Floodlighting in the 3. Liga: what the DFB requires
In the 3. Liga, the floodlight system must reach an average of at least 800 lx in camera direction (Ecam). New facilities should reach 1,200 lx over the entire pitch and must be built in LED or an equally energy-efficient standard. Proof is provided by a measurement report on the DFB form.
From Leon Weber, Key Account Manager Sport · As of:
The requirements at a glance
All values come from the DFB regulations. They refer to the illuminance in camera direction, not to the horizontal illuminance of DIN EN 12193.
| League / level | Lighting class / requirement | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum value | DFB | at least 800 lx Ecam (average) |
| New facilities | DFB | should reach at least 1,200 lx Ecam over the whole pitch, LED or equivalent standard |
| Uniformity | DFB | Min/average 0.6, min/max 0.4 |
| Proof | DFB | Measurement report on the DFB form from the current season, otherwise with maintenance proof |
| Backup power and maintenance | DFB | mandatory for live TV broadcasts, inspection twice a year |
lx = average horizontal illuminance (except Ecam), U = uniformity (Emin/Em), GR = Blendungsbewertung. Your association's regulations take precedence.
What do the values mean?
Lux tells you how much light reaches the pitch. Uniformity shows how evenly it is distributed, and the glare rating how strongly the floodlights cause glare.
MoreLess
Illuminance (lx): How much light falls on a surface. 1 lx equals 1 lumen per square metre. For sports facilities, the average horizontal illuminance on the playing area is usually given.
Uniformity (U): Lowest divided by average illuminance. The closer the value is to 1, the more even the light.
Glare rating (GR): Assesses how strongly floodlights cause glare at outdoor facilities, on a scale from 10 (no glare) to 90 (unbearable glare).
Minimum value: 800 lx in camera direction
The 3. Liga statute requires a floodlight system with at least 800 Ecam Ave (lx) as an average. The DFB sums it up like this: the illuminance for the entire pitch must average at least 800 lux. The rule has applied since the 2024/25 season.
Annex 1 of the implementing regulations expressly provides no transitional arrangement for floodlighting.
For high requirements from about 500 lx there is the STL1500.
New facilities: 1,200 lx and LED
New facilities should reach at least 1,200 Ecam Ave (lx) as an average over the entire pitch. The 1,200 lx are worded in the statute as a target. The energy standard, by contrast, is binding: new facilities must use LED or an equally low energy standard.
Uniformity: 0.6 and 0.4
Annex 1 to the DFB safety guidelines gives two uniformity values alongside the 800 lx: min/average 0.6 and min/max 0.4. In addition there is emergency lighting.
Proof: measurement report on the DFB form
A measurement report issued in the current season on the DFB form, which is included in the “Flutlichtanforderungen 3. Liga”, must be submitted.
If the report dates from before the current season, a current maintenance record is added. If the issue date is more than three years before the start of the season, it is no longer valid.
Backup power, maintenance and failure
A backup power supply should be available, and for live TV broadcasts it must be guaranteed. The system must be inspected and cleaned by a specialist company twice a year, before the first half of the season and before the second half.
If the light fails, a match may be abandoned after 30 minutes at the earliest. The referee decides on the abandonment.
Promotion from the Regionalliga
In the Regionalligen the values are considerably lower, in the Regionalliga Südwest for example around 400 lux horizontal. The Bayerischer Fußball-Verband specifically points its Regionalliga clubs to the 800 lx and the 1,200 lx for new facilities in the admission form. If you are planning promotion, you should factor this into the design of masts and floodlights right away.
Frequently asked questions
How many lux does the 3. Liga need?
At least 800 lx on average in camera direction (Ecam). New facilities should reach at least 1,200 lx over the entire pitch.
Must floodlighting in the 3. Liga be LED?
For new facilities yes, or an equally low energy standard. That is what the 3. Liga statute says.
How old may the measurement report be?
In principle from the current season. An older one additionally needs a current maintenance record. If the date is more than three years before the start of the season, it is no longer valid.
Is backup power mandatory in the 3. Liga?
For live TV broadcasts yes. Otherwise a backup power supply should be available.
Enquire about floodlighting for the 3. Liga
Tell us your stadium and existing installation. We will calculate the system to the DFB requirements and get back to you with an initial assessment.
Talk directly
