Padel and noise pollution: the FFT publishes a technical study

With more than 1 courts established across the country, nearly 600 ranked players (and between 50 and 000 new ones each month), and more than 1 tournaments organized in 500, padel is establishing itself as a rapidly growing discipline in France. Supported by the French Tennis Federation (FFT) since 2, this friendly activity attracts a growing audience and is integrated into numerous club, community, and private operator projects.

But this dynamic doesn't come without raising certain concerns, particularly regarding noise pollution. Since the courts are frequently built near residential areas, complaints are emerging. To address this issue, the FFT commissioned a study from acoustic engineering specialists to better characterize the noise impacts of padel and provide project leaders with the necessary tools.

Identifiable noise, strict regulations

The noise generated by padel comes from several sources: the impact of the ball on the racket, on glass walls or fencing, but also the vocal behavior of players. The study conducted by the FFT is based on the following regulatory frameworks:

The Public Health Code (articles R.1336-4 to R.1336-11),
Decree No. 2006-1099 of August 31, 2006 on neighborhood noise,
The decree of December 5, 2006 relating to the measurement methods,
The AFNOR NF S 31-010 standard,
FD S 31-160 booklet for application to sports facilities.

The central indicator is sound emergence, or the difference between the ambient noise level (with activity) and the residual noise (without activity). If this emergence exceeds certain thresholds (which vary according to the periods and duration), the nuisance is characterized.

Padel and noise pollution: the FFT publishes a technical study

Three types of sound environments

The study distinguishes three main categories of zones according to their residual noise level:

Ambience zone calm : around 35 dB(A)
Ambience zone moderate : around 45 dB(A)
Areas noisy : 55 dB(A) or more

Emergence is only assessed if ambient noise exceeds 30 dB (A). The installation of a padel court in a quiet area will therefore be more sensitive and will require a more rigorous technical approach.

Reference distances between land and residents

A table has been drawn up to help anticipate risks based on the distance between the padel court and the nearest houses, by cross-referencing this data with the noise level in the area.

Table of reference distances for installation in relation to local residents:

Sound atmosphere of the area	>100 m	75 to 100 m	50 to 75 m	<50 m
Quiet (~35 dB(A))	✅ Low risk	⚠️ Probable risk	⚠️ High risk (measures necessary)	❌ Not recommended without acoustic treatment
Moderate (~45 dB(A))	✅ Low risk	⚠️ Recommended study	⚠️ Necessary study + provisions	❌ Sensitive implantation
Noisy (≥55 dB(A))	✅ Low risk	✅ Low impact	⚠️ Study to be planned	❌ Strong impact expected

Table colors:

✅ Green: low or negligible risk
⚠️ Yellow / orange: acoustic study essential, specific treatments may be required
❌ Red: implantation not recommended without heavy provisions

Note that this table is indicative : only one field study can actually assess the sound emergence. The behavior of the players (shouting, exclamations) can accentuate the nuisances. A awareness communication is therefore also recommended.

Technical recommendations and best practices

To limit the nuisance, several organizational, constructive and behavioral measures are offered:

Location and orientation of the land
- Place the tracks as far as possible from homes
- orientate the grounds to prevent the glass walls from being directed towards local residents
- Prioritize already noisy areas, where the sound of padel blends more naturally into the environment
Limit opening hours
- Reduce the practice in evening and sensitive hours (early morning, night)
Use masking elements
- Bank, noise barriers, existing buildings can attenuate sound propagation
Promoting indoor padel
- A structure fully enclosed and covered, with high-performance acoustic walls, provides excellent control of noise pollution
- Warning to playground : it limits upward nuisances but can worsen reverberation in the horizontal field if the materials are too hard
Choosing suitable materials
- A covered courtyard absorbent limits reverberations; a coating reverberant (coefficient close to 0) aggravates the nuisances
Limit the number of side-by-side tracks
- A large padel complex has a cumulative acoustic impact most importantly: think about staggering, or gradual installation

Importance of preliminary acoustic study

The FFT study highlights the importance of using a qualified acoustic design office before any padel construction project. This allows:

De precisely characterize the sound environment (residual and ambient noise measurements)
De model noise propagation
De offer tailor-made solutions (screens, orientation, timetables, architecture, etc.)

A poor assessment can lead to neighborhood conflicts and call into question the sustainability of the project.

A preventive and constructive approach

By publishing this study, the FFT intends support the development of padel in a sustainable manner, by reconciling sporting practice and respect for the living environment. The document is aimed at all stakeholders in the sector: clubs, communities, investors, architects and design offices.

The FFT thanks the companies A2MS Acoustics et Pierre Barles Consultant for their technical support in the development of this study.