The reason that Polytan decided to use FIFA as a guideline in determining the importance of the characteristics of artificial turf systems is because FIFA is the only international athletic association to produce a set of criteria based on the performance of natural grass. For more information on their testing procedures and characteristics measured please see below.
What is FIFA RECOMMENDED?
FIFA will only certify the completed installation of an artificial turf field. This is only done once the product has passed the FIFA laboratory test and the identical product is installed in a field. Only when the field is tested by a FIFA accredited test institute and successfully has met the standards does FIFA certify the field. The possible outcomes are either the FIFA RECOMMENDED 1 STAR or FIFA RECOMMENDED 2 STAR.
Why use FIFA testing criteria to evaluate an artificial turf playing surface?
As we mentioned, FIFA is the only international governing sports body to fully research and develop testing criteria based on the best natural grass fields. In order to provide athletes with the best playing surfaces FIFA selected a handful of the best natural grass fields from around the world and measured the play characteristics of these surfaces based on specific criteria determined by sport surface engineers, which we have listed below.
How is this important for Sports other than Soccer?
The tests used to certify fields apply very directly to performance in all sports. Durability and joint strength are key to the quality and success of any installation regardless of the type of play. All measures of player/surface interaction are required for safety and comfort whether a field is used for football, baseball, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse or other recreational uses. For all sports, traction, safety and comfort are necessary to give top player performance and enjoyment.
DURABILITY
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Simulated Wear (Abrasion Resistance)
The surface is artificially abraded (simulation of five year period of wear) and tested for the following: Shock Absorption, Vertical Deformation, Vertical Ball Rebound, and Rotational Resistance. |
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Joint Strength
Measures the maximum force recorded to destroy the joints where they are sewn or adhered with adhesive. |
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CLIMATIC RESISTANCE
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UV / Water / Heat
Measures the colour change, abrasion resistance and joint strength. |
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PLAYER / SURFACE INTERACTION
Different categories and criteria define the characteristics of the surface that influence the ability of a football player to play the game:
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Shock Absorption
Is the ability of a surface to absorb the impact of a player running on the surface. |
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Vertical Deformation
Is the stability of a surface measured by the amount that the surface gives in to impact. |
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Rotational Resistance
Measures another interaction between the shoe sole and the surface relating to the ability of a player to change direction. |
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Slip Resistance
Measures the grip of a shoe sole on the surface. |
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FIFA RECOMMENDED 2 STAR:
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Skin Abrasion
Measures the abrasiveness of the surface on the skin of the player when sliding. |
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Skin Friction
Measures the friction of the surface on the skin of the player when sliding. |
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BALL/SURFACE INTERACTION
The behaviour of a ball on the surface is correlated to the anticipation of the player. A player expecting to receive a ball makes certain mental assumptions regarding the rebound of the ball, the pace of the ball across the surface and the speed at which an angled ball comes off the surface.
There are three categories that define the performance of a ball on the surface:
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