SYNTHETIC SURFACES A synthetic surface should not
pose a risk to players and safety standards should be maintained
Regulatory framework The IRB has 23 regulations that govern the game and are binding for all mem- ber unions (federations such as the RFU in England or the WRU in Wales). The Synthetic Turf Regulation 22 (more infor- mation at
www.irbplayerwelfare.com) indicates the process required for syn- thetic turf installation.
Testing procedures A surface is defined as the total system and includes the support layers such as any form of shock absorbing layer, which goes beneath the synthetic turf. Therefore testing occurs both within a laboratory environment (type testing) and upon the completed installation. A product will undergo a series of tests
to establish its suitability for installation. Once installed, the performance require- ments, together with the construction requirements, will be checked. Only a product that has completed both the laboratory and field-testing will have fulfilled the requirements of this specifi- cation. Accordingly only the completed fields will be permitted for use in rugby.
Laboratory tests and field tests There are three basic categories that define the overall performance of a syn- thetic surface suitable for rugby: 1. The reaction of a ball to the surface (ball/surface interaction)
2. The reaction of a rugby player to the surface (player/surface interaction)
3. The resistance of the surface to wear and tear and the environment (durability)
The specific technical requirements are included in Panel 1. (see page 48)
Performance specification Technology evolves, therefore the perfor- mance specification has to be reviewed
One turf for both grassroots and elite in a multi-sport environment, will make matters easier for sports, manufacturers, test institutes, federations and end users
on a regular basis. To that end the IRB es- tablished an Expert Group in May 2010, which reviewed the Specification in August 2010 and confirmed that it was appropriate to adopt the FIFA speci- fication save for two elements. (FIFA instigated the quality concept for synthetic turf) • Head impact criteria – this ensures there are strict parameters in place to protect players from serious injuries as a result of falls (due to the increased risk of head injuries when playing rugby) • Greater seam strength for the carpet – due to the possibility of rugby studs making contact with the carpet base, particularly in scrummaging, the seams need to be much stronger to withstand these excessive forces The Expert Group is comprised of the
IRB, a FIFA turf consultant, the MD of a test institute, the head of funding and facilities for a member union and the IRB head of technical services. A FIFA syn- thetic turf manager attends by invitation.
Accredited institutes Accredited test institutes are the only organisations permitted to undertake testing on pitches that are to be certi- fied as Regulation 22 compliant. These institutes are accredited by annu- ally demonstrating their competence
The process required for synthetic turf installation
Step 1 Bodies seeking to install or use a synthetic turf playing surface must comply with the IRB requirements for the use of artificial playing surfaces (see Regulation 22 notes)
Step 2 Manufacturer submits product to Accredited Test Institute Step 3 Product is tested. If it passes then it goes to Step 4 Step 4 A pitch is installed with the laboratory approved product Step 5 The pitch undergoes field testing
Step 6 If the pitch meets all the requirements then it is granted Approved Status by the local member union*
*The member union is ultimately responsible for the approval of the installation. 46 Read Sports Management online
sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital
through both personnel and equipment at the Round Robin. Having passed the Round Robin the institutes are accredited by both the IRB and FIFA. The current institutes ac- credited include: Sportslabs Ltd, ISA Sport, Labosport, Acoustoscan Pty and the University of Ghent.
The Memorandum of Understanding with FIFA The IRB enjoys a close working rela- tionship with FIFA, made official with a signed Memorandum of Understanding in April 2010 with the following aims: 1. To collaborate on development and technical performance requirements so that artificial surfaces of optimal quality and safety levels are produced and installed in a manner which seeks to ensure the safety of players and protection of the investment made by relevant parties in artificial surfaces in the respective sports
2. To collaborate by exchanging infor- mation on technical, development and sports medicine issues so that the producers of artificial surfaces meet specified quality standards – at all stages of production and installation of artificial surfaces
3. To endeavour to ensure that test institutes, which assess adherence to the artificial surface criteria, have achieved the required safety and quality standards
Eventutally, the vision may be
for one turf for both grassroots and elite level in a multi-sport environment, which will make matters much easier for the sports, the manufacturers, the test institute, member federations and the end users. Only by collaboration of sports’ international federations can this vision be realised.
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