Industry
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There are various articles published on the rubber crumb infill. Most are written by professionals, and who am I to query what they say?
our products can do, and we are geared up to do these, staff and vehicle wise. Exhibitions still have a place; however, they seem to be going indoors and this means more expense. As some of our machinery takes up quite a bit of space, we much prefer to show products working. We may have up to fifty people at a demo and, often, customers may be interested in having a further demo on their site. Golf clubs are probably worse for this and expect to have use of machinery for a week. We are as good as anyone in allowing this, but what other industry would accept this scenario? Very few, I would suggest.
The natural v artificial debate is close to your heart. Can you explain why?
We have many, many good turf managers, both in groundsmanship and greenkeeping, who are providing excellent quality natural turf playing surfaces. However, artificial seems to get all the hype and exposure at present, at the expense of natural turf. That’s marketing, I suppose!!!
Another fact is that most of the plastic carpets are made in China. We exhibited in Sao Paulo, Brazil last year, and spent three days looking at the Chinese Pavilion opposite, which was sponsored by the Chinese Government.
It consisted of ten Chinese plastic carpet manufacturing companies. All the companies
70 I PC DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015
present in the Pavilion were pedalling plastic grass that, if they had their way, would cover the world.
More importantly, the latest plastic pitches are filled with rubber crumb, which comes from synthetic car tyres. You mustn’t forget that you are asking your kids to play on the very substance that, I am led to believe, could cause problems in later life.
There has been much concern over the health and safety issues surrounding 3G and the rubber crumb infill, much of it emanating from the USA. How much of this is fact based over conjecture?
Well, there are various articles published on this subject. Most are written by professionals, and who am I to query what they say? Have a read for yourself and then you decide.
Do you feel that the litigious nature of the American culture is partly to blame for this?
Partly, but from the top down - FIFA, UEFA, FA, Sport England, Helen Grant MP, the Minister for Sport and Equalities - all the emphasis is being placed on plastic as if natural grass does not exist anymore. Properly constructed and maintained natural grass and/or hybrid natural grass, of which we will see more of in the future, can easily perform just as well as plastic, if not better.
Why should it go to litigation? Shouldn’t
common sense prevail? And, aren’t some of these plastic manufacturers and installers part of big institutions?
Do you accept that one player suffering health issues is more newsworthy than 999 who have no issues?
It’s not just one player, is it? If the plastic boys have their way, everyone will be playing on plastic, then who knows what the health issues will be, if those professionals highlighting the risks are right?
Would you like to see proper research undertaken here in the U.K. on the subject?
Yes, on both plastic and natural.
How much do you feel the marketing of 3G has run roughshod over natural turf? To date, 100%.
Do you believe the natural turf camp has, to a degree, sat back and simply let this happen?
Yes, somewhat.
Rugby Union has pioneered 3G at the highest level at Saracens without too many complaints from the players and coaching staff, whilst many more rugby clubs look to be following suit. What is your view on these developments?
I’m lead to believe that players are not allowed to make detrimental comments
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