these Open Championship Clubs choose to relief grind - Pitchcare

also of the RFU and a number of
insurance companies. Within Regulation
22, it clearly states that maintenance is a
necessity, and that proof of maintenance
must be demonstrated to an appropriate
Test Institute at repeated intervals.
Artificial rugby pitches must be analysed
by Test Institutes on a regular basis to
ensure that they continue to meet the
performance requirements of English
rugby’s governing body.
In conjunction with the FA and the
Football Foundation, the RFU has also
developed a Framework Agreement for
the Provision of Artificial Grass Pitches.
Within this, particular focus is given to
the need for pitches installed under this
scheme to satisfy certain performance
criteria, to ensure a high standard of
playing surface is provided to end users.
From a maintenance perspective, the
pitch manufacturers are required to
identify the individual maintenance
needs of each artificial surface, based on
determining factors including pitch size
and projected usage levels. The
Framework Agreement further stipulates
that the programme of maintenance
must be reviewed regularly, and should
be revised to reflect any changes in usage
levels or pitch performance. In line with
an overall emphasis on quality control, a
suitable maintenance programme is
considered a prerequisite to ensuring a
pitch’s compliance with the
manufacturer’s warranty.
So, what measures can be put in place
to reduce the risk of injury on an
artificial sports pitch, thereby minimising
the likelihood of a compensation claim?
As mentioned previously, some
preventative actions can be put in place
by the owners and operators of artificial
pitches, such as taking out suitable
insurance cover and familiarisation with
the conditions of the warranty. However,
the majority of the work involved in
ensuring a pitch is ‘fit for purpose’ will
fall within the remit of the grounds team,
and, whilst accidents will always happen,
they can often be prevented by ensuring
that those charged with the day-to-day
running of an artificial pitch are fully
equipped with the necessary knowledge
and resources to implement best
practice, in accordance with industry
guidelines.
In my experience, the basis of any
good maintenance regime for a grounds
team is preparation and forward
planning. Establish a routine of daily, inhouse
inspections to familiarise yourself
with your artificial pitch and help you
identify and address any minor issues
before they become major problems.
Torn or ripped carpet poses a
potential trip hazard to users of the
facility; a lifted seam can be re-stuck for
much less than it will cost to replace a
full seam, and with less hassle, too.
Regular drag brushing forms the
backbone of any maintenance
programme, and can be completed by
pulling a suitable brush, rake or mat over
the surface using a tractor. This helps to
redistribute any infill which has become
displaced through general play, whilst
also helping to lift the carpet fibres. The
Artificial Surfaces
“For an artificial pitch to conform to
BS 7044, it must successfully pass a
series of tests, including ball roll
and rebound, traction, abrasion
resistance and tensile strength”
industry standard is for this process to be
carried out, as a minimum, on a weekly
basis.
Alongside these everyday tasks, it is
important to utilise the services of a
maintenance company to complete the
more specialist works on your artificial
sports pitch. It is worthwhile choosing
the right company to work with, as the
quality of both the service provided and
the works completed can, in the right
hands, give you greater assurance that
your facility will remain in the best
possible condition. A range of criteria
can help you to determine the suitability
of a maintenance provider, including
their method statements and risk
assessments for all the services they offer,
their health and safety policy, financial
stability, quality management systems
certification, and any industry
memberships and accreditations.
Cost is also an important
consideration, particularly in the current
climate, but as with all things in life, you
get what you pay for, and it is well worth
investing in the long-term maintenance
of your artificial pitch, as the rewards
that you reap will be that much greater,
whilst the risk of damage and injury will
lessen accordingly.
The basis of a regular contract with
your specialist maintenance provider
should focus on the regular removal of
the accrued dirt, debris and
contamination that can bed in amongst
the granular infill. A hardened or
compacted infill can impact greatly on
ball roll and bounce, as well as the feel of
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012 PC 55