The standard recommends a board and glass shield system that permanently surrounds each playing area plus a safety netting system; both are necessary spectator protection. According to the Canadian Recreation Facilities Council (CRFC), there are over 2,500 community arenas in Canada; many of which date back at least 30 years, and are due for renovations
Excerpts from CSA Guideline CAN/CSA-Z262.7-04 and the Canadian Safety Council