Surfaces that replicate
high-quality natural turf have become popular for football and rugby
A surface’s lifespan will depend on the amount of usage, the quality of the product and its installation, and the level of ongoing maintenance
are often alternative products that will satisfy a given stan- dard but which may offer inherently different quality. It’s always best to seek independent professional advice from a specialist in sports surfaces – a member of SAPCA’s Profes- sional Services Group.
What is the typical lifespan of a synthetic turf surface? A surface’s lifespan will depend on the amount of usage, the quality of the product, its installation and the level of ongoing maintenance. A highly-used, poorly maintained surface may last for as little as seven years, whereas a mod- erately-used, good quality pitch that is well looked after may perform for as long as 15 years.
Are most synthetic pitches well maintained? Unfortunately not. In the very early days of synthetic turf surfaces there was, perhaps, not the same understand- ing of the importance of maintenance that we have today. Contractors should always supply full maintenance instruc- tions, usually provided by the surface’s manufacturer, as well as carrying out maintenance demonstrations for clients and their groundstaff. The costs of the essential maintenance equipment should
be included within the project budget, and the ongoing maintenance costs included within the annual running costs. Where clients do not have the expertise or willingness to undertake routine maintenance, the pitch contractor or other specialist maintenance companies can provide a
professional service. General maintenance guidelines are contained in SAPCA’s Code of Practice for synthetic pitches.
How should a contractor be chosen? SAPCA’s membership database provides lists of specialist contractors with the requisite expertise and experience for different types of sports facility projects; specialist builders of synthetic turf pitches are in the Pitch Division. All members have been vetted to ensure they meet the
necessary criteria, such as compliance with SAPCA’s Codes of Practice, high standards of workmanship, and compli- ance with a minimum standard of financial stability, on an annual basis. This aspect of SAPCA’s Quality Assurance system is operated in cooperation with Experian, the re- nowned credit reference agency. SAPCA’s Technical Audit system monitors the quality of contractor members’ work on an ongoing basis.
What does a synthetic turf pitch cost? The total cost of a pitch will depend on many factors in- cluding the location; planning approval; site constraints; ground conditions; construction specifications; surface choice; performance standards; quality of finishes; project management; and testing requirements. The final cost can vary considerably, from say £300 to £700,000 plus VAT. This highlights the importance of considering not just
the initial capital cost but the whole-life costs of the pitch – including on going maintenance, running costs and eventual replacement. ●
Issue 3 2011 © cybertrek 2011
Read Sports Management online
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