Trampoline Safety Standards for Outdoor Playgrounds and Indoor Gymnasiums

At Trampolines Ireland, safety is always our number one priority. When schools, clubs, and families come to us for advice, one of the most important conversations we have is about safety standards. Different trampolines are designed for different purposes, and therefore they are tested and certified under different standards.

Understanding Safety Standards: Outdoor Playground Trampolines vs Indoor Gymnasium Trampolines

In this blog, we’ll explore the two most relevant sets of standards for trampolines in Ireland and across Europe:

EN 1176 / EN 1177 – playground equipment standards, relevant to outdoor playground trampolines.
EN 13219 / EN 913 – gymnastic equipment standards, relevant to indoor gymnasium trampolines.

Understanding the difference helps schools, councils, and sports clubs choose the right equipment for their setting and ensure compliance with safety obligations.

SUMMARY TABLE - Playground vs Gymnasium Trampolines – Safety Standards Compared

Feature	Outdoor Playground Trampolines	Indoor Gymnasium Trampolines
Relevant Standards	EN 1176 (playground equipment) EN 1177 (impact-attenuating surfacing)	EN 13219 (gymnastics trampolines) EN 913 (general gymnastics equipment)
Typical Location	School yards, public playgrounds, outdoor parks	PE halls, gymnasiums, trampoline clubs
Supervision	Minimal or none; designed for safe, unsupervised play	Always supervised by trained PE staff or coaches
Design Style	In-ground, flush with the ground Compact, vandal-resistant	Large, above-ground rectangular frames Foldable or wheeled for storage
Safety Focus	Lower fall height, durable pads, impact-absorbing surfacing	Controlled performance, spotting mats, padded frames
Bounce Type	Gentle, predictable, safe for casual play	High-performance, powerful bounce for advanced skills
Durability Needs	Weatherproof, UV resistant, anti-vandal features	Indoor-only, not weatherproof
Primary Users	Children of all ages, casual users, inclusive access	Secondary students, gymnasts, athletes in training
Main Purpose	Fun, safe play and physical activity	Structured gymnastics training and performance
Examples	In-ground playground trampolines with EN 1176 certification	Olympic-style trampolines used in PE and gymnastics clubs

1. Why Do Safety Standards Matter?

Safety standards exist to protect users, especially children, by ensuring that equipment is:

Designed to reduce risk of injury.
Built from durable, reliable materials.
Installed and maintained correctly.
Suitable for the intended environment (playground vs gym).

For trampolines, the difference is significant. A trampoline in a public playground is meant for casual, unsupervised play by children of all abilities. A trampoline in a gymnasium is meant for structured training under the guidance of qualified coaches.

Without recognising these differences, schools or councils could end up with trampolines that are unsafe, non-compliant, or simply unsuitable.

2. Outdoor Playground Trampolines – EN 1176 and EN 1177

What is EN 1176?

EN 1176 is the European safety standard for playground equipment. It covers a wide range of equipment, from swings and slides to climbing frames and trampolines.

The goal of EN 1176 is to minimise risks in unsupervised, public play environments. That means equipment must be:

Robust enough for heavy, repeated use by children of different ages.
Designed to reduce entrapment, pinching, or fall hazards.
Resistant to weather, vandalism, and long-term outdoor exposure.

What is EN 1177?

EN 1177 specifically relates to impact-attenuating surfacing. It ensures that when children fall from play equipment, the surface absorbs impact and reduces the risk of serious head injury.

When applied to trampolines, EN 1177 means:

The trampoline mat itself is considered a “play surface”.
The surrounding surfacing (rubber tiles, wet-pour, grass mats) must meet the critical fall height of the trampoline.
Installation must create a safe transition from trampoline to playground surface.

Playground Trampoline Characteristics

Trampolines designed to comply with EN 1176/1177 are typically:

In-ground units: flush with the ground to reduce fall height.
One-at-a-time use: signage and design encourage single users.
Durable pads and mats: resistant to UV, moisture, and vandalism.
Enclosure-free: often without safety nets, because fall heights are minimised by ground-level design.
High-resilience materials: built to survive Irish weather and constant daily use.

Why Schools and Councils Need EN 1176

For schools, local authorities, and playground operators, EN 1176/1177 compliance is essential. Without it:

The installation may not pass safety inspections.
Insurance cover could be invalidated.
The risk of serious injury increases.
Long-term costs rise due to frequent repairs or replacements.

By choosing an EN 1176-certified trampoline, schools and councils know they are meeting their duty of care.

3. Indoor Gymnasium Trampolines – EN 13219 and EN 913

What is EN 13219?

EN 13219 is the European standard for trampolines used in gymnastics. It defines safety and performance requirements for trampolines in training and competition.

The aim of EN 13219 is not just to keep users safe, but also to ensure trampolines perform consistently at a professional standard. It applies to the large rectangular trampolines you’ll see in gymnastics halls, trampoline clubs, or during Olympic events.

What is EN 913?

EN 913 is a general standard for gymnastic equipment. It sets baseline requirements for stability, strength, and durability across all gymnastic apparatus, including trampolines.

Together, EN 13219 and EN 913 guarantee that trampolines in gyms:

Provide predictable, high-performance bounce.
Withstand the stresses of repeated, high-energy use.
Include safety measures like padded frames and spotting decks.

Gymnasium Trampoline Characteristics

Gym trampolines differ dramatically from playground models:

Above-ground, large rectangular frames – often over 5m long and 3m wide.
Steel frames with high-tension springs – producing powerful bounce suitable for advanced skills.
Supervised use only – always under qualified coaching.
Spotting mats and decks – additional safety features for controlled training.
Indoor use – designed for climate-controlled environments, not outdoor weather.

Why Schools and Sports Clubs Need EN 13219

Secondary schools, gymnastics clubs, and sports facilities that deliver structured PE or gymnastics must use trampolines certified to EN 13219/913. These trampolines:

Meet the standards for curriculum gymnastics.
Support progression from basic skills to advanced routines.
Allow schools to comply with sports governing body requirements.
Provide confidence to parents and insurers that equipment is safe and appropriate.

4. Key Differences Between Playground and Gymnasium Standards

Feature	Playground Trampolines (EN 1176/1177)	Gymnasium Trampolines (EN 13219/913)
Location	Outdoors, public playgrounds, schools	Indoors, gymnasiums, sports clubs
Supervision	Minimal or none	Always supervised by trained staff
Design	In-ground, flush with surface	Large, above-ground rectangular frames
Safety Focus	Preventing accidents in unsupervised play	Supporting performance with controlled safety
Surfacing	Impact-absorbing per EN 1177	Spotting mats/decks required
Durability	Weatherproof, vandal resistant	Indoor-only, high-performance materials
Usage	Casual play, all ages	Structured training, skilled athletes
Standard	EN 1176 / EN 1177	EN 13219 / EN 913

5. Risks of Choosing the Wrong Standard

One of the biggest mistakes schools or organisations can make is installing the wrong type of trampoline for their setting.

Playground trampoline installed in a gym:
- Bounce may be too weak for effective gymnastics training.
- Equipment may not meet curriculum or competition requirements.
Gymnasium trampoline installed outdoors in a playground:
- Not designed for weather exposure—frames rust, mats degrade.
- High bounce increases risk of injury without close supervision.
- Almost certainly fails playground inspection under EN 1176.

The takeaway: match the standard to the setting.

6. Practical Advice for Schools

At Trampolines Ireland, we work with both primary schools (usually needing playground trampolines) and secondary schools (sometimes needing gym trampolines for PE).

Here’s our advice:

For Primary Schools

Opt for in-ground playground trampolines certified to EN 1176/1177.
Prioritise inclusion—ground-level designs are more accessible.
Use impact-attenuating surfacing around the unit.
Train staff in supervision and inspection routines.

For Secondary Schools

If the goal is PE and gymnastics, choose an indoor gymnasium trampoline certified to EN 13219.
Provide adequate space, spotting mats, and staff training.
Store trampolines correctly when not in use.

For All Schools

Do not cut corners on safety standards.
Keep inspection logs.
Consult your insurer about required certifications.

7. Insurance and Liability

Insurers and school boards increasingly require proof that trampolines:

Comply with the correct standard.
Are inspected regularly.
Are used according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Failure to comply could leave a school or council liable in the event of an accident. By choosing the correct standard from the outset, you protect pupils and safeguard your organisation.

8. How Trampolines Ireland Helps

We don’t just sell trampolines—we help schools and councils make informed, safe choices. Our service includes:

Site assessments – ensuring the correct product for your setting.
Guidance on standards – EN 1176/1177 vs EN 13219/913.
Professional installation – groundworks, surfacing, anchoring.
Ongoing support – inspections, spare parts, maintenance advice.

When you work with us, you can be confident your trampoline installation is fully compliant and fit for purpose.

9. Conclusion

Outdoor playground trampolines and indoor gymnasium trampolines are very different pieces of equipment. They serve different purposes, environments, and user groups—and they are regulated by different safety standards.

Playground trampolines must comply with EN 1176/1177, ensuring safe, robust, and accessible play in unsupervised outdoor settings.
Gymnasium trampolines must comply with EN 13219/913, delivering high-performance bounce for structured training under supervision.

Choosing the correct standard is not just a technical detail—it’s central to keeping children safe, satisfying insurers, and giving schools confidence in their investment.

At Trampolines Ireland, we recommend, supply, and install only trampolines that meet the appropriate standards for your setting. If you’re considering a trampoline for your school, club, or playground, contact us for expert advice and safe, compliant solutions.