The first iterations of artificial turf were invented in 1964, and was taken to new heights after it was installed at the Houston Astrodome in 1966. In the early days of the industry, synthetic turf saved facilities money and time. More than 50 years later, artificial turf has evolved exponentially. Not only does it look and feel even more like natural grass than ever before, but health and safety experts have given synthetic sports field turf high marks.
Injury Rates
Sports turf fields are made with materials that are designed with the safety of the athlete in mind. Modern turf is designed to meet high standards for traction, rotation, slip resistant, surface abrasion and stability. This includes taking into account the requirements of major sports leagues and federations around the world.
There have been many studies confirming the safety of synthetic grass for athletes. Three recent long-term studies by research teams in Norway and Sweden compared acute injuries on synthetic turf and natural grass. The studies considered the location, type and severity of injuries sustained by players during a four to five year period. Since players and coaches are most concerned with injuries affecting major joints like knees and ankles, in addition to concussions, the research carefully evaluated strains, tears, fractures and concussion. The research concluded that the risk of playing on synthetic sports turf was no greater than the risk of playing on natural grass.
Soccer’s governing body, FIFA asked its Medical Assessment and Research Centre to examine the incidence and severity of injuries sustained on synthetic sports turf and real grass during two FIFA Under-17 World Championships. After analyzing these two global events, FIFA concluded “The research showed that there was very little difference in the incidence, nature and causes of injuries observed during games played on artificial turf compared with those played on grass.”
A similar study by the NCAA among schools in America compared injury rates between natural and artificial grass found the injury rate was slightly lower on synthetic turf (3.5%) than it was on natural grass (4.4%).
Playing Time
Synthetic turf fields increase playing and practice time since athletes can train daily, without concern about whether. The fields do not degrade in wind, rain or snow, which makes for a more stable playing surface. The fields are also consistent season after season.
Sports field turf managers are able to utilize synthetic fields for 3,000 hours a year without rest, whereas natural fields can only be used for around 20 hours a week, which amounts to 680 hours a year.
Crumb Rubber
Since the early 21st century, may artificial turf surfaces contain crumb rubber, which are tiny black crumbs made from pulverized car tires. When poured between the grass blades, this rubber infill adds bounce and cushioning for athletes, which help prevent serious injuries. According to the Synthetic Turf Council, more than 11,000 synthetic turf sports fields are in use in the U.S, many with crumb rubber. Numerous studies have found no elevated health risks from crumb rubber, meaning there is no evidence that crumb rubber is harmful to athletes.
Suitability for Sports
Sports field turf is suitable for any kind of sport. Many facilities already use sports field turf for putting greens and driving ranges. Baseball and football fields are hardier and more versatile when artificial grass is used. Artificial turf is an alternative for tennis facilities that want to offer players a grass surface without the taxing upkeep of grass court tennis. Many track and field events now take place on a synthetic grass infield. Playgrounds and multi-purpose centers are also using sports turf effectively.
Benefits of Sports Field Turf
- The artificial grass is visually appealing, it looks green all the time.
- It is suitable in all kinds of weather, with no additional maintenance needed.
- It is durable and can last for many years.
- Artificial grass benefits the environment by saving water and reducing the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers.
Shelby Becker is a creative content creator and marketing specialist at Act Global. She’s an animal rights activist, avid concert-goer, and scary movie enthusiast. Follow her on LinkedIn .
For more information, contact marketing at sbecker@actglobal.com