Technical
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football club? Clubs will not reduce the height of stands
to reduce the impact of shade, nor will they open up corners of the stadium to allow increased air movement, or reduce the amount of additional activity on the pitch during match days and in the close season. It is my view that we must take a positive stance to the situation by adopting a new philosophy of preparing new pitches rather than repairing old ones. Come the end of the season, clubs who
wish to maintain a high standard of playing surface, whilst maximising revenue from other opportunities, must accept that the pitch has done its job and replace it. This is particularly important in a stadium environment where the groundsman is, essentially, growing grass indoors.
I’m fortunate to work alongside progressive agronomists and the new generation of sports turf managers and head groundsmen, who realise the advantages of preparing a new pitch, rather than repairing an old one
Beginning the season with a new pitch
offers the greatest opportunity for the surface to withstand the difficult environment it is expected to perform within. Stadium pitches, in general, have improved tremendously over the past ten years, which is a credit to all involved, including groundsmen, researchers and manufacturers of specialist turf maintenance equipment. I’m fortunate to work alongside progressive agronomists and the new generation of sports turf managers and head groundsmen, who realise the advantages of preparing a new pitch, rather than repairing an old one. So, what are the advantages of pitch
preparation rather than repair? When should it start and how is it achieved? A consultant or the groundsman should
either prepare a specification or discuss with a reputable contractor the work that is required and when it can commence. The specification will include a bill of quantities, which will outline to the contractor what he is expected to supply and what the club may wish to supply themselves. As a contractor, I feel it is important that
the groundsmen choose materials that they want to work with as, when we’ve finished and left the site, it is they who are responsible for seeing the pitch through to the end of the season. Materials should be ordered and provision
made to store them safely away from the elements as required. Bulk materials, such as Fibresand or Fibrelastic, need to be ordered in advance and a delivery time and date agreed.
PC DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015 I 109
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