TTS have launched the latest ECB approved design non-t
turf pitch.
Pitchcare chatted with David Bates, Director of TTS, about how and why the new total-p developed.
play system was
Q: Why did you start looking into artificial pitches when you have both been so involved with natural surfaces?
Q&A Total Play
David: I think everyone agrees there is nothing better than playing on a good natural surface. Natural pitches mean cricketers have to learn and adapt to the different types of surface throughout the season. The characteristics of a pitch controls the game more than any other sports surface. But we all know that it is very difficult to provide good surfaces all season and particularly for practice sessions. That’s why the ability for a club to have a safe all weather practice area or pitch is essential, especially for junior sections.
Working with cricket clubs and schools all over the country it was apparent many of our clients needed their existing non-turf pitches upgrading or required new installations. It was this customer feedback that prompted the research process.
Q: How did you find out about the best way to build a non-turf pitch?
David: When I was a practising groundsman we used to maintain our own artificial pitch. I knew some of the basics but it wasn’t until we spoke to the ECB that we found out how much technical information is actually required. I spoke at length
with Peter Dury, who acts as the ECB non-turf technical advisor, and also happens to be the most experienced person in the industry when it comes to artificial systems.
Once we had received some guidance from Peter we then worked for almost two years researching components, installation techniques and proving our design actually worked. The ECB use Performance Quality Standards (PQS) and their own performance guidelines as the benchmark standard for any ECB approved design. All designs and installed systems must prove that these benchmarks have been met and that the quality of the installation will perform.
Q: What are Performance Quality Standards and ECB Guidelines?
David: PQS have been developed by the IOG and governing bodies of sport to benchmark set levels of sports surface performance.
There are PQS tables for every type of sports surface and varying testing procedures to ascertain them.
The ECB use PQS but also state their own standards i.e. TS6 Technical Requirements & Performance Specifications for non- turf cricket pitches “The Standard”.
We believe it is vital to install PQS conforming systems to make sure our customers receive the finest facility in the market place. Systems that do not conform to PQS standards may leave the owner liable to legal action, should an accident occur.
Q: Why have you called your system total-play?
David: One of our goals for the system was to create a pitch which would bring every aspect of the game into play. Coming from a cricketing back ground it was my personal feeling that many of the present non turf pitches didn’t promote spinners, so we have developed our own carpet which has proven to encourage spin and, in doing so, created more of a balanced surface. We are hopeful that we have created something which will prove beneficial to batsman, seamers and spinners - in other words a ‘total play’ system.
Q: What kind of facilities do you provide?
David: We undertake every aspect of non turf pitch work, from refurbishing worn surfaces to the design and construction of bespoke systems. I believe that with our experience in natural turf and large construction projects, we offer a complete service with an understanding of economic reality and tight timescales. We can complete drainage systems and large earth moving works utilising the latest in civil engineering surveying equipment and 3D CAD software. We do have generic designs for practice bays, but we always try to value engineer a system to suit individual clients’ needs. With this flexibility and our commitment to creating quality playing surfaces we feel we can exceed our clients’ highest aspirations.
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