o_18thitrba1dr417tbpqe1soiuvva.pdf

p58 :: Sport
Ball outers cont from p57
flight as well as the distance the ball may
travel.
• The pimples create grooves that ‘break’
the air around the ball that allows it to remain
buoyant for longer and therefore travel
further. A smooth surfaced ball will drop
faster, because the ball will once again have
‘unbroken’ air pressure forcing it to fall
quicker than a ball that has a rough surface
(see above).
• Smaller pimples improve the distance a
ball travels, retain less water in wet conditions,
but offer less grip for the player. In
dry conditions, however, small pimples will
offer the grip needed by players.
• In wet conditions larger pimples offer better
grip as they would protrude above any film
of water that develops and still offer the
necessary grip.
• Pimples ensure better grip of a ball, but
may increase drag on the ball — the larger
the size of pimples (in diameter), the more
drag it will cause. Many rugby ball manufacturers
place pimples of different sizes
(sometimes grouped in various shapes) in
strategic places so they do not disrupt the
flight of the ball and still offer the grip
needed by players.
Materials
There are a number of materials that can
be used to make ball outers, but those most
commonly used are synthetic leather, polyurethane
(PU) and Poly Vinyl Carbonate (PVC).
• PU offers a harder feel than synthetic leather,
but is softer and more responsive than
PVC. It usually requires a Thermoplastic
Polyurethane (TPU) water resistant coating
that prevents wear on the material. This
material also scuffs and wears down faster
than PVC.
• PVC can be considered the most durable,
because it does not scuff or wear as easily as
the others. It is however harder and offers
less control than the other materials. These
material covers are also usually coated in
TPU to improve water resistant capabilities
and prevent wear on the ball.
• Rubber balls do not absorb water, offer good
grip and enable balls to bounce on hard surfaces.
• Synthetic leather covers offer a soft feel, is
responsive and give players increased control
over the ball. This material is usually
more expensive than the others, but does
not offer the same strength or durability and
may absorb water as time passes.
Stitching and construction
Balls can be constructed by gluing, handstitching,
machine stitching or thermally
moulded. The tighter and more securely a ball
is stitched, the longer it will last.
• Glue is usually used to bond lower-end or
practice balls. The panels are glued to the
ball’s lining and creates a harder feel than
that caused by other methods of bonding.
• Balls are usually stitched with difference
strengths of polyester thread, which is durable
and does not absorb water. 5-Ply polyester
is the strongest and offers the best quality.
Stitching can be reinforced with Kevlar
to improve durability.
• Hand sewn balls offer stronger and tighter
seams that improve the durability of the
ball, but cost more than machine stitched
balls. Machine stitching is often used for
lower end balls that are less durable.
• Thermally bonded balls’ panels are fused together
to create tight seams that offer higher
resistance to water absorption and greater
durability. These balls are more expensive
than other types of balls and are normally
used in professional matches.
Valve placement
Where the valve is placed in a ball can affect
its balance and therefore its flight.
• Valve placement in rugby balls has a direct
effect on the balance, because the area
where the valve is placed is heavier. If a ball
is unbalanced, it can affect the predictability
of the flight of the ball. Many manufacturers
place valves in the seam of the ball so
that it does not affect its balance.
• The placement of the valve allows the ball
to self-correct by 10-15% if it is off target,
thus improving accuracy when scoring goals.
This placement of the valve also allows the
player to align the valve to the target and
use the weight of it to keep the ball in line.
• It is vital to use the lightest (possible) valve
in a rugby ball bladder, as it will help maintain
the balance of the ball. To ensure the
most accurate balance is achieved, manufacturers
should put a counter weight (the
exact same weight as the valve) on the opposite
side of the valve.
Linings
Linings are the layers placed between the
bladder (that holds that air) and outer cover
of the ball.
• These are usually made of cotton or polyester
materials that assist in maintaining
the shape, bounce and strength of the ball.
Cotton linings offer softness while polyester
makes balls more durable and responsive.
• Balls can have different numbers of layers,
depending on the type of ball or purpose.
Lower end or practice balls are usually
constructed with two or more layers of polyester.
These linings are durable, but harder
and less responsive than cotton.
• Higher quality, professional soccer balls are
usually lined with four layers of lining, made
of cotton and polyester, which helps the ball
retain its shape and bounce throughout its
lifespan.
• Some balls may even have an added foam
layer that offers more cushioning and
control.
Gilbert renew ball contracts with unions
GILBERT, locally distributed by Leisure Holdings,
has renewed supplier contracts with several
rugby unions.
They signed a new three year deal with the
Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU), as well as
the Toyota Free State Cheetahs and the Western
Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU).
Internationally, Gilbert has also renewed
their contract with SANZAR to be the exclusive
Super Rugby ball supplier. The
brand also has agreements
with SA Rugby, Rugby
World Cup 2015 and various
other unions to be the
official ball supplier.
The new agreements
mean that Gilbert will stay
on as the official supplier of
balls and technical equipment to
Sports Trader :: 2014 March
the different GLRU divisions, as well as the
Free State Cheetahs.
They will also be the exclusive ball and
equipment supplier of the WP rugby union,
the WP Rugby Institute and the WP School of
Excellence.
SANZAR has also extended their long-standing
relationship with
Gilbert. The company will remain the exclusive
Super Rugby ball supplier.
In recognition of
the renewed partnership
(that started
in 1996), Gilbert
has introduced a
new range of Super
Rugby match
ball designs for
the 2014 season.
“We wanted to produce a design that better
reflected the speed and excitement of Super
Rugby while also highlighting the fierce rivalries
within each conference. Although we have
retained our traditional trademark ellipse, it
now includes a series of stripes that accentuate
the rotation of the ball in flight and the
addition of lime green increases visibility for
players,” says Jon Clarke, Gilbert Australia’s
Brand Manager.
They have also designed a
ball that features a gold
(Australia), silver (New
Zealand) or green (South
Africa) trim for local
derby matches.
From left the Lions,
Cheetahs and WP balls
(right).