In order to ensure the best pitches are constructed and installed, The FA has produced three downloadable documents to provide direction to the industry, consultants and prospective buyers.
News: Artificial Grass Pitches - Guidelines for FA Competitions, 2008-09
All new and refurbished artificial grass pitch systems must conform to the performance standards, design, specification and construction principles, as shown in the three documents.
The FA has a Regional Team of Facility Managers who are able to assist site owners/applicants with their project; a list of their contact details is shown here. Applicants are recommended to discuss proposals with them before submitting their project.
Whilst these documents have been applied to direct site owners/applicants with products and designs, the project team should always look to engage a professional consultant and/or architect to ensure site and ground specific conditions have been evaluated properly. Furthermore, they should be provided with copies of the three documents to ensure the project fully complies with the documents.
The Football Foundation has confirmed that all applications received must coincide with these standards in order to be considered for funding for artificial grass pitches. Tendering of projects should be carried out using document 3, the model brief, to ensure comparable pricing is achieved.
The design of the pitch has been carefully considered, taking into account Goalpost Safety issues, the ability to play Mini-Soccer, Futsal, competitive matches, together with general training. Adequate run-offs have been included to allow for safety reasons and to allow for spectators or match officials use.
The Goalpost Safety subject remains high on The FA’s agenda and the use of suitably socketed goals in the side recesses and folding goals at each end have been demonstrated to be the most practical for regular use. This arrangement also creates the best permutation for carrying out regular maintenance without obstacles remaining on the pitch.
The performance standards for the system have been based on the work currently being undertaken by UEFA for professional football. The tolerances for non-league or community football will be greater, given the likely higher usage levels, but nonetheless we expect systems to be robust for a long period before having to be replaced. For this reason, an accredited FIFA or UEFA laboratory must test all carpets/systems manufactured and a suitable certificate issued to the manufacturer. This certificate must be shown to applicants to confirm suitability of the product.
It is expected that the site owner should arrange to either have suitable equipment, with trained staff, available to maintain the artificial pitch or to engage into an appropriate maintenance contract with a reputable contractor. Log books have been designed to keep accurate records of maintenance performed on site, which will assist owners should remedial work be necessary under a manufacturer’s warranty.
The FA and Football Foundation are undertaking a periodic testing programme of the pitches funded by the Football Foundation to ensure maintenance is being carried out and the products are meeting the performance standards.
DOWNLOADS: ARTIFICIAL GRASS DOCUMENTS
Part 1 - Performance Standards for Surfaces and Pitches Used Outdoors
It is envisaged that manufacturers and contractors supplying and building artificial grass pitches and architects and consultants designing artificial grass pitches will use the document.
Part 2 - Their Design, Specification and Construction
The document is intended to provide impartial advice to organisations considering the installation of artificial grass pitches.
Part 3 - Outline Design Brief
It is envisaged that engineers, architects and consultants preparing tender specification for artficial grass pitches will use the document