International match ball standard

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The logo of the IMS

As the International Matchball Standard , FIFA describes the seal of approval of the soccer balls manufactured according to their product quality standard minimum specifications. Only these may be used in indoor or outdoor tournaments organized by FIFA and its six basic confederations . The designation is the inexpensive technical equivalent of the FIFA Inspected seal , which is subject to a license fee .

criteria

The specified measured values to be observed relate to the dimensions:

  1. Weight
  2. scope
  3. Spherical shape
  4. Pressure loss
  5. Water absorption
  6. Rebound

For the FIFA Approved mark, which claims to be even higher , the six laboratory tests must be passed at a higher level and a seventh test must also be successful, namely:

  • Preservation of shape and size (in the shot test).

Approved test laboratories

In Germany, only a few research and testing laboratories are currently officially authorized to issue certificates in accordance with FIFA guidelines. You must belong to one of the two official working groups of industrial research associations. This applies e.g. B. for the testing and research institute Pirmasens (PFI) in the Rhineland-Palatinate former industrial shoe manufacturer town of Pirmasens . The PFI currently sells its patented testing device, which allows spherical scanning every second, to football manufacturers worldwide.

Historical, legal

Ever since the FIFA Directive came into force on January 1, 1996, outdoor tournaments organized by FIFA and the six confederations have only allowed footballs from suppliers who have had their products randomly tested for their measurable properties in a demanding test procedure. The balls must have met high technical quality standards in order to be allowed to bear the coveted official labels FIFA Approved , FIFA Inspected or International Matchball Standard . As of January 1, 2000, the same quality laboratory testing and certification will also be required for footballs used in indoor tournaments in connection with international competitions organized by FIFA and the confederations.

Manufacturers or trading companies who have their own production are advised to enter into a license agreement with FIFA in order to be able to demand high brand manufacturer prices for the product due to the prestige of the corresponding quality seal inscriptions.

Web links