The introduction of synthetic surfaces has significantly changed the sport of hockey. Since being introduced in the 1970s, competitions in western countries are now, almost exclusively, played on artificial surfaces. This has increased the speed of the game considerably, and changed the shape of hockey sticks to allow for different techniques, such as reverse stick trapping and hitting. Tina Ribbans reports.
ASTROphysics H
ockey artificial turf differs from football and rugby artificial turf in the way that it does not try to
reproduce a grass ‘feel’, being made of shorter fibres, although surfaces are now available which enable users to play both sports on the same surface. This shorter fibre structure allows the improvement in speed brought by earlier artificial turfs to be retained. Hockey pitches are generally broken into three categories. Unfilled: Often called ‘water-based’, the pile is unfilled. The pitches require wetting, hence the name ‘water-based’, often via prolonged showering with a pitch-side water cannon prior to their use and, occasionally, during half-time intervals depending on the prevailing atmospherics. They are favoured since they offer more protection for players by minimising the abrasive effect created by sand. These pitches form the majority of the elite level hockey pitches in use today. Sand- dressed: The pile of the carpet is filled to within 5-8 mm of the tips of the fibre with fine sand. The sand cannot be seen and can often be confused with unfilled pitches. Sand filled: The pile of the carpet is filled almost to the top with sand. The sand makes the pitch rough and harder. In comparison to water-
based pitches or minimal sand-dressed pitches, ball speed across the surface is often noticeably slower.
It is a false economy to scrimp on maintenance. Whilst you may save money in the short term by extending the maintenance intervals, or waiting until problems occur, an expensive recovery operation or, in some cases, a total renewal of the surface will be needed far sooner than if a maintenance programme is in place.
Although suppliers and installers of the surfaces differ in opinion over which system is best for their clients, there is at least agreement from all parties on the fundamental aspects involved in the maintenance of the surfaces once they have been fitted.
Any playing surface which contains an infill will, at some stage, suffer from migration of the infill away from the areas used most often. The intensity will obviously vary dependent on the usage and the particular system used but, rest assured, it will happen. Dirt and debris will accumulate on the playing surface, which may have been brought about by the wind and rain, the players footwear, or, if an indoor facility is being used, general dirt and dust from within the building. If left untreated, the surface
will gradually deteriorate. The sections that follow outline the key
areas of attention. Infill Levels:
Infill levels must be regularly monitored to ensure correct and even levels and distribution are maintained. It may be necessary to remove any excess infill or top-up the levels with suitable granular materials. Failure to do this will seriously impact on the viability and longevity of the facility.
Drag Brushing/Matting:
Drag brushing of a synthetic surface remains a primary and fundamental maintenance operation. Specialist drag mats have been designed to help remove both surface debris and contamination and have become a valuable addition to the in-house maintenance remit. Ideally, drag mats should be used in conjunction with an appropriate drag brush.
Seams/Inlaid Lines:
Periodically, the seam/inlaid play lines across the surface should be checked for soundness and stability. This will ensure that any failures are highlighted at an early stage and repairs can be made before they worsen and increase the health and safety risk to any users of the facility.
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