Assessment of synthetic turf pitches - safety and standards in focus
Synthetic turf sports fields have become increasingly popular in recent years. Alongside natural grass, synthetic turf is now the most commonly used surface type on football pitches in Germany. Once a high-quality synthetic turf surface has been installed on a sports field, it is usually replaced after 10 to 15 years, depending on maintenance and use.
However, it may well be necessary to refurbish the surface at an earlier stage. Or it may not be necessary at all. Many operators of synthetic turf sports fields find it difficult to ascertain whether the surface already needs to be refurbished and what the scope of the modernisation will be, or whether the old surface still meets the requirements of DIN EN 15330, DIN 18035-7 or the DFB certification guidelines.
Why should synthetic turf pitches be checked regularly?
An assessment of your synthetic turf sports field, as offered by ISP GmbH – Institut für Sportstättenprüfung, is the ideal solution for you as the operator to accurately assess the condition of your sports field. Our company's specialists will assess the actual condition of your existing synthetic turf sports field, including the base layers and elastic layers, on site. Using the results of this assessment, they will be able to tell you whether there is a need for refurbishment or whether the sports field still meets all the requirements of the applicable standards so that you can continue to use it without any problems.
Or whether there is only minor damage that is easy to repair without necessitating a comprehensive refurbishment. If a refurbishment is required, we will discuss with you, as the operator, the next steps. It goes without saying that all inspections of existing facilities are carried out in accordance with the prevailing standards and regulations. Having your existing sports facility assessed will give you planning certainty, help you to save costs and ensure that athletes can practise their sport on your sports field safely.
What does the inspection of an existing sports facility involve?
Firstly, a thorough visual inspection is conducted, during which any obvious defects are identified and recorded promptly. Following this, the synthetic turf system is subjected to specific testing in order to ascertain its conformity with the requirements of the DIN EN 15330 and DIN 18035-7 standards. The tests stipulated in the respective standard are then conducted on the existing sports field, followed by an analysis of the results. This is done using the same test equipment as is used in a laboratory. The test procedures are clearly specified in the standard. It can then be determined whether the sports field still complies with the technical and safety requirements of the standard. The same applies to DFB certification in accordance with the handbook for the certification of synthetic turf surfaces for use in DFB matches.
Another aspect is an additional inspection of the underlying layers. This involves a thorough inspection of the base layers and the entire system installed underneath the surface. Are the base layers damaged? Is proper drainage still ensured? Do the thickness and composition of the base layers still comply with the relevant standards? Have there been any alterations to the layers over time? And are the remaining components of the system even compatible with the new synthetic turf carpet? An inspection of the underlying layers will provide answers to all these questions. As the operator of a synthetic turf sports field, you do not need to worry that the inspection will compromise the functionality of the surface until the necessary refurbishment have been completed. The inspection will be carried out in a way that will ensure that the sports field can continue to be used afterwards without any restrictions (unless major damage is discovered that would jeopardise the safety of the athletes).
Should a need for refurbishment be identified that cannot be addressed through repair, further measures such as mass balancing can help to define the scope of the refurbishment in terms of cost.
ServicesHave your products tested.
Having your synthetic turf sports field inspected and tested by ISP GmbH – Institut für Sportstättenprüfung is an effective way to obtain an expert assessment of its condition and any potential need for refurbishment. As the operator, you will be empowered to take responsibility for the safety of the athletes on your sports field, or alternatively, you will be provided with a comprehensive overview of the measures required to ensure their safety.
Similarly, the inspection can be conducted with regard to the certification of the sports field in accordance with DFB guidelines. We are pleased to offer you both an inspection for initial certification as well as an audit of compliance with the requirements.
Contact us
We will be happy to advise you on the procedure and background to the review of the refurbishment projects.
(Old) floor testing
| Indoor facilities | Outdoor facilities |
|---|---|
| Synthetic turf | Sports function |
| Synthetic surfaces | Protective function |
| Sports hall flooring | Visual assessment |
| Impact protection walls | Refurbishment recommendation |