SPORTS EQUIPMENT AND SURFACES

Artificial Turf: A Multi Utility Product

2009-06-30T00:42:00.000-07:00

Artificial turf, also known as Astro Turf or synthetic turf, is a man-made surface manufactured from synthetic materials like polypropylene or polyethylene. Made to look like grass, artificial turf is most often used in sports arenas.

The first artificial turf or Astroturf was installed in the newly built Astrodome in Houston, Texas in 1965. The use of Astro Turf and similar artificial grass sports surfaces became widespread in the 1970s. And such artificial turf was installed in both indoor and outdoor stadiums used for baseball and gridiron football in the United States and Canada. Today, a wide variety of sports like tennis, football, hockey, netball, athletics, and many others are played on these artificial sports pitches.

The introduction of artificial turf has significantly changed the game of hockey. The use of artificial turf over natural grass sports pitches has increased the speed of the game and has allowed players to practice different techniques, such as reverse, stick trapping and hitting.

Other than sports, artificial grass is also used for residential lawns and various commercial applications. Landscaping is one of the major uses of artificial turf. This trend of using artificial turf is gaining popularity because in addition to other benefits, artificial turf also helps in water conservation as compared to natural grass. Furthermore, artificial turf requires less maintenance and care.

Types Of Artificial Grass

2009-06-30T00:41:00.000-07:00

Artificial grass has found a wide acceptance in a variety of sports. Some of the prime reasons behind its popularity are its durability, resistance to intensive use, and the need for minimal maintenance. Artificial grass sports pitches can be used all through the year and they offer a good value for the money spent on their construction and installation. Artificial sports pitches can also be constructed to offer different playing characteristics to suit the requirements of different sports.

Let us have a look at the kinds of artificial grass:

In-filled artificial turf made of polypropylene: This is the most common type of synthetic, man-made sports surface. In this case, polypropylene 'grass' fibres about 5 cm long are lubricated with silicon and tufted into a primary cloth. The back of the cloth is then given a latex coating. The whole thing is then in-filled with about 4 cm layer of sand or rubber granules to keep the fibres upright. Such a surface is widely used for playing football.

In-filled artificial turf made of polyethylene: This in-filled artificial turf is made of a foamy material called polyethylene. In this case, the pitch has a base of expanded polyethylene which acts as an effective shock absorber.

Sand-dressed artificial turf: This variant in artificial outdoor sports surfaces is not heavily in-filled with sand. The pile of the artificial carpet is filled with fine sand only up to 5-8 mm from the tip of the fibres. This is the reason why the sand cannot be seen in this type of artificial turf.

In-filled artificial sports surfaces can cater to a wide range of sports by varying the length and the density of the synthetic grass fibres.

A wide range of Sports Hall Flooring

2009-06-30T00:39:00.000-07:00

The use of Multi Use Games Area (MUGAs) is popular with sports clubs, schools and colleges as maintaining separate grass sports pitches for different sports is a costly affair. There is a wide range of options available in sports surfaces for MUGAs, each having different characteristics.

Other sports facilities such as outdoor sports facilities and also sports halls meant for indoor games or other activities also usually have specially designed sports surfaces. Sports hall flooring is the most important feature of any indoor sports facility. The choice of sports hall flooring depends on the purpose for which the hall is used. The sports hall flooring should offer a premium playing surface whilst reducing the risk of injury and premature fatigue. These floors should be durable and easy to maintain.

There are plentiful options available in the type of flooring along with the finish of the surface. For instance, you can go for hardwood finish or synthetic finish. Both such surfaces require minimal maintenance. The hardwood sports hall flooring requires multi-layer construction with a durable coating finish. These floorings can be easily installed and are available in a wide array of colours to suit the requirements and choice of the clients.

Tips for maintaining an Artificial Grass Turf

2009-06-30T00:38:00.001-07:00

The scarcity of land and high expenditure on the maintenance of natural sports surfaces have compelled many local and school level sports authorities to opt for artificial grass turf. Artificial grass turf can be used for playing multiple games and also as outdoor or indoor synthetic athletic surfaces.

Here are some great suggestions and tips what you can do to protect your artificial grass turf. First, try to get a maintenance log from an artificial grass turf installer or supplier. This will help you keep a record of the maintenance of your artificial sports surface.

Keep litter or trash cans near the concrete sports area so that spectators or users can dispose of papers, cans, and other materials rather than throwing them onto the turf.

Develop a strategy to keep off materials such as twigs, leaves or food wrappers and other kinds of wind blown debris off the lawn, as they get crushed into the turf and contaminate the turf or lawn’s infill.

A hedge or fence around the synthetic lawn will help you keep away some wind blown materials off your turf.

Regular inspection of the lawn is very important and it needs to be checked for unusual tear or damage.

Make sure you pay special attention to places which receive lots of traffic, for instance, check the goal mouths and corner kick areas of soccer pitches; check the edges of infields on softball and baseball fields; and also check between the hash marks on football fields to keep up the adequate levels of infill materials. A well maintained synthetic lawn or pitch is sure to last for many years.

UK Sports Equipment Specialists

2009-06-30T00:36:00.000-07:00

Getting a brand new artificial grass or an artificial games area alone does not mean the job is done. Several other accessories and essential sports equipment are needed to complete the sports facility. And there is a range of such accessories available to suit your needs. If you want the latest sports equipment and accessories such as badminton and tennis posts and nets, basketball backboards and hoops, goal posts for football and hockey, fencing around the pitch, portable sports equipment, electronic scoreboards, floodlights, and the like, worry no more.

If you feel procuring these accessories is a tedious task, think again. Together with the high street retailers and specialist sports equipment companies, renowned online retailers and specialist sports facilities construction companies also offer the best deals in UK sports equipment. Specialists in the construction of sports facilities, such companies also supply and install a range of sports equipment and accessories such as fencing and floodlighting. Some of these companies also offer sports surface maintenance services.

If you are looking for convenience as well as a good deal, why not consider a sports facilities construction company to source the sports equipment you need. Now it is even easier to find the company to suit your needs by searching the Internet from the comfort of your home or office.

Sport Equipment Uk Company Eases The Process Of Building Sports Facilities

2009-06-30T00:32:00.000-07:00

You no longer have to deal with different companies for building your sports facilities. Thanks to the various online sports equipment companies who offer quality UK sports equipment. These UK sports equipment companies offer the best deals in UK sports equipment along with offering a wide range of synthetic athletic surfaces and other artificial sports surfaces.

These sports equipment UK companies are experts in designing and installing artificial grass and other synthetic sports pitches, and usually offer a range of sports equipment to complement the sports facility, thus providing a complete solution to their clients.

Some of the UK sports equipment supplied by the artificial grass suppliers or grass sports pitches suppliers are badminton and tennis posts and nets, basketball backboards and hoops, goal posts for football and hockey, fencing around the pitch, portable sports equipment, electronic scoreboards, floodlights, and many others.

As these companies have built the sports facilities, they know exactly what kind of sports equipment is required to suit different levels of play as well as different budgets. Some of these companies also offer sports surface maintenance services.

Get The Best Sports Equipment From Online Retailers

2009-06-30T00:31:00.000-07:00

You no longer have to limit yourself to high street retailers and specialist sports equipment companies for procuring quality sports equipment. Now, there are many large and well known online retailers and specialist sports facilities construction companies that offer the best deals in UK sports equipment.

In addition to supplying artificial grass, many sports facilities construction companies also offer outdoor sports facilities and sports equipment, such as badminton and tennis posts and nets, basketball backboards and hoops, goal posts for football and hockey, fencing around the pitch, portable sports equipment, electronic scoreboards, floodlights, and many others.

Sports facilities construction companies are specialists in their field and can recommend, supply and install sports equipment to suit different levels of play as well as different budgets. As different sports surfaces have different specifications, these companies prefer to supply the accompanying equipment themselves in order to offer a complete solution to their clients. Some of these companies also offer sports surface maintenance services.

If you are considering installing a synthetic sports pitch at your school, college or club, why not check out the amazing deals offered on the Internet? And save yourself the trouble of searching for reliable suppliers of sports equipment by sourcing them through the very same sports facilities construction companies, you know you can depend on.

Benefits of Artificial Sports Turf

2009-06-30T00:29:00.000-07:00

Artificial sports turf also known as Astroturf was co-invented in 1965 by James M. Faria and Robert T. Wright, employees of Monsanto (good details, what is Monsanto?). The original artificial sports turf was a short pile synthetic turf, while current products incorporate modern features, such as antimicrobial protection, rubber infill, backing systems, and nylon yarn fibers.

Synthetic sports pitches offer many advantages over natural grass sports pitches. These advantages are as follows:

Synthetic sports turf is a safe playing surface, as it offers cushioning to players through its shock absorbent layer.

It has low maintenance costs. A natural grass pitch has a playing capacity of approximately 300 hours per season. On the other hand, artificial sports turf can easily treble that. There is also less playing damage to the synthetic grass, even when used extensively. In fact, despite more frequent use, it does not need any more maintenance than a standard natural grass pitch.

It is an all weather pitch. So, it can be used all year round.

Artificial turf can be modified to suit the exact requirements of different games. For instance, artificial sports turf manufactured for football usually compromises a long pile carpet filled with sand and rubber granules to give the same performance and feel as natural grass turf. While, a hockey playing surface requires a shorter pile carpet dressed with sand only and no rubber.

Why Are Artificial Sports Pitches So Popular?

2009-06-30T00:28:00.000-07:00

An artificial hockey pitch has been a permanent feature of the professional hockey world for some decades now. With the introduction of artificial sports pitches in the 1970s, the game of hockey has become much faster, more exciting, and consequently more popular.

The artificial hockey pitch is a synthetic turf pitch made from synthetic fibres. These man-made surfaces are made to have the same look and feel as that of natural grass.

A hockey playing surface requires a shorter pile carpet dressed with sand only. Shorter fibres with lesser sand-fill offer more speed to the movement of the ball. Such an artificial hockey pitch allows the players to make fast passes whilst retaining ball control. Artificial sports surfaces also ensure the safety of players. The cushioning offered by artificial outdoor sports surfaces prevents serious injuries to players from slides or falls.

An artificial hockey pitch displays uniform playing characteristics, predictable ball behaviour, and optimal grip, making the surface ideal for hockey. The artificial turf also stays constant in quality even after years of use.

Artificial turf pitches that are suitable for competitions at world-class level have earned FIH Global Quality Approval.

Artificial Sports Area Suitable For Multitude Games

2009-06-30T00:27:00.000-07:00

Artificial sports surfaces have found a prominent use in Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs) where a variety of games are played on the same surface. Artificial sports surfaces are manufactured from synthetic materials, polypropylene and sometimes, polyethylene. They are an excellent improvement on natural grass pitches or playing fields, as they can be used all year round, and are a money saving option too, as they require much less maintenance than natural grass.

An artificial surface does not require regular watering, draining, mowing, application of fertilizers, weeding, like natural grass. This is one of the reasons why artificial sports pitches are becoming increasingly popular with sports clubs and other sports facilities providers.

An artificial sports surface, be it a synthetic football pitch, athletics track or a MUGA, can help in protecting players from injury when they slide or fall on the surface. This is possible because artificial sports surfaces may be equipped with a “shock absorbent layer” just beneath the top layer.

Artificial sports surfaces are available in a choice of colours. Furthermore, court markings can be made in different colours for different sports on the same surface.

One can easily find a number of artificial grass and synthetic sports surface suppliers in the UK to cater to the diverse requirements of a wide range of clients.

Opt For An Artificial, All-Weather Pitch

2009-04-29T23:53:00.000-07:00

How do you feel when a much awaited game of soccer or hockey is cancelled due to the poor condition of the pitch? Matches cancelled due to bad weather cause disappointment and frustration and also disturb the training sessions planned for the players. An all weather pitch is the solution to this problem. The advances made in this field have gifted us the latest artificial grass sports pitches, which very closely resemble natural grass and can be used in all weather conditions.

An artificial, all weather pitch is devoid of puddles, mud, or bald patches. The drainage system of such a sports surface is effective enough to keep it in optimum playing condition even after heavy showers. The long dry summers, too, cannot alter the quality of the surface. You can find an all weather pitch ready for the game even in freezing winter conditions.

With an all weather pitch, you can be sure that your game will carry on smoothly to the end. Players too, are happy to be able to make the most of scheduled training sessions, irrespective of the weather. With proper maintenance, an artificial hockey pitch or any other synthetic sports surface can last for 10-15 years. All this while, it can be used for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and right through the year. Isn't that great?

Which Artificial Football Pitch Would You Love To Play On?

2009-04-29T23:39:00.000-07:00

Artificial football pitch has started gaining prominence in both professional and recreational arena. Offering the same playing characteristics as that of natural grass fields, these modern sports pitches require minimal maintenance. Also, while natural grass sports pitches cannot be used in all weather conditions, an artificial football pitch offers optimum playing conditions irrespective of the weather.

The numerous benefits of man-made, synthetic football pitches have compelled even FIFA and UEFA to endorse these surfaces. Depending upon the level of play and also the budget, the sports pitch for football can vary. For instance, at recreational level, artificial grass with sand infill and needle-punch carpets are the best choice. Such a football pitch features a "shock pad" just beneath the top layer. This pad protects the players from injuries.

Elite level football is played on third generation artificial grass. In this case, the grass fibres are made of a soft material known as polyethylene. These fibres are dressed with a mixture of rubber crumbs and sand. Such an artificial turf offers the same playing qualities as that of natural grass. However, you can alter the playing characteristics by varying the length and the density of the fibres. FIFA favours more thinly spaced longer fibres for their soccer turf. Similarly, there are different types of artificial hockey pitch, each with different playing characteristics.

Why choose a synthetic games area?

2009-04-29T23:21:00.000-07:00

Synthetic games areas have replaced natural grass sports pitches at many sports facilities. These surfaces are made of polypropylene or polyethylene fibres, and could be either sand-filled, sand dressed or water based.

A synthetic games area made of artificial grass offers the same playing characteristics as that of a natural grass sports field. However, unlike the latter, they can be used all round the year. This is because they are unaffected by all kinds of weather conditions.

The sub-base of an artificial grass pitch is made up of an impermeable material, which together with an effective drainage system, ensures that the pitch is always ready for the play. So, no more cancelled matches due to water logged fields!

An all-weather pitch is the perfect solution for areas where it is difficult to maintain natural grass sports surfaces. The durability of these surfaces makes them ideal for use as a multi use games area where a wide variety of sports are played.

A synthetic games area also offers protection to players from injuries. This is because an elastic layer made from bonded rubber is laid over the foundation at a depth of approximately 10 cm. Being just underneath the surface of the pitch, this layer provides the necessary shock absorption and energy rebound ensuring the safety of players.

Athletic events are also increasingly played on artificial surfaces owing to their tolerance to intensive use. Synthetic athletic surfaces can be made of liquid polyurethane and rubber crumb. This non-porous surface is the most expensive amongst all types of athletic surface. If you are looking for a cost-effective solution, you can opt for porous surfaces. There is also a third variant, known as sandwich surface, which is a combination of the other two.

Types of Synthetic Athletics Tracks

2009-04-29T22:25:00.000-07:00

Gone are those days when athletic events were held on grassy fields or even on bare earth. Today, modern synthetic athletic surfaces are increasingly used by a majority of sports associations at all levels. And why not?

These athletics tracks not only look good, but also enhance the performance of the athletes. A synthetic athletics track could be installed as per the guidelines laid down by the I.A.A.F (International Association of Athletics Federation). This would ensure safety for athletes as well as provide a durable surface which can be used all year round.

There are three different types of synthetic athletics track, namely Solid Polyurethane (PU) Surface, Porous Surface, and Sandwich Surface. All these three surfaces are built on a similar foundation and offer “slip resistance' to the athletes. However, they differ in their performance with respect to durability and costs involved in their installation.

A Solid PU track surface is a competition level track that offers a fast running surface. It is made up of two layers of cast polyurethane mixed with rubber granules. In addition, there is a top layer that is made up of a coat of polyurethane mixed with red EPDM rubber granules. It is popular for its durability and impervious nature.

The second type, known as the porous system, consists of a rubber base mat made of black granules and binder followed by a top coat of texture spray. The porous nature of this surface allows water to soak through the track. As this surface is soft, there are less chances of injury.

The sandwich surface is a mixture of the other two types. It consists of a soft porous base with a hard top layer. Such a surface is perfect for training tracks, as they are cheaper when compared to the porous and solid PU surfaces.

Sports Surfaces For A Multi Use Games Area

2009-04-29T22:20:00.000-07:00

A Multi Use Games Area is a sports area where a wide variety of sports can be played. Technically, any sports area that can be used all year round for at least two of the following sports: tennis, netball, basketball, and five-a-side football, can be called a Multi-Use Games Area.

The sports governing bodies at different levels advocate the use of MUGAs, as maintaining separate grass sports pitches for different sports is a costly affair. There are plenty of options available in sports surfaces for MUGAs, each having different characteristics. For instance, polymeric surfaces can be used for sports such as five-a-side football, basketball, netball etc. These surfaces are designed to offer enough shock absorption to the players. Similarly, a porous macadam surface is ideal for sports such as tennis, basketball, netball etc.

Another popular type of sports surface for a Multi Use Games Area is synthetic turf. Made of synthetic fibres, the carpet is usually sand filled or sand dressed with a shock pad laid beneath the turf for shock absorbancy. Such surfaces are suitable for playing a wide variety of sports, including hockey, five-a-side football, lacrosse, and many more. These surfaces are also ideal as athletics tracks or for general training sessions. Synthetic athletic surfaces have become a common feature of many sports facilities.

For deciding the type of sports surface for a Multi Use Games Area, it is first important to decide which sports would be played on it and at what level. Multi-coloured markings are also an important feature of the sports surface constructed for a MUGA.

Artificial Grass Turf for Homes

2009-04-29T22:15:00.000-07:00

If you thought that artificial grass turf is meant only for sports, think again. Artificial grass turf has replaced natural grass sports pitches at many sports facilities. Today, many sports governing bodies have also embraced synthetic athletic surfaces for training and competition level play. However, the use of these synthetic grass surfaces is not restricted to sports fields alone. They have also found an important role to play at our homes.

Today, more and more people are attracted to the idea of installing artificial grass at their domestic properties. Smaller areas such as play areas, gardens or swimming pool surrounds are the most suitable areas for laying artificial grass turf. After all, who does not want a beautiful, natural looking, and maintenance free lawn?

Made from synthetic materials like polypropylene or polyethylene, an artificial grass turf is the perfect solution for the places where natural grass grows poorly. Also, our busy schedules leave us with very little time to take care of our garden or lawns. Ask yourself if you have enough time for mowing, spraying, aerating, or other activities needed for the maintenance of your garden or lawn. If not, go for artificial grass turf, which provides freedom from all these tasks. Offering the appearance of a perfectly maintained lawn, these synthetic surfaces look lush green, in all seasons.

Your children will also love to play on an artificial turf, as it is made of child-friendly materials.

Indoor Sports Facilities

2009-04-29T22:05:00.000-07:00

Sports facilities include not only the outdoor sports facilities, but also sports halls meant for indoor games or other activities. Flooring is the most important feature of any indoor sports facility. The choice of flooring depends on the purpose for which the hall is used. This means that depending on the specific sports or multi-functional uses, including social events, that the hall is to be used for, the appropriate flooring is selected and installed.

The sprung floors installed in a sports hall offer an excellent playing surface whilst reducing the risk of injury and premature fatigue. These floors are also durable and easy to maintain. As many local and school level sports facilities providers use their sports facilities for social and educational events too, the chosen flooring should suit both sport and non-sport activities.

There are plenty of flooring options available along with a choice of finishes for the surface. For instance, you could go for a hardwood finish or synthetic finish. Both such surfaces require minimal maintenance.

The hardwood flooring requires multi-layer construction with a durable coating finish. Many sports facilities prefer a standard seamless surface. In this case, a polyurethane wetpour surface is laid onto a bonded prefabricated rubber base. This type of flooring is also available in a range of colours. Such floorings can be easily installed by competent and reliable sports facilities construction companies. They can also offer effective sports surface maintenance services for both outdoor and indoor sports facilities.

It's Time To Embrace Artificial Turf Pitches

2009-04-29T05:25:00.000-07:00

Nothing can beat the experience of watching a game of tennis or football on a lush green field under the bright sun. But, have you ever thought of the amount of hard work and money that go into maintaining that green sports pitch? Not to mention the disappointment of cancelled matches due to a soggy playing field as a result of bad weather. If money is a constraint, but you still want to give your spectators a great experience whilst watching their favourite game, an artificial turf pitch can be a solution.

Manufactured from synthetic materials like polypropylene or polyethylene, an artificial turf pitch can be used for a number of sports, including tennis, football, hockey, baseball, athletics, and many more. These artificial grass sports pitches consist of a solid base, which is designed to offer stability to the top layer of synthetic "grass" fibres. The base also offers an effective drainage system, making the synthetic turf ready for play in all weather conditions. The top layer, also known as the man-made grass carpet, is made of artificial grass fibres tufted onto a backing cloth and in -filled with sand or a mixture of sand and rubber granules. However, some varieties of artificial sports pitches may not be in -filled with sand or rubber. These are known as water based sports pitches.

The playing characteristics of an artificial turf pitch can be altered significantly by changing the length and density of the fibres. For instance, elite level field hockey pitch features short pile when compared to soccer. Similarly, FIFA favours more thinly spaced longer fibres for their football turf.

Many local and international sports facilities providers have already embraced these artificial pitches due to their features of durability, slip resistance, shock absorbency, and most importantly, their need for minimal maintenance.

Multi-Purpose Sports Area

2009-04-29T05:20:00.000-07:00

Scarcity of land and high expenditure on the maintenance of natural sports surfaces have compelled many local and school level sports governing bodies to opt for multi-purpose sports area. Also known as Multi-use Games Areas (MUGAs), these sports pitches can be used to play a wide variety of sports such as tennis, netball, 5-a-side, hockey, or for general training.

Artificial sports pitches require minimal maintenance and can be used all year round. They may also include a shock absorbent layer just beneath the top layer which offers protection to players from injury. These are some of the main reasons that make these surfaces increasingly popular for MUGAs.

A Multi-purpose sports area has a specially designed and constructed sports surface that makes it suitable for a range of sports to be played on it. The sports surface is available in different specifications to suit all budgets and levels of play. The types of surfaces or sports pitches that can be used for MUGAs are polymeric, bitumen macadam, and synthetic grass surfaces. In recent years, many educational institutions, sports clubs and local authorities have opted for synthetic outdoor sports surfaces for MUGAs. These surfaces often feature synthetic grass made of polyethylene or polypropylene.

Surround fencing and floodlighting are also an important part of a multi-purpose sports area. A company specialising in the construction of synthetic sports surfaces and other sports areas may also take care of supplying and installing the accompanying sports equipment and facilities. Many such companies also offer their services for the maintenance of these surfaces.

Get The Best Deal In Uk Sports Equipment

2009-04-29T05:13:00.000-07:00

If you thought only high street retailers and specialist sports equipment companies supplied the best quality UK sports equipment through their retail outlets, think again. Today, there are many renowned online retailers and specialist sports facilities construction companies that offer good deals in UK sports equipment.

Various local authorities, sports clubs and educational establishments have found some of the best deals in UK sports equipment offered by specialist sports facilities construction companies. Surprised? Well, the fact is there are some specialist UK companies, who not only construct a wide range of sports surfaces, but also provide and install sports equipment. As different sports surfaces have different specifications, these companies prefer to supply the accompanying equipment themselves thus offering a complete solution to their clients. Clients are more than happy with such an arrangement, as they do not have to deal with different companies for building their sports facilities. Also, they can bargain for the best deal.

Some of the UK sports equipment supplied by the artificial grass suppliers or specialist sports facilities construction companies are badminton and tennis posts and nets, basketball backboards and hoops, goal posts for football and hockey, fencing around the pitch, portable sports equipment, electronic scoreboards, floodlights, and many more. As these companies have built the sports facilities, they know exactly which sports equipment is required to suit different levels of play as well as different budgets. Some of these companies also offer sports surface maintenance services.

Features Of Synthetic Sports Fields

2009-03-16T23:18:00.000-07:00

Gone are those days when games like football, hockey, tennis, netball, basketball, and many more outdoor sports could be played only on natural grass surfaces. The advances made in the field of science and technology have redefined the playing surfaces for many of the outdoor sports. An artificial sports field is an example of the contribution of technology to sports.

An Artificial Turf or sports field is a man-made playing surface made from synthetic materials. Offering the same playing characteristics as that of natural grass playing fields, these synthetic surfaces are usable all year round. So, now whether it is a long dry summer or frozen winter or water-logged sport pitches, you will not miss your favourite match. Also, they require minimum maintenance which helps in reducing the annual outlay of the managing authorities on their maintenance.

A synthetic sports surface usually features grass-like filament made from polypropylene or polyethylene, that can be sand (or rubber) in-filled or sand-dressed. Some synthetic pitches do not use sand filled fibres, instead, they are sprayed with water and are known as “water-based” pitches. These pitches are extremely soft and offer protection to players by reducing the abrasive effect caused by the use of sand. These sports fields are ideal for playing hockey. However, it is also quite safe to play on the latest sand-dressed or sand filled sports pitches, as they feature a “shock pad” just below the top ‘grassy’ layer.

The height of the fibres and the level of the sand-fillings can differ depending on the specifications of various sports. For instance, an artificial sports field constructed for hockey should have shorter pile when compared to a synthetic soccer field. Also, some artificial pitches are used for Multi Use Games Areas, where a variety of sports can be played.

Sports Surfaces Of The 21st Century

2009-03-16T23:15:00.000-07:00

Most of the outdoor sports have always been played on natural grass surfaces since time immemorial. However, how often have you felt frustrated when a much awaited football or hockey match was cancelled due to muddy fields or frozen pitches? It is a known fact that natural grass sports surfaces are not capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions. Also, during long summers or frozen winters, sports pitches may require extra care and maintenance to tide over the harsh weather. This adds to the overall cost of maintenance.

New artificial playing surfaces manufactured from synthetic materials, such as Artificial Grass with sand or rubber in-fill were first developed in 1965. Over the years, many outdoor sports facilities located worldwide have adopted them, as they can be used all year round, and are more economical in the long run. Even after heavy rains, drainage of the surface water is a matter of only minutes on synthetic outdoor sports surfaces.

All-weather outdoor sports surfaces can be of three types: Artificial Sport Surfaces, polymeric surfaces and macadam surfaces. Different surfaces are suitable for different sports as each offers different playing characteristics in terms of ball roll and bounce, shock absorption, slip resistance etc. Equipped with a special “shock pad” underneath the top layer, the synthetic sports surfaces prevent injury to players.

Installing outdoor sports surfaces is a specialised job requiring technical skill and expertise. This is the reason why the sports clubs and other sports facilities providers rely on professional firms for the construction of their sports facilities.

Professional Help For Sports Facilities Construction

2009-03-16T22:51:00.000-07:00

Sports facilities construction is a specialised job requiring technical expertise and skill. This is true also because many national and international sports governing bodies have certified the use of Synthetic Grass, and other artificial sports surfaces for the outdoor and indoor sports. These man-made surfaces have precise technical specifications requiring special expertise in their installation.

It is advisable to seek professional help while constructing sports facilities-both indoor and outdoor. A reliable company in this field will take only a few weeks to complete the work of sports facilities construction. The process usually begins with the site inspection followed by excavation of the ground. The base layers are made to provide a solid and stable foundation with good drainage. A reliable sports facilities construction company also ensures that a high quality “shock pad” is installed beneath the topmost layer. Depending upon your requirements, the company may install unfilled (or water based), sand-dressed or sand-filled pitches.

Local councils and educational institutions may also opt for MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) where different sports can be played on the same pitch. In this case also, the help of a professional firm should be sought. A competent sports facilities construction company will take care of all the details such as differently coloured playing lines for the different sports for the MUGA. It will also provide other important services such as installing fences, sports equipment and floodlighting. Such a company also specialises in sports hall flooring, which are meant for indoor sports. Indoor floors are made extremely durable, depending on the choice of surface finish. Like outdoor synthetic sports surfaces, these are also easy to maintain and safe to play on.

Artificial Sports Pitches: An Ideal Choice For Many Sports

2009-03-16T22:48:00.000-07:00

Most of the outdoor sports like football, hockey, tennis (Wimbledon), rugby, netball, and many more have always been played on natural grass surfaces. However, owing to their high cost of maintenance and also their non-adaptability to extreme weather conditions, such as frozen winters, a need was felt for a better alternative.

Artificial Sports Pitches came into the picture around 1960s when Astroturf, a Synthetic Grass turf, was installed in the newly built Astrodome in Houston, Texas.

Artificial turf is a man-made turf manufactured from synthetic materials. Over the years, numerous technological advances have been made in order to create a man-made artificial sports pitch that closely resembles the playing characteristics of grass, whilst ensuring players’ safety. Available in three varieties, namely water-bound (un-filled), sand-dressed and sand filled, these surfaces consist of a shock pad underneath the top layer which protects the players from injury. Therefore, falling and sliding on an artificial football pitch is no different from that on a natural grass surface. An artificial turf pitch may even offer an improvement on natural grass such as in the case of hockey pitches. A hockey pitch made from synthetic fibres offers increased speed to the movement of the ball and allows for different techniques like reverse stick trapping and hitting.

Known as an all-weather pitch, synthetic turf requires minimal maintenance. There are many specialist firms in the UK that install synthetic grass sports pitches, each with different playing characteristics such as ball roll and bounce, shock absorption, slip resistance, and so on. A range of surfaces is available, to suit the needs of different sports.

Forget About Muddy Football Pitches! Opt For Artificial Soccer Turf

2009-03-16T22:38:00.000-07:00

With many football clubs in Europe looking to lower maintenance costs of football pitches and maximising match fixtures, the idea of installing artificial soccer turf is gaining popularity. Artificial sports pitches are virtually indistinguishable from natural grass when viewed from a distance. Made from Polypropylene fibres or lubricated polyethylene fibres with rubber or sand infill or water-based, a synthetic Sports Turf is ideal for sports like football or soccer, hockey, tennis, netball, and many more.

An artificial soccer turf can be used all year round. So, there is no more any reason to get disappointed due to muddy or water logged ( from melted snow or heavy rains) football pitches that often lead to cancellation of the matches. Many football clubs have already installed the new Synthetic Grass surfaces not only for playing purposes, but also for using them as an all-weather training facility. An artificial sports turf requires minimum maintenance and can tolerate all weather conditions. There is also a layer of “shock pad” just beneath the artificial grass. This helps in protecting the players from injury.

The synthetic soccer turf installed in many sports facilities makes use of the latest “third generation” artificial grass pitches, as they offer playing characteristics similar to that on natural grass. Sliding and falling on the artificial turf is just the same as on natural grass. Also, the ball rolls and bounces with the same speed as that on natural grass.

Shopping for Sports Equipment

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In the U.K. sports equipment is available, from high street retailers, and specialist sports equipment companies often with out of town sales outlets. You may have seen the specialist golf store. Sports equipment is also available from exclusively online retailers as well specialist sports facilities construction companies. ‘Sports construction companies?’ you ask. These companies specialise in building a variety of Sports surfaces with different specifications, and many of them will also supply the accompanying equipment such as the badminton and tennis posts and nets, basketball backboards and hoops, goals for football and hockey, fencing around the pitch etc.
There is a considerable range of equipment available too, suitable for different age groups, different levels of play as well as to suit different budgets. Multi use games area often offer a range of sports equipment for use in the same playing area. The Sports Hall may also be used for a variety of sports. In such cases, sports equipment is often portable or retractable. Portable sports equipment is not your flimsy stuff, but is built so that it is lightweight yet durable. It must ensure safety of players too. Other equipment may be permanently installed on the field.
In the U.K. sports equipment must comply with the relevant British standards.

Choosing Sports Equipment

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Is choice a good thing or a bad thing? Most people would say ‘definitely good’. The market place is crowded with so many sellers, so it would help if one had an idea of what one was looking for.
Take sports equipment for example, what should one be looking for?
Sports Equipment must be durable of course, as it takes a lot of knocks and wear. This is often reflected in the price. Furthermore, latest products made from modern materials and featuring newer, better designs are continually making their way into the market, as a result of ongoing research and development in sports. Products such as latest football boots, swim wear, rackets are often more expensive. These may be advantageous to the competitive sports person, however for the average recreational user, durability and safety would be of greater importance.
There is a considerable choice in the availability of other equipment such as goals for football and hockey, nets and posts for badminton and tennis, etc. all with different specifications. Prices vary depending on the size of the equipment, its design and durability. In the U.K. sports equipment is built to British standards to ensure minimum levels of safety for the player.