to produce an acceptable level of rigidity. Less overhead and structure help the backstop blend into the environment when folded. Single post backstops are normally lighter than dual post backstops, so the loads transferred to the building structure tend to be lower. Additionally, because of the larger diameter tube used for single post backstops, they are normally more stable and have faster vibration recovery times from shots or slam-dunks. Direct goal attachment, where the goal is attached to the post, and not just the backboard, is also available with this style of backstop. This provides enough additional stability that lifetime warranties can be offered with backboards when direct goal attachment is used.

Portable backstops can be used when the building structure does not allow or will not support the loads generated by ceiling-suspended backstops. Portable backstops are generally more expensive than ceiling-suspended or wall-mounted models. They also require more setup, maintenance time and storage space—for each set of two portable backstops, the equivalent of a one-car garage is required for storage.

If renovating an existing structure, options will likely be more limited because gymnasium fixtures will need to be designed around the building systems and structural requirements.

The court size and the relationship of the court to the walls or other structures may not permit the use of rear folding ceiling-suspended backstops. As a general rule of thumb, a rear folding backstop requires the attachment height less nine feet behind the goal in order to achieve a complete fold. Front folding and side folding units will require less space outside the court perimeter for storage.

Facilities with courts in close proximity to the walls may allow for the use of wallmounted backstops. Keep in mind though, that the wall construction must be sufficient to carry a load of up to 6,600 pounds.

Facilities with extremely high ceilings or too little support for ceiling-suspended backstops may require the use of portable backstops.

If a multiple-use facility is required, basketball backstops that are ceiling-suspended and fold out of the way should be strongly considered, because, with portable equipment, additional storage space will be needed. When purchasing folding backstops, be sure to order a powder-coated finish for durability and the ability to match and blend in to the facility structure.

If the gymnasium will be used only as an athletic facility, there may be less need for storage, and fixtures can be a permanent part of the building structure. There may also be more details to iron out if the gym is to be used for any kind of accredited sports competition.

If the facility is to be used for various levels of youth competition and instruction, such as programs like Upward Basketball, height adjusters should also be considered to allow adjusting the goal height from 10 feet to eight feet.

Gymnasium divider curtains can be useful for both full-time and multi-use facilities. They allow you to host multiple events simultaneously. They divide space and sight lines (but not sound), and, at a flip of the switch, they roll or fold up next to the ceiling structure—no storage space is required along the floor when they aren’t in use.

HVAC, lighting and sprinkler systems can all present expensive problems if they are not synchronized in advance with the backstop design. Failure to coordinate all these systems often results in considerable additional cost and a compromised, unstable backstop design.

First of all, you can purchase portable goals and nets that can be rolled out to any point on the gym floor, or even placed outside. These truly portable items can be quickly and easily moved into position in a variety of places, but require storage.

The second approach is to plan early for the placement of floor sleeves with covers. This allows the placement of sturdier, but still temporary, volleyball posts and net sport goals.

As mentioned earlier, divider curtains are a good option for hosting multiple events simultaneously.

Obviously, the more options and devices you have, the more expensive the project. If the price of your gymnasium or multi-use facility is making you nervous, consider doing the job in phases. Consider purchasing the main basketball courts and volleyball floor sleeves to start, then adding others with revenue generated by renting the facility to other groups and teams for practice or other gatherings. Volleyball equipment can also be added at a later date. Whatever you decide to do, however, the key is detailed planning.

Terry Coffey coordinates technical publications and media relations for Draper, Inc., www.draperinc.com, a manufacturer of gymnasium and playground equipment.