//Is your astroturf pitch ready for the new term?

As pupils and teachers prepare to return to the ‘chalk-face’ for the new academic year, pencil cases are replenished, shoes polished and uniforms ironed. But is your artificial sports surface similarly equipped to handle the rigours of football and hockey when schools reopen for business in September?

A checklist is the best way to determine the health & safety status of your synthetic sports facility, covering the following areas:

• Surface Construction – are there any structural failures or weaknesses evident in the artificial turf carpet? Seams and inlaid lines should be checked regularly and any repairs completed as soon as possible, to reduce the risk of injury and avoid costly remedial works in the future.
• Carpet / Pile Wear – has the carpet become noticeably worn in any areas? The pile height is dangerously low when the carpet backing becomes visible, and the synthetic surface takes on a ‘threadbare’ appearance.
• Infill Levels & Distribution – is the carpet pile bending over in places? Has excess infill accumulated at the edges? This could indicate displacement and reduced infill levels on the playing surface, particularly in high-wear areas, such as the goalmouths.
• Surface Debris – any leaf / litter debris should be removed as often as possible, ideally on a daily basis, to ensure that the playing surface remains contamination-free.
• Surface Contamination – evidence of mud or silt on the artificial carpet highlights the presence of deeper-seated contamination within the infill, leading to problems with drainage.
• Vegetation – if not regularly treated, moss and weeds can soon work their way onto the playing surface from the pitch perimeter, where growth is encouraged by the presence of overhanging trees or grassy surrounds.
• Gateway – this is a highly-trafficked area and should be protected with suitable matting or grating to prevent damage and reduce the risk of contaminated material being brought onto the astroturf playing surface. It is also important to equip this area with bins and bootscrapers, and to erect suitable signage at the entrance to the facility advising of ‘dos and don’ts’ for players and spectators.
• Line Markings – painted lines will fade over time and require re-marking to restore their vibrancy. Semi-permanent markings are generally completed from April – September each year, and should be arranged in advance to avoid disappointment and ensure all lines are in place for the start of the new season.
• Pitch Equipment – check your goals and nets regularly for signs of damage or wear. Poorly secured goals can overturn, with potentially disastrous consequences for players. And what use are dividing nets if strewn with holes?
• Fencing / Kickboards – these are subject to intense wear and prone to vandalism, so potential hazards should be identified early, as damaged areas and protrusions pose a risk of injury to players.

For added peace of mind, why not arrange for a FREE assessment by Technical Surfaces. Our Technical Managers will inspect each of the areas identified above, and provide you with advice and recommendations on how to get your artificial sports surface up to scratch before the start of the autumn term. We will also provide a comprehensive report on the condition of your facility.