For those in the artificial grass pitch business, the support of FIFA has been instrumental in the growth of synthetic pitches over the last few years. Indeed, their Quality test systems, plus their acknowledgement of the better companies, through the FIFA Preferred Producer status, has ensured an improvement in performance, appearance, and life expectancy of many pitches around the world.
Now FIFA is set to look more closely at natural turf and also hybrid pitches, to bring a similar level of scrutiny to ensure pitches are safe, fit for purpose and as good as possible for top level football.
Early indications are that there may be some surprises ahead. When the first FIFA test system for artificial pitches was agreed on, the performance of high-quality natural turf pitches were the benchmark. But now, top players prefer playing on hybrid turf; appreciating the firmer surface and faster ball roll, which are the opposite to what synthetic turf is currently trying to achieve.
A hybrid pitch consists of synthetic fibres either laid in a very open carpet, with grass growing through it, or as a system stitched into the pitch from above. In both cases, a predominantly sand structure is used to facilitate fast drainage, and, as a side effect, make a firmer base. This, with the lusher turf on top, has created a new type of playing top.
Most top clubs in Europe have a hybrid turf for their stadium pitch and often for their training pitches as well. It therefore makes sense that synthetic turf is tested against these new requirements.
| Natural Turf | Hybrid Turf | |
|---|---|---|
| Grass cover summer | Very good | Very good |
| Grass cover winter | Poor | Good |
| Risk of divots | High | Low |
| Ball roll | Variable according to season | Year round consistent |
| Ball bounce dry | Medium to high | Medium to high |
| Ball bounce wet | Low to medium | Medium to high |
| Firmness very dry | Hard | Hard |
| Firmness watered | Medium | Medium to hard |
| Firmness very wet | Soft | Medium to hard |
With new non-infill or non-microplastic artificial pitches under development, it makes sense to compare synthetic pitches that will be used by the professional game, with, what is now considered the best type of surface for football – hybrid turf.
Equally, it makes sense that the proposed FIFA Basic standard is more open, and system requirements are aimed at the non-professional player.
