Assessment of playability on sports surfaces II

The assessment of playability is a way to ensure optimal playing conditions and also to provide extra security for the players. This information can be represented in different forms such as heatmaps or historical averages.

Let us look at some of the parameters studied.

• Planning

In golf (tees), cricket (wickets), football pitches, as in many other sports, there are areas where completely horizontal surfaces are required. To evaluate this variable, a 3-metre ruler with a calibrated wedge can be used to determine the deformation or an easel with calibrated poles. This repeated measurement in the field makes it possible to estimate the homogeneity of the surfaces. Applicable in the surface uniformity test, standard UNE 147302:2021.

Adequately flattened pitches allow for consistent characteristics, whether by the rolling of the ball or by the player's trotting.

• Planimetry

Planimetry is a very important feature, especially for tees, football pitches, cricket wickets, etc... it consists of the topographical measurement of the uniformity and percentages of slopes on surfaces. Its determination is important to know whether a renovation is necessary or not.

A surface with an adequate uniformity and planimetry is required according to the building standard.

Playability goes hand in hand with turf quality. That is why products such as OxyTurf by Makro Organics can be an ideal ally to improve this quality of play by reducing Thatch and enriching the oxygenation of the turf.

• Balloon canister

Another test of playability, especially for Football, is the test of the ball bounce through the UNE-EN 122235:2013 standard or the FIFA method 01. In this test, a FIFA QUALITY PRO regulation football is used and with the pressure established by the competition, it is released from a height of two metres and the rebound height is measured as a percentage of the initial height. The results are dependent on agronomic parameters such as the hardness of the surface and the cutting height of the lawn. The ball rolling is another important test to be carried out jointly.

• Ball rolling

In order to know the playability of a pitch, it is essential to know the distance the ball travels when it is dropped on the ground. standard ramp. The distance travelled shall be from the end of the ramp to the point where the ball stops. This will be influenced by the direction of cut and height of the turf, the flatness of the surface or how wet the turf is.

The values of the ball rolling are conditioned by planimetry, evenness, cutting height, vegetation cover and mowing direction.

• Measurements of the Advanced Artificial Athlete

• Shock absorption

Shock absorption is calculated by comparing the maximum force on the test specimen with the reference impact force on the concrete. The shock absorption is calculated as a reduction of the impact force on the specimen compared to a reference force. The reference force (Fref) is set at 6760N (theoretical value calculated for a concrete floor). On the rigid surface the absorption shall be 0% and on a plastic surface 100%. The measurement of shock absorption will be key to avoid injuries in falls of players.

• Vertical Deformation

The same drop performed by the Advanced Artificial Athlete (AAA) allows the vertical deformation to be known. The vertical deformation of the specimen is calculated by the displacement of the mass falling on the surface after its impact on it.

• Resitution Energy

The ultimate measurement of the AAA is the energy restitution. Its basis is the comparison of the energy of the released mass falling before and after the impact on the surface.

Knowing the restitution energy values are key to avoid typical player injuries such as lower back pain or plantar fasciitis.

The values of the Advanced Artificial Athlete are always measured by relating the fall of a mass on a spring on which the variables are measured.

• Rotational resistance

The resistance to rotation of a surface is defined as the measured torque required to rotate a loaded foot placed flat on a test surface with an axis of rotation central to the test foot and perpendicular to the surface. The base of the apparatus shall be fitted with studs similar to those of players' boots.

Roots, thatch, plant density or soil granulometry will vary the resistance to rotation and thus the players' safety from ligament and tendon strains. Nowadays there is a light system which facilitates the measurement of this variable.

• Hardness

The hardness has a double use in a field, an agronomic use to know the compaction and also a sporting use that allows to know the impacts generated by the surface. It is a more basic measurement than the AAA, but it is essential. The clegg hammer is the tool designed for this purpose and consists of the measurement of the deceleration of a mass of 2.25 kg.

In short, knowing the safety of the surface is a new added value that brings safety and equality between players.

If you want to know more about the technologies or if you want to make measurements in your field, please contact us at info@tiloom.com and we will help you to present the field with maximum security.