Planning Your Sports Cover and Shade Structure Project
IN BRIEF:
- In the early planning stages of a sports cover project, consider the size, budget, and style of the sports cover you’d like.
- Your design and construct team can help navigate the permit process and address any site access issues.
- Steelcorp’s expertise as a commercial steel supplier for the education sector ensures successful project delivery.
Sports Cover Options
When planning a new sports cover for your school, understanding your options and key considerations is essential.
Steelcorp’s extensive experience in steel construction services includes everything from simple sports covers to bespoke structures. Whether you are building over an existing court or designing a new area from scratch, our
Sales Lead, Aaron Barker, shares practical tips to ensure a successful sports cover project.
Budget
Your budget represents the first constraint and sets the upper limit for your project. For education projects, budgets are often determined by set grants or planned school improvements.

Working with experienced industrial steel builders ensures you get an efficient design that maximises functionality without compromising on strength or longevity. Steelcorp’s engineering team specialises in delivering cost-effective and durable solutions.
Size
To provide an accurate proposal for your sports cover, it’s essential to supply the size of your courts. Below are common court dimensions found in Australian schools:
- Regulation FIBA basketball court: 28m long x 15m wide
- Basketball half-court: Typically 7m-9m long and 4m-5m wide; FIBA regulation-sized half courts are 15m x 11m
- Netball court: 30.5m long x 15.25m wide
- Volleyball court: 18m long x 9m wide
- Tennis court: 23.77m long x 10.97m wide
Remember to account for additional perimeter features such as seating, goal or net installations, railings, or a skirt around the court.
Style
The design of your sports cover can range from simple to intricate. Simpler designs are often more budget-friendly, but you may also wish to complement the surrounding architecture or create a standout feature.
Customisation options include:
- Different roof profiles (gable, curved, or skillion)
- Interior cladding for bird-proofing
- Dropped or extended eaves for extra sun protection
- Skylights for natural light enhancement

Environment
The orientation and environmental considerations of your sports cover can significantly impact its functionality.
- Sun: Proper orientation helps prevent excessive sunlight from encroaching on shaded areas.
- Wind and rain: Features like dropped eaves or solid walls can mitigate adverse weather conditions.
Permits
Planning approval requirements differ depending on the type of school:
- Public schools: Planning approval is generally not required.
- Private schools: A planning permit may be necessary.
Steelcorp’s expertise in navigating council and construction permits ensures a smooth process for your warehouse project or industrial building.
Access
Building a sports cover over an existing court is achievable but requires careful planning. Key considerations include:
- The type and trafficability of the existing surface
- Access restrictions, such as fences or nearby buildings.
Sharing these details upfront allows your industrial steel builders to plan efficiently for any site-specific challenges.
Partner with Steelcorp for Sports Cover Construction
Steelcorp is a leading commercial steel supplier specialising in educational structures. Our team’s commitment to quality and efficiency ensures every project is delivered on time and with minimal disruption to students.
With over two decades of experience, Steelcorp provides expert advice and exceptional steel construction services. Let us guide you through your sports cover project—from planning to completion.
