1. Forward planning
Durability is also important and so they undertake a series of simulated wear tests. They look at abrasion resistance, carpet strength, directional stability, turf bind and the strength of joins. All the yarns used in these turfs must also meet standards in fibre polymer characteristics, tensile strength, UV tests and toxicology requirements.
2. Forward planning
The number of product classes available for categorising a product has been increased to six. These range from ‘Global Elite’ to ‘Multi-sport’, giving you much more choice depending on the needs of your installation.
3. Material matters
The new requirements will also see the materials used to manufacture artificial grass hockey pitches more closely examined for properties such as yarn type, density, or dtex, and thickness. Fill materials are also being examined – thus ensuring that the information listed by manufacturers is consistent with what is being installed.
4. Stricter testing
The UV Radiation test, which is conducted on the yarn filaments, within the artificial grass has been increased from 3000 hrs to 5000 hrs. Additionally, a new test classifying skin friction has been added for ‘Global’ category products – with further tests measuring durability, player-surface interaction, shock pad and toxicology set to be introduced in due course.
5. A new game format
Finally, the relatively new format of Hockey 5s courts has been officially introduced into the classification, and can be offered up for certification.
Leave a Reply