Pitch usage – how many hours should your pitch take?
There are various constructions of turf pitches, each with its individual benefits. Regardless of which one you chose, there are recommendations from FIFA on the amount of use your pitch should take. Getting the most high-quality usages from your pitches is always the primary goal, and maintenance is the only way to achieve it.
According to the FIFA Stadium Guidelines 2022, maximum pitch usage varies from 6 to 20 hours per week, depending on the pitch construction and maintenance.
Pitch construction options - a guide to sports pitch types
Let’s have a close look at various types of pitch surfaces. There are three main types of sports pitch surfaces:
- 100% natural turf grass.
- Hybrid (mixture of natural and synthetic fibres).
- 100% synthetic turf.
Natural grass pitches
These are 100% plant-based on sand or soil-based rootzone.
- This surface performs best in an open environment where natural air can circulate freely.
- It is cheaper to install compared to other pitch types.
- It is dependent on climatic conditions for growth and performance.
- The surface can be challenging if the pitch is in the shade for a longer period of time.
Natural grass pitches are also less robust in terms of intensity of use compared to hybrid grass pitches. That’s why in recent years, natural turf pitches have become less common compared to hybrid grass pitches at an elite level.
Hybrid turf pitches
Stitched fibre pitches, achieve long-term reinforcement because synthetic fibres are stitched into the rootzone, even up to 18cm deep with 20mm spacing between fibres. This sewing technology is considered by many to produce the best-performing pitch type. Video explaining hybrid grass installation by one of the leading pitch constructors.
Turf with reinforced rootzone: these pitches can feature synthetic fibres or other forms of support to reinforce the upper section of the rootzone.
Carpet-type pitches: these pitches are grown on a synthetic mat with synthetic fibres. This mat, very often, called carpet, is then infilled with rootzone and planted with natural grass seed. These types of surfaces tend to be used by stadiums where the pitch is renewed regularly, for example, due to intensive multi-use.
Artificial turf pitches
These artificial turf pitches are made from 100% synthetic fibers. This type of surface is very popular because synthetic pitches can sustain more intensive use than natural grass-based pitches and are not dependent on microclimatic conditions.
FIFA has an established Quality Programme for Football Turf, to cover licensed manufacturers whose products are specifically designed to ensure that they deliver in terms of playing performance, safety, durability and quality assurance. Depending on the programme pitches could be designed to handle up to 20 or even 60 hours of use per week.
What is the recommended weekly pitch usage for each construction?
Irrespective of the choice of turf, regular maintenance at the right time makes a huge difference to pitch performance. By tracking those activities, you know how effective they are in certain conditions and can fine-tune your routine accordingly. As well as improving the day-to-day condition of your pitch, doing this can also increase its lifespan, helping your club get the most out of what can be a significant investment.
The Grounds Management Association lists several of factors that affect the playability of the pitch.
A natural grass pitch can be played on for many hours if it is properly managed and maintained. The playability of a pitch depends on many factors. One of them is the pitch construction, but there are also other important factors:
- The management of the pitch
- The maintenance of the pitch
- The type of use, e.g. competition or training
- Other than sporting use
- Use depends on the age of the player. Pitch usage increases by about 50% when players are 15 years old or younger.
- The prevailing weather conditions.
The table source and inspiration for the content comes from the FIFA Stadium Guidelines 2022. The purpose of the post is to promote the above document and spread knowledge on the sustainable maintenance of the pitch and pitch usage.
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