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Dugouts benches

Mr. Inspector

Mr. Inspector

SAWHORSE
Joined
Nov 28, 2009
Messages
4,697
Location
Poconos/eastern PA
2012 ibc

since dugouts need to be accessible and require an wheelchair space (1108.2.2.4) and a companion seat (1108.2.3) will a bench need to comply with icc a117.1-2009 903 also need to be there?
 
First thing that comes to mind...

1103.2.3 Employee work areas.

Spaces and elements within employee work areas shall only be required to comply with Sections 907.9.1.2, 1007 and 1104.3.1 and shall be designed and constructed so that individuals with disabilities can approach, enter and exit the work area. Work areas, or portions of work areas, that are less than 300 square feet (30 m2) in area and located 7 inches (178 mm) or more above or below the ground or finish floor where the change in elevation is essential to the function of the space shall be exempt from all requirements.
 
I can't think of anything else that would allow it to be exempt unless you want to call it a U...I would err on making the whole bench accessible but can't find a way to require it....

1103.2.5 Utility buildings.

Occupancies in Group U are exempt from the requirements of this chapter other than the following:

1. In agricultural buildings, access is required to paved work areas and areas open to the general public.

2. Private garages or carports that contain required accessible parking.
 
Just went through this as we currently have a 20 field softball / baseball complex under construction. It was our interpretation that the benches do not have to comply. We also contacted ICC for a code opinion on this. Hope this helps.
 
The architect is calling everything "E". Also could be A-5,

A-5 Assembly uses intended for PARTICIPATION in or VIEWING outdoor activities including , but NOT LIMITED to: Amusement park structures, Bleachers, grandstans, Stadiums.

The kids in the dugout will be participating and viewing. I would not call it "U".

Sec. 1108.2.2.4 says Team or Player seating needs to have a Wheelchair space. The only exception is for bowling lanes.

Even if this was in a professinal players park I would not call it a empoyee work area because the park could be used for college games.
 
Player seating is superseded from employee work spaces, since it is a more specific requirement within IBC 2012 Chapter 11

Benches are only required to meet section 903 when reference by sections 612.2 (sauna), 803.4 (locker room).

The reason behind this is the fact that a person is transferring to a bench in a sauna or locker room. In a dugout or a bench in a park or waiting room is general not being used by a disabled person to transfer onto. The disabled person already has a seat (wheelchair).

The requirement for a companion seat in player seating areas is not required. IBC 2012 only requires it for Section 1108.2.2.1 thru 1108.2.2.3. Team and Player Seating is section 1108.2.2.4, beyond the companion seat scoping.
 
Bumping this back up with a 2021 section:

1111.4.2 Team or player seating.​

At least one wheelchair space shall be provided in team or player seating areas serving areas of sport activity.

Exception: Wheelchair spaces shall not be required in team or player seating areas serving bowling lanes that are not required to be accessible in accordance with Section 1111.4.3
 
I have a great nephew who has been in a wheelchair almost his entire life. Smart kid. Since he could not participate, he spent a lot of time playing video sports games and got to be very good. When he got to high school he was a student coach for basketball, now he is in college and he has a job at the private school, first as assistant, now the head girls basketball coach and assistant athletic director. He has taken the girls to state competition 3 yrs in a row and won once. Point being, he needs a wheelchair space on the sideline.
 

U.S. Access Board - Chapter 10: Sports Facilities

The U.S. Access Board is a federal agency that promotes equality for people with disabilities through leadership in accessible design and the development of accessibility guidelines and standards for the built environment, transportation, communication, medical diagnostic equipment, and...
www.access-board.gov www.access-board.gov
Access Board
Team Player Seating Areas
Where provided, fixed team or player seating areas must contain the number of wheelchair spaces and companion seats required by ADAAG (based on the number of seats provided), but not less than one space. One option is to provide a clear space adjacent to a fixed bench, with the bench serving as companion seating. If designers and operators are designing a field or court that will serve a variety of wheelchair sports, exceeding the minimum requirements will better accommodate participants.
Wheelchair spaces in the team player seating areas are exempt from the requirements related to admission price and line of sight choices in assembly areas. It is recommended that ramps be used wherever possible for accessible routes connecting team or player seating areas and areas of sport activity. However, a platform lift may be used as part of an accessible route to team player seating areas.

www.ada.gov

2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

The 2010 Standards set minimum requirements – both scoping and technical – for newly designed and constructed or altered State and local government facilities, public accommodations, and commercial facilities to be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.
www.ada.gov www.ada.gov
ADASAD 206.7.9 Team or Player Seating.
Platform lifts shall be permitted to provide accessible routes to team or player seating areas serving areas of sport activity.
Advisory 206.7.9 Team or Player Seating.
While the use of platform lifts is allowed, ramps are recommended to provide access to player seating areas serving an area of sport activity.
 
e hilton said:
I have a great nephew who has been in a wheelchair almost his entire life. Smart kid. Since he could not participate, he spent a lot of time playing video sports games and got to be very good. When he got to high school he was a student coach for basketball, now he is in college and he has a job at the private school, first as assistant, now the head girls basketball coach and assistant athletic director. He has taken the girls to state competition 3 yrs in a row and won once. Point being, he needs a wheelchair space on the sideline.
Click to expand...
My Town is debating dugouts and I informed them that they need to be accessible and of course I got some funny looks....But great story/ example....
 
mtlogcabin said:
we have a 19 field softball/baseball complex
Click to expand...
Population: 29,886 (2023)

Do they play each inning on a different field?

My wife and her posse were there for a few weeks several years ago. Thy were impressed with the landscape and the people stood out as friendly. I reckon most of the state is laid back and welcoming. They even let them rent a car.
 
steveray said:
My Town is debating dugouts and I informed them that they need to be accessible and of course I got some funny looks....But great story/ example....
Click to expand...
When I was doing a project in Albuquerque a few years ago, the Chief Building Official was Land Clark. Turned out he also had a second job as an NFL referee.
He could've called out violations in both the game AND the stadium at the same time - - I suppose it's a transferable skill.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/nfl-referee-number-130#nfl-referee-number-130-0
 
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