Published on: 18/04/2009 17:34:26 Back
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FIFA APPROVED
To carry this mark, balls are required to pass all seven FIFA tests.
FIFA INSPECTED
These balls are subjected to FIFA tests one through six.
INTERNATIONAL MATCH BALL STANDARD
Balls carrying this designation meet the same standards as FIFA Inspected balls. Because no royalties are paid, they don’t bear the FIFA mark.
TEST 1: CIRCUMFERENCE
The ball’s diameter is measured at 10 different points and the mean average is calculated. FIFA Inspected balls (size 5) must measure 68 - 70 cm, FIFA Approved from 68.5 – 69.5 cm. Circumference must be consistent for predictable play.
TEST 2: ROUNDNESS
In this test, the diameter of the ball is measured at 16 points and the mean average is calculated. The difference between the highest and lowest diameter must be no more than 2 percent for FIFA Inspected, 1.5 percent for FIFA Approved. A slightly uneven seam can change the ball’s shape.
TEST 3: REBOUND
The ball is dropped 10 times onto a steel panel from a height of two meters. FIFA Inspected balls must bounce between 115 - 165 cm, FIFA Approved balls 120 – 165 cm. The difference between lowest and highest bounce must be no more than 10 cm.
TEST 4: WEIGHT
Each ball is weighed three times in a sealed cabinet. FIFA Inspected balls must weigh between 410 – 450 grams, FIFA approved between 420 – 445 grams.
TEST 5: WATER ABSORPTION
A machine turns and squeezes the ball in a tank of water 250 times. FIFA Inspected balls must not absorb more than 15 percent in additional weight, FIFA Approved 10 percent.
TEST 6: LOSS OF PRESSURE
In this test, the ball is inflated to 1.0 bar. In 72 hours, it must lose no more than 25 percent of air for FIFA Inspected, 20 percent for FIFA Approved. A ball which loses pressure during a game will perform erratically.
TEST 7: SHAPE & SIZE RETENTION
The ball is fired 2,000 times against a steel plate at 35 MPH. Seams and air valves must be undamaged.
Pressure loss and changes in circumference must be minimal.