STC Releases Guidelines for Synthetic Turf Performance

Atlanta, GA – With the publication of its landmark "Guidelines for
Synthetic Turf Performance", the Synthetic Turf Council has provided
objective measures that make it possible to better understand the quality
and performance of multipurpose synthetic sports systems during design,
selection, after installation and throughout its useful life. This
milestone marks the first time guidance has been provided for multi-purpose
sports fields.
"This is a major development for the synthetic turf industry," explains
Rick Doyle, president of the Synthetic Turf
Council.
"Our voluntary guidelines help answer many questions from owners, buyers
and specifiers about the performance of multipurpose synthetic turf fields
over time. "
These guidelines encourage periodic and voluntary testing to indicate the
type of maintenance that should be implemented to maximize multi-purpose
sports field performance. If a field is not performing within the desired
range in critical test areas despite targeted maintenance, then the owner
will know the field may soon need to be replaced.
The STC’s Guidelines for Synthetic Turf
Performance were developed using input from STC member experiences and technical
knowledge, ASTM standards, collaboration with FIFA, the international
governing body for soccer, and a similar approach used by the International
Rugby Board.  While the ASTM standards provide useful information regarding
product identification, turf fabric testing and *g*-max testing, STC
identified opportunities for greater attention to sport performance
testing, which are included in the document.  Although these guidelines do
not cover warranty information, it addresses key areas with durability and
surface interaction testing.
Visit www.syntheticturfcouncil.org to access STC’s Performance Guidelines,
technical standards and other helpful information. Consultants are invited
to join the STC to obtain detailed support in fully understanding and
utilizing this information on behalf of their clients.