SASR Norms & Standards Vol 2 new.indd - Sport and Recreation ...

Construction of a natural grass rugby fi eld
The construction of the outdoor grass rugby fi eld may be briefl y described as follows:
The general specifi cation of the sub-surface may vary dependant on site conditions and should be in
terms with a Civil Engineers specifi cations. The general specifi cation may, however, be described as
follows:
• Remove all topsoil. Remove all topsoil and level earth platform to correct site development
levels with particular emphasis on natural sub-soil drainage.
• Rip and compact in-situ earth to 93 % modifi ed AASHTO.
• Install sub-surface drainage comprising 110 mm diameter agricultural drains placed in 450
x 600 mm deep herring bone drainage system at 6 metre intervals and to entire perimeter
of the cricket fi eld.
• Sub-surface drains to be lined with a “Bidum” Hessian layer and fi lled in with 19 mm
crusher run stone.
• Sub-Surface drains to connect at the lowest point to a storm water catch pit which should
be connected to a storm water main.
• The sub-surface drains are then covered with a 100 mm thick layer of crusher run to assist
in the sub-surface drainage (Optional dependant on the drainage characteristics of the insitu
soil).
• The crusher run layer is levelled, lightly compacted and covered with a 25 mm thick layer
of course river sand.
• Import, spread and level 100 mm thick layer of weed free top soil and compact lightly.
• Fertilise soil as per chemical soil analysis and grass with either Kikuyu grass.
• Once the grass is established, top dress.
• Cover grass with thin layer of sieved of top soil to a depth of not more than 15 mm over the
grass and smooth.
• Water daily or as may be required.
Rugby
• Regular soil tests should be taken to ensure that the correct fertilisation program is carried
out.
• Grass matting should be avoided and always controlled by vertical cutting. Length of grass
should never be longer than 25 mm when played on.
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