Safety and quality for your synthetic turf sports pitches
In recent years, synthetic turf systems have become a standard feature in many sports facilities, including football, hockey and rugby pitches. Excellent performance and playability combined with high resilience, robustness and climate resistance make synthetic turf the preferred choice for sports surfaces in many places. The proportion of synthetic turf pitches in sports infrastructure is increasing steadily, and even the introduction of numerous new regulations regarding environmental and climate friendliness has not halted this trend, as the products used and the construction methods are rapidly adapted to the new laws.
In order to ensure that sports activities are carried out effectively and safely on a synthetic turf surface, it is essential that the turf meets all safety and performance requirements. These requirements are set out in official standards and other guidelines, e.g. from quality assurance associations or sports federations. Products used as synthetic turf surfaces must be tested against these requirements before being placed on the market. Synthetic turf surfaces that have already been installed must also be inspected and tested in a timely manner to ascertain whether they continue to meet the requirements.
As a certified testing laboratory, ISP GmbH – Institut für Sportstättenprüfung is able to carry out such tests in a standardised and professional manner, both in its in-house laboratory and on site.
To find out more about our range of services in the field of synthetic turf, please click on the relevant menu item.
Synthetic turf
| Sports | Test criteria |
|---|---|
| Football | Sports function |
| Hockey | Protective function |
| Rugby | Technical properties |
| Tennis | Environmental compatibility |
| American Football |
The Structure of Synthetic Turf Systems
Modern synthetic turf fields are built in distinct layers—collectively termed a “system”—to ensure performance, safety, and proper drainage. According to DIN 18035-7, an elastic layer rests atop a sturdy sub-base, often featuring asphalt for extra stability, before the synthetic turf carpet is laid. Depending on the sport, the turf may be filled with sand or granules to improve ball roll and cushioning, though upcoming EU regulations will restrict traditional plastic infill. Consequently, alternative natural-based materials like cork or olive stones are gaining popularity.
ISP GmbH tests each component - from drainage layers and elastic bases to infill types - verifying compliance with relevant standards and offering operators a clear assessment of their field’s condition.
Applicable Standards for Synthetic Turf Systems
In Germany, synthetic turf sports fields must comply with DIN EN 15330-1 and DIN 18035-7, covering everything from surface composition to performance and environmental impact. DIN EN 15330-1 focuses on sports performance criteria such as ball behavior and shock absorption, while upcoming expansions address specific components like elastic layers, infill granules, and turf carpets. DIN 18035-7 complements this by detailing each layer of a synthetic turf system—including subsoil, asphalt bases, and infill materials—and setting out guidelines for maintenance. Both standards require rigorous laboratory and on-site testing, which ISP GmbH offers to confirm compliance and ensure long-term reliability. Meanwhile, DIN SPEC 91335 provides an agile framework for new product developments, aligning with existing standards without introducing conflicting requirements. By following these rules, synthetic turf fields deliver safe play, consistent performance, and responsible environmental stewardship.
Synthetic Turf Testing: Ensuring Safe and High-Quality Sports Fields
Before synthetic turf products enter the market, they undergo initial testing in a lab to confirm compliance with relevant standards like DIN EN 15330-1 and DIN 18035-7. Once installed, control tests verify that the finished sports field meets these requirements, safeguarding athletes from undue injury risks. Over time, additional testing checks whether older fields still maintain acceptable performance levels or need refurbishment. Manufacturers also rely on product development tests, where new or modified synthetic turf systems are iteratively assessed in the lab, ensuring any updates adhere to technical specifications. Common procedures include rotational resistance, shock absorption, and vertical ball behavior tests, all designed to protect athletes and ensure realistic gameplay.
With accredited expertise and on-site or lab-based services, ISP GmbH guarantees that your synthetic turf fulfills the highest standards for safety and playability.
Quality Control for Synthetic Turf
Quality control ensures synthetic turf products meet both national and European standards, safeguarding athletes and providing reliable playing surfaces. DIN CERTCO and RAL Quality Assurance Associations evaluate manufacturing processes and product performance through factory production checks, laboratory tests, and on-site inspections. Successfully meeting all requirements results in a certification that must be renewed regularly to maintain its validity. Beyond compliance with DIN EN 15330-1 and DIN 18035-7, factors like environmental compatibility and recyclability also play a key role in today’s market. As an accredited testing laboratory, ISP GmbH thoroughly evaluates synthetic turf systems to confirm they satisfy all pertinent regulations, paving the way for a successful market launch.
Refurbishment Reports for Synthetic Turf Fields
Replacing synthetic turf pitches is typically necessary after 10 to 15 years, but factors like intensive usage, changing regulations, or poor drainage can demand earlier action. A refurbishment report from ISP GmbH offers clarity by thoroughly inspecting the sub-base, verifying drainage, and determining whether existing layers meet current standards. Mass balancing provides precise data on the volume and recyclability of materials to be removed, avoiding unexpected disposal costs or complexities. Based on these findings, ISP GmbH experts offer professional recommendations, factoring in sustainability, upcoming legislative changes, and projected future wear. This ensures that any renovation—whether partial or complete—is both cost-effective and compliant.
By commissioning such a report before replacing your synthetic turf carpet, you gain confidence that every renovation step is fully justified and optimally planned.
DFB Certification for Synthetic Turf
For certain national competitions in Germany—such as the Women’s Bundesliga and youth leagues—synthetic turf pitches must undergo special DFB certification. This process ensures compliance with strict performance requirements, including ball roll, rotational resistance, shock absorption, and proper infill levels. Depending on the league, a pitch must meet either Category A (more stringent) or Category B (basic) criteria, with each certification valid for three years. ISP GmbH is authorized to conduct these field tests and verify that dimensions, maintenance conditions, and all technical standards align with DFB guidelines.
Once approved, the pitch is recognized as a valid competition venue, offering a safe, high-quality playing surface for participating teams.
Expert Opinions on Synthetic Turf
Expert opinions play a crucial role in clarifying disputes or verifying the condition of synthetic turf pitches. They may be commissioned by insurance companies, private parties, or courts to assess factors such as liability, safety, or damage. Whether it’s an inspection report determining the cause of an injury, a private/party opinion backing legal claims, or a court opinion preserving evidence, the goal is to provide clear, unbiased information. In complex cases involving conflicting assessments or doubts about an expert’s qualifications, a decisive opinion may help resolve outstanding issues. Arbitration opinions, on the other hand, can preempt legal battles by binding all parties to an agreed-upon resolution.
ISP GmbH - Institut für Sportstättenprüfung - offers professional opinions for a range of synthetic turf matters, ensuring accurate, expert-backed insights.
We provide the following services:
- Testing of synthetic turf products or synthetic turf sports fields for compliance with the requirements of DIN EN 15330-1 and DIN 18035-7
- Testing and certification of synthetic turf products in accordance with the specifications of DIN Certco and the RAL Quality Assurance Association (Quality Mark 944)
- Testing and certification of synthetic turf pitches for suitability as a playing surface in DFB Bundesliga competitions
- Inspection of synthetic turf sports fields to ascertain their condition and need for refurbishment, including inspection of underlying layers
- Preparation of party opinions and other expert opinions pertaining to synthetic turf surfaces or synthetic turf sports fields
Contact us!
Do you have any questions or need support? Use our contact form - we will be happy to help you. You can rely on our certified standards and strong partners who stand for the highest quality. Get in touch now and get started together!
