New guidance on synthetic sports surface provision and usage

The popularity of synthetic sports surfaces has seen more than 100 fields installed in Australia for various football codes over recent years, with another 50 already being planned.

When the current generation of surfaces was first launched, manufacturers frequently promoted the fields as offering 24/7 playability with little maintenance required.

However, the reality has proved somewhat different with changed guidance from world football governing body FIFA and operational experience suggesting weekly usage of between 20 and 50 hours. In addition, maintenance has emerged as a key issue in ensuring the longevity of playing surfaces.

To bring together best and most current global thinking on synthetic sports surface provision and usage, Australian synthetic sports turf expert Martin Sheppard, in conjunction with consultant Alastair Cox has released a new industry publication The Smart Guide to Maintaining Synthetic Sports Turf (Long Pile).

The Guide addresses the importance and principles of maintenance; the type of maintenance that typically needs to be completed; machines to use and FIFA research along with typical schedules for consideration.

Martin Sheppard has writen extensively on synthetic sports surfaces, with the third edition of his Smart Guide to Synthetic Sport Surfaces released in 2014.

Sheppard’s Smart Connection Consultancy is the leading independent Australian consultancy working with State/Territory and local governments, sport and the education sector in the planning, management and procurement of synthetic fields.

Smart Connection Consultancy in collaboration with Interpoint Events established and promoted the National Synthetic Sports Surfaces Conference and Expo in 2013 and 2014.

For more information on The Smart Guide to Maintaining Synthetic Sports Turf (Long Pile) click here to contact the Smart Connection Consultancy via their entry in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory. 

Image shows TurfOne installation at Narrabeen Sports High School, NSW.

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