Buyer's Guide for Synthetic Turf Field Construction
The synthetic turf industry today is “booming.” There are more
turf fields being installed than ever before, at locations that include everything
from the local park to the NFL. Why the boom?
One reason is that the cost has come down. The current generation of synthetic
turf is considerably less expensive than earlier versions. Additionally, there
are many more options, so that a turf field can be built within the budgets
of most organizations and institutions.
At the same time that the cost has been coming down, the product has been improved.
Even some who were adamantly opposed to the older short pile nylon turf products
have become advocates for the new long pile, in-filled turf, which looks and
feels much like natural grass.
Another advantage of synthetic turf that is attracting attention is its lower
maintenance cost as compared to natural grass. While turf is not maintenance-free,
it requires much less care than is required to keep natural grass in optimum
condition for play.
In some areas of the country, drought and/or water restriction is another force
driving the installation of synthetic turf. Unlike natural grass, turf requires
no regular irrigation, though for some sports at the highest levels, players
may prefer a field that has been watered prior to play.
But, perhaps the most attractive characteristic of synthetic turf fields is
that they can be used day-in and day-out without excessive wear. In many areas
of the country, there simply are not enough fields for play. Where a natural
grass field may be unusable when muddy or frozen, a synthetic turf field can
be used, safely and without damage, in almost any weather. Where grass fields
must be rested to recover from heavy use, synthetic turf fields are immediately
available for the next activity. In short, the installation of synthetic turf
maximizes the productive use of a field, providing many more athletic and recreational
opportunities for a school or community.
With turf fields becoming less expensive, more user-friendly and offering greater
use at a better cost per hour of use ratio, what’s the downside? This
is a very new industry and, thus far, largely unregulated. To get the most value
from a sizeable investment, an owner must take care in defining needs, exploring
available options and making appropriate choices.
The American Sports Builders Association (ASBA) can help. Founded in 1965 as
the U.S. Tennis Court and Track Builders Association (USTC&TBA), the ASBA
is the trade association for builders who specialize in the construction and
maintenance of sports facilities, including tennis courts, running tracks, indoor
synthetic surfaces and synthetic and natural turf fields. Manufacturers and
suppliers of materials, design professionals, members of the trade press and
others interested in sports facility construction participate as well. The membership
includes individuals and companies in the United States and around the world.
Its goal is to encourage and to uphold high standards of construction.
To this end, the Association offers informative materials to those about to
embark on sports facility construction projects. These include technical and
consumer oriented publications, including a series of construction guidelines.
This Buyer’s Guide, for example, will provide an overview of the process
along with some basic guidance to the prospective owner to aid in making some
of the decisions necessary in developing a synthetic turf project. A successful
project will depend on:
1. Thorough planning;
2. Proper site analysis;
3. Professional design and engineering;
4. A quality turf product;
5. Expert construction including proper drainage, a stable base and a quality
surface;
6. Proper integration with the surrounding track and/or other site structures;
and
7. Accurate marking.
1. Define your needs.
Early in the project, an owner must decide on its scope. What sports or activities
will take place on the field – football, high school or college soccer,
band practice, lacrosse or others? The specific sports to be played on the surface
may influence the appropriate length of turf, as well as the depth and type
of infill.
At what level will these sports be played? The level of competition will determine
which governing body and, therefore, which rules will prevail. Governing body
rules will specify the necessary field dimensions and surface types, as well
as the size of required runover areas.
Will a track surround the field? If so, which field events are planned and
which of them, if any, will be placed in the infield? Note that some of the
field events traditionally conducted in the infield, such as the hammer throw
or javelin, will need to be relocated when a synthetic turf field is installed
as they may damage the field.
Most multi-purpose fields will require some compromise between what is optimal
for one program or sport versus the performance characteristics and requirements
of another. Carefully defining needs and establishing priorities will go a long
way toward insuring that the facility, once built, performs as well as possible.
2. Develop a budget.
How much can you afford to spend? Developing a budget may be the most difficult
step in the construction process. You may have to make some concessions, but
in order to make informed choices, you need to determine priorities. For example:
· Do you need a completed facility now or can you wait a while for fencing,
lighting, seating or other aspects of the project?
· Have you decided upon a given surface or specific site, or are you
willing to consider alternatives?
· What site conditions will you be working with? Irrigation and drainage
issues? Soil conditions and quality?
· Do you have an existing grass field to convert or will you be working
with previously undeveloped ground?
Remember that as in most projects, it is easy to spend more than you had in
mind. Working within a budget involves considering various options and making
informed choices, but choices don't have to mean compromising the end result.
Knowledge of what factors are most important to the facility you are planning
and a desire to seek creative solutions can bring the project in at a reasonable
cost.
In budget planning, consider not just initial cost but long-term cost. Before
committing to a turf project, be certain that you can afford the schedule of
maintenance recommended by the supplier of your chosen turf system, as well
as a reserve for eventual repair and/or replacement. It may be wise to consider
a maintenance contract with the installer or with an expert maintenance company
to keep your turf in the best possible condition and to extend its useful life.
3. Consider a design professional.
It is often desirable to employ a licensed design professional, consultant
or other expert to assist in planning, building or retrofitting a synthetic
turf field. Depending on the scope of the project, employing the services of
an expert can actually help control job costs by better translating the needs
of the owner into proper direction for construction, and by helping to avoid
costly mistakes. A professional architect, engineer or landscape architect,
trained and experienced in synthetic turf construction, or an experienced installer,
will help you identify your needs and refine that information to the specific
requirements of your site.
An expert can assist you in determining the scope of work to be included in
the job, in planning the facility, in determining a realistic budget for the
project, in evaluating and comparing bids, in overseeing the work in progress
and in solving any problems that occur during construction.
However, be sure to choose an expert with specific related experience. Third
generation (long pile, in-filled) turf is relatively new to the marketplace.
There are many design professionals, manufacturers, installers and others claiming
expertise in this highly specialized field. In fact, anyone can claim to be
an expert. It is important to research the credentials of your proposed consultant
before choosing an individual or firm.
How do you locate qualified professionals? One way to do so is by contacting
professional associations such as the American Sports Builders. The Association’s
website at www.sportsbuilders.org,
includes a searchable database of designers, suppliers and builders. Most design
professionals who are members of the ASBA and many Certified Track Builders
(CTBs) have expertise in the planning and design of turf fields. See the reference
section of this Buyer's Guide for contact information for other organizations
that may assist you.
Another way to find a qualified professional is by contacting colleagues who
have recently completed similar projects and asking for a recommendation.
In any case, when you contact a prospective consultant, be sure to ask questions
about the firm's experience in turf field design. Contact references and visit
completed projects. Ask for proposals and compare them carefully. Be sure you
understand what is and what is not included in the proposed contract. Finally,
once you choose a professional, carefully negotiate fees and services and secure
a signed letter of agreement or contract, which clarifies all aspects of your
arrangement.
4. Choose a site.
Where will you build? Before you contemplate new construction, be certain that
you have an acceptable site. Whether new construction or replacement of a natural
grass field, numerous factors to be considered make the design phase critical.
If a running track surrounds the field, consideration must be given to meeting
the needs of the track program, as well as the requirements of the sports and
activities on the field. The number of sports (football, soccer, lacrosse, field
hockey, etc.) and the level of play (juniors, recreational, high school, college
or amateur competition) will affect the size of the field. An experienced contractor
or design professional can help you to assess your proposed site, but the following
general considerations apply:
For new construction,
•How large a site is available? If the field is to be surrounded by
a track, a site no less than five acres, a minimum of 600' long by 300' wide,
will be required. Additional area must be allowed for grading, drainage, the
anchoring detail, player seating and walkways, and for facilities such as
bleachers, lighting, walkways, fencing, etc.
•Does a potential site allow for proper drainage and storm water management?
Water should drain away from the field. It is best to locate a field on a
relatively level site, higher than surrounding areas. Many fields are built
on low sites; however, additional filling or drainage work required by a low
site may add substantially to construction costs.
•Is the site reasonably level? While the field and any surrounding
track will be sloped slightly for drainage, for all practical purposes, the
track must be level in the running direction. Therefore, a level site is recommended.
•What type of soil exists at the site? The best soil is hard, well
drained and non heaving. Locations with peat, clay, topsoil, shear sand or
other unsuitable materials should be avoided, if possible. In practice, however,
sites available for fields are often sites that have been avoided in previous
construction. These may be sites with poor drainage, unsuitable soils and
other problems. It is desirable to consult with a soils engineer prior to
developing a construction plan. Site problems can be overcome with expert
design and engineering, but this will add to the cost of the project.
•Is the site accessible for construction? Field construction requires
the use of heavy equipment, which must get to the site. The need to move or
to avoid obstructions, such as fences, trees, buildings, grandstands and bleachers,
may add to the cost of construction.
•Where are underground utilities (electricity, water, gas, telephone,
sewer, etc.)? While the finished facility will require utility service, the
presence of underground utilities in the field area will complicate construction.
It is advisable to employ a licensed surveyor and contact specific utility
companies for line mark out to locate utility easements. It may be necessary
to relocate some or all of these utilities, which will add to the cost of
the project.
•Where is the prevailing wind? Where does the sun rise and set? Most
commonly, the preferred orientation for a field is north-south.
Whenever a facility will be used for multiple sports or events, event-by-event
design considerations will add to the complexity of the overall project and
will have a significant impact on the size of site required and, possibly, on
the cost of construction.
For retrofitting a synthetic turf field into an existing facility, the
primary concern will be protecting existing structures during construction,
which requires heavy equipment, substantial excavation and the delivery and
placement of tons of material. Most vulnerable will be a running track that
surrounds the field. If a track is present, the field contractor will need to
bridge and protect the track surface and edge, and even with reasonable care,
some damage may occur. Your budget should include the funds which may be required
to repair the track once the field has been completed. In fact, if possible,
it is advisable and cost effective to repair and resurface the track completely
at the conclusion of field construction.
If the existing track has no curb, it will be necessary to prepare the inside
edge for anchoring the turf. You should consult with both your design professional
and turf contractor on the anchoring detail in a retrofit project. Tying together
and coordinating track and field drainage also will be critical to the project’s
success.
Most likely, it will be necessary to reconfigure the field events. For example,
preliminary studies by UEFA (the European governing body for soccer) indicate
that while the shotput and discus may be thrown onto synthetic turf, the javelin
and hammer will damage the turf and should be relocated. The most suitable arrangement
will depend on whether the D-areas will be surfaced with track material, coated
with tennis court-type surfacing, left uncoated or covered with turf, as well
as which events must be accommodated. The input of an experienced design professional
will help to maximize the space utilization and coordinate the needs of the
track program with the requirements of those sports that will use the field.
Accommodating the track, however, is not the only concern in reconstruction
projects. The installation of an appropriate base for a synthetic turf field
may necessitate a change in elevation for the field itself, which, in turn,
will require that football goal posts, player benches and other structures on
or near the field be re-set. A licensed design professional or contractor experienced
in these projects will help the owner to identify in advance, and plan for,
all the impacts of the field reconstruction project.
5. Choose a surface and develop working specifications.
Another important choice in planning a field is the specific type/brand of
synthetic turf. Today, there are many choices. At any given time, there may
be more than 50 advertised brands, with new brands being offered every day and
a nearly equal number disappearing.
It is important to research the brands you may be considering. Where is the
product made and by whom? What is the relationship between the manufacturer
and the installer, if any? Who carries the warranty and how long have they been
in business? An experienced design professional may help you sort out and evaluate
the advertising claims of various brands.
Synthetic turf products have been around for decades. The original turf, developed
in the 1960s, consisted of ½” knitted nylon fabric installed over
a concrete or asphalt base. By the 1980s, enhancements included a resilient
pad to cushion the surface, as well as a sand-filled version, still used for
tennis, putting greens and other sports. Third generation turf is a very different
product. With the original synthetic turf, athletes and owners complained about
rug burns (friction injuries from sliding against the stiff nylon and densely
tufted polypropylene fibers) and “foot lock” and “turf toe”
injuries. (On natural grass, when a player is pushed or slides, the force of
his momentum may tear the turf from the ground. Densely constructed conventional
turf system did not allow this to happen, resulting in injury.) Today’s
longer fibers and loose infill, however, allow an interaction of forces similar
to those found with natural grass. With more than 40 colors of green and various
fiber patterns available, third generation turf feels softer and looks much
like natural grass.
The important thing to note is that each brand of synthetic turf is a system,
made up of similar but variable components, each of which plays a role in producing
the physical properties and performance characteristics of that system.
These components include:
Base construction – The first step in constructing a synthetic
turf field will be to strip the site, cut and fill to level, grade and compact
the soil. Next, drainage pipes will be installed and connected to a collection
system surrounding the field. Generally, a geotextile separation fabric then
is installed to separate the subsoil from the base.
The base then will be constructed. The base provides a stable platform for
the synthetic turf and aids in drainage. Two types of bases commonly are used
for synthetic turf fields:
•An unbound base consists of loose laid aggregates. The aggregates
chosen may be graded (based on highway specifications) or may be a carefully
chosen mixture of course and fine aggregate, capable of compaction yet allowing
free draining. The latter form is known as a “dynamic base.” It
is important to obtain expert advice on the design of a dynamic base so that
the finished base can be compacted and fine graded as necessary, while the
drainage is retained. In general, an unbound base promotes drainage.
•An engineered base consists of an aggregate foundation topped by
an asphalt pavement, installed in one or two courses. An engineered base may
add stability and enhance planarity.
Either type of base will be designed for specific site conditions and to accommodate
the local climate, especially freeze/thaw activity. An owner should not overlook
the importance of base design. A well-engineered and well-constructed base contributes
importantly to both the performance and durability of a synthetic turf system.
Shockpad – Some, but not all, synthetic turf systems incorporate
an elastic layer, or shockpad, between the base and the turf. Various materials
are used, including rubber mats and felt pads, as well as rubber granules mixed
with polyurethane binder on site and laid with a paving machine.
Carpet (sometimes called fabric) – The carpet consists of a yarn
or fiber (most commonly polyethylene, polypropylene or a blend of the two) of
varying thickness (expressed in microns), which may be straight, twisted, curly
or textured. Most commonly, the yarn is produced in sheets, which are split
into thin strips or ribbons and then slit with razors to create multiple strands.
The ribbons are then twisted together and tufted through a backing cloth to
form the carpet. This type of carpet helps to stabilize and prevent excess movement
of the in-fill. Alternatively, some carpets are manufactured from single strands
of yarn, known as monofilament.
The quantity of yarn used and the distance between the tufts (or stitch gauge)
will vary from system to system. Some systems use more yarn or closer tufts;
others use more infill. Yarn quantity is expressed in units of tex, a ratio
of mass to length, or in weight (ounces per square foot).
Backing cloths also vary. A good backing cloth is easily tufted, resists fraying,
absorbs coatings, is UV and rot-resistant, and has high dimensional stability.
This means that the finished product will not creep or stretch, minimizing line
movement.
Once the yarn has been tufted into the backing cloth, coatings, including polyurethane
and latex coatings, may be applied to the backing to help to hold the tufts
in place (called increasing the “tuft bind”) and to increase the
dimensional stability of the finished carpet. In some brands, the coatings are
applied only to the individual tufts, leaving the areas between the tufts uncoated
for drainage. In others, the entire backing is coated and the carpet then is
perforated for drainage if designed for outdoor use. If perforated, the size,
number and placement of perforations will vary from brand to brand. If carpet
is to be used indoors and drainage is unnecessary, it may be ordered without
perforations to increase its strength.
Once the carpet has been installed, the fibers may be further fibrillated to
give them the look and feel of natural grass.
Seaming – Carpets are produced in rolls generally 3.5m to 4.5m
wide (15 feet). These normally are laid across the field for its full width
and seamed together. Seams may be secured by sewing, by use of adhesives, or
both, with or without seam tapes, depending on the system. What is important
is that the joints be neat, virtually invisible and durable.
Infill – The carpet then is filled with particulate material,
the type and depth of which will vary from system to system. This so called
“in-fill” holds up the long fibers in the carpet and contributes
significantly to the performance characteristics of the system.
In-fill materials most often are granulated rubber or rubber and sand, either
layered or mixed. The rubber may be styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) granules,
black in color and produced from re-cycled tires, or ethylene propylene terpolymer
(EPDM) granules, specifically produced to be granulated and available in black
or in colors. SBR is considerably less expensive, but some have expressed concern
because of the possible inclusion of contaminants, such as heavy metals, in
recycled tire rubber. It is important to inspect the rubber being used on the
project for these contaminants and for overall quality and conformity to the
published specifications.
Clearly, the components and the construction of synthetic turf systems vary.
Depending upon the system, different components may play more or less of a role
in the ultimate performance of the system. Some of the components described
are incompatible with others. What is important is that the owner, with the
help of knowledgeable experts, determine priorities and carefully query the
manufacturer and/or installer regarding the particular components and some or
all of the following characteristics of the proposed system:
Construction
Slope
Depth
Permeability
Stability
Suitability for local weather conditions
Physical Properties
Tuft bind
Seam strength
Dimensional stability
UV stability
Permeability
Wear testing
Performance/Safety Properties (Preferred performance properties may
be sport specific)
Shock absorbency
Ball roll
Ball bounce
Traction – Rotational friction and sliding
Vertical deformation
Various governing bodies and other organizations have established tests and
specifications for synthetic turf performance; some of these resources are listed
at the end of this document.
Any budget for a synthetic turf field should provide for some testing. For
example, a survey of planarity and percolation of the base prior to installation
of the carpet is recommended. Materials delivered to the job should be sampled
before they are installed to insure that they are in compliance with the specifications.
And, the completed system should be tested on site to confirm that the performance
properties are as promised by the manufacturer or installer. The system should
be tested again after the first year, when rain, freeze/thaw and use have settled
the materials. It may be necessary to add additional fill at that time.
Another important area to explore prior to choosing a system is the recommended
maintenance regimen for the systems being proposed. There is no question that
some synthetic turf fields have been in place for years with little or no maintenance.
It is equally clear that optimum maintenance schedules which enhance performance
and extend the useful life of these relatively new systems, still are being
developed. However, it is likely that any warranty will depend on adherence
to recommended maintenance practices, which may include some or all of:
- Dragging or brushing to redistribute infill;
- Brushing to lift pile;
- Brushing and/or vacuuming to remove debris;
- Localized topdressing at heavy wear areas;
- Grooming to relieve compaction of the infill; and
- Removal of moss, algae and/or weeds.
Once a surface is chosen, you should draft specifications. The more specific
and detailed your specifications, the more likely that prospective builders
will submit comparable bids. Specifications should outline the scope of work,
including subbase and base preparation, materials and accessories to be provided.
Be sure to make clear in your specifications whether particular materials are
required, or whether substitutions or equivalents are acceptable. Specifications
also should outline performance criteria and testing to be conducted at the
conclusion of construction. It may be advisable that you utilize a design professional
to assist in developing specifications.
With so many systems available, it is important that an owner give a great
deal of attention to choosing the best surface for a particular installation.
Factors impacting that choice include initial cost, maintenance cost over the
expected life of the surface, life expectancy, surface wear, reparability and
performance characteristics, along with factors related to the reputation, experience,
stability and responsiveness of the manufacturer and installer.
It is important to acknowledge that this product is breaking new ground. Because
of the many advantages of synthetic turf products, the marketplace is virtually
exploding. This growth will enhance research and development. It has and will
encourage the entry of new competitors. There are variations in the size, experience
and financial stability of companies offering turf products. Competition is
fierce and, as in any new field, some problems are inevitable.
For example, what is an appropriate warranty? There simply isn’t enough
experience with this product to say. Obviously, the useful life of a synthetic
turf field will depend on the quality of the products used and the skill of
the installer. However, with many new companies entering the field, it also
is obvious that the owner should research and question the manufacturer/installer’s
stability. Any warranty is only as good as the corporate and financial strength
of the company that offers it.
6. Make specific choices regarding additional facilities, amenities and
accessories to be included in your field project.
A fine field begins with a well built base and a quality surface, but it doesn't
end there.
Will the construction project include benches, bleachers, fencing, lighting,
scoreboards, a new track or track repair and reconstruction, construction or
relocation of field events? Most owners want a complete project and, often,
it is more economical to construct it all at the same time than piecemeal.
The owner also should budget funds for equipment such as goals and field markers,
as well as for utility vehicles and apparatus for routine maintenance of the
field.
7. Hire a qualified contractor.
Choosing the right contractor can determine the ultimate success of your facility.
A knowledgeable and experienced contractor can help you, the owner, to make
the right decisions resulting in a quality project. Turf field construction
is a highly specialized field within the construction industry. It is vital
that the contractor you choose be familiar with the current marketplace, as
well as with the type of surface you intend to install.
How do you find a qualified contractor? One way is to contact the ASBA.
As the trade association for sports builders, the ASBA can provide a
Directory of its members. In addition, the ASBA conducts a certified
builder program for track builders, many of whom also build turf fields. The
Association also conducts an inquiry program, requesting information on your
behalf from contractors and suppliers who have the answers to your questions.
(See our online list of Certified Track Builders and our online inquiry form
on our website at www.sportsbuilders.org.)
Another way to locate such specialists is by contacting municipal facilities
and schools that have recently completed projects. Ask whether or not they would
recommend their contractor and, further, ask some specific questions. Was the
job completed on time? Did it meet the owner's expectations? Were there any
hidden costs? Was the contractor able to solve any problems that arose during
construction? If there have been any post construction problems, was the builder
responsive in taking care of them? How does the field look? How does it perform?
Remember, the experience, skill and reliability of the prospective builder all
are important.
Once you have the names of a few builder prospects, consider the following:
•How many years has the company been in business? If it is a relatively
new company, what is the work experience of its principals? How many fields
have they built? Were they responsible for the complete project, just for
surfacing, just for site work? Look for individuals or for a company with
specific knowledge and experience in turf field construction.
•Does the company have experience in the type of project you contemplate?
Look for a company with experience in projects similar in size and scope to
yours.
•Ask for references and for a complete list of recent projects. If
a significant project is omitted from the list of references, there may be
a reason for that omission. Call references and ask questions. Determine as
much information as you can about a prospective contractor's knowledge, experience,
workmanship, ability to meet schedules, financial responsibility, and accountability.
If possible, visit completed projects and talk to owners.
•Get references from design professionals, subcontractors, bankers
and bonding companies.
•Ask about a contractor's insurance; have there been any major accidents
or claims against the builder? Consider using ASBA’s Contractor
Qualification Form to secure necessary information.
•Ask about awards and recognition. Has the contractor won any awards
for its work? Have the contractor or any of its employees been certified or
accredited by any trade organization?
•Check on lawsuits. If the contractor has been or is currently involved
in litigation, find out the details. Check with your local Better Business
Bureau, or with any local licensing agency, for consumer complaints.
•Ask to meet the individuals who will be involved with your project, particularly
the job superintendent. Does the contractor/superintendent seem knowledgeable
about measurements, orientation, materials, construction and marking of turf
fields? Does he understand grading, drainage, site preparation and base materials?
Is he familiar with different turf surfaces? Can he make recommendations regarding
specific surfaces for your needs? Is he a Certified Track Builder (CTB) or
a member of the American Sports Builders Association? What is his current
workload; can he realistically handle your project within a reasonable time
frame?
•Consider communication. You want a contractor who listens to you and
responds to your needs. You want someone with whom you feel comfortable, someone
with whom you can establish rapport. You want a contractor who will build
the facility you want, not one who will build his standard field and move
on. You want a contractor in whom you have confidence. Don't underestimate
the value of a good working relationship.
•Ask for proposals in writing and compare them carefully. Ensure that
the bids, including products to be used and methods of construction, are equivalent
to your specifications. What is included and what is not included in the contract
price? Who contractor or owner is responsible for such items as permits, site
preparation, identification and relocation of utilities, taxes, insurance,
removal and replacement of trees and shrubbery? Such items, while essential
to the project, may or may not be included in the bid; whether or not they
are included can significantly affect the contract price and the overall project
cost. Even if construction materials and methods are identical and items included
in the contract are consistent, look beyond price when comparing proposals.
Compare proposed construction schedules, progress payments, and guarantees
and warranties.
•Be sure that you understand what is included in any guarantee or warranty
materials, workmanship or both and for how long. Is the warranty or guarantee
backed by a bonding company, or if not, does the contractor have the financial
ability and the reputation for backing up his work? Remember that a warranty
is not a substitute for a quality installation by a reputable builder.
•Rank the proposals and then attempt to negotiate a contract with your
first choice builder. If the bid of your preferred contractor seems high,
question the bidder to determine why. Remember that price is not the only
consideration. A project which is initially more expensive but which provides
long-term satisfaction and wears well is a good value.
•Once you have chosen a contractor, confirm your agreement in writing.
The contract documents should be as specific as possible and should include,
where appropriate, a construction contract, conditions of the contract, drawings
and specifications defining the scope of work including labor, materials,
equipment and transportation to construct the project.
•Consider appropriate bonding. You may require a bid bond, a performance
bond and/or a payment bond. Also, you should require a certificate of insurance
as proof that your chosen contractor has adequate insurance coverage.
If you, the buyer, are to make the right decisions regarding a field project,
becoming a knowledgeable consumer is the first step. Asking questions is not
only smart, it is essential. The investment of time and energy now can yield
a huge return in the future, in terms of a quality facility, and in the hours
of enjoyment that will be derived from it. The ASBA is committed to providing
information to assist you in making informed choices in order to promote the
construction of quality field facilities. For more information, contact the
ASBA at 7010 W. Highway 71, Suite 340, PMB #312, Austin, TX 78735-8331, or call
(866) 501-ASBA.
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
American Sports Builders Association
8480 Baltimore National Pike, #307
Ellicott City, MD 21043
Toll Free: (866) 501-ASBA
(512) 858-9890
Fax: (512) 858-9892
Email: info@sportsbuilders.org
Web address: www.sportsbuilders.org
Sports Turf Managers Association
805 New Hampshire St., Ste. E
Lawrence, KS 66044
800-323-3875
Fax: 800-366-0391
Web address: www.sportsturfmanager.com
GOVERNING BODIES
Federation Internationale du Football Association (FIFA)
P. O. Box 85
8030 Zurich Switzerland
41-1/384-9595
www.fifa.com
International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF)
17, Rue Princesse Florestine
MC 98000 Monaco
Phone: 011 377 93 10 88 88
Fax: 011 377 93 15 95 15
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
P. O. Box 6222
Indianapolis, IN 46206-6222
317-917-6222
www.ncaa.org
National Federation of High School Associations (NFHS)
P. O. Box 690
Indianapolis, IN 46206
317-972-6900
www.nfhs.org
National Football League
280 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017
212-450-2000
www.nfl.com
US Field Hockey
1 Olympic Plaza
Colorado Springs, CO 80909-5773
719-866-5773
www.usfieldhockey.com
United States Indoor Soccer Association
P. O. Box 6569
Arlington, VA 22206
Tel 703-820-2810
Fax 509-357-7096
www.usindoor.com
USA Football
8300 Boone Blvd., Suite 870
Vienna, VA 22182
703-918-0007
www.usafootball.com
US Lacrosse
113 West University Parkway
Baltimore, MD 21210
410-235-6882
www.lacrosse.org
USA Rugby
1033 Walnut Street, Suite 200
Boulder, CO 80302
303-539-0300
www.usarugby.org
US Soccer Federation
1801 S. Prairie Avenue
Chicago, IL 60616
312-808-1300
www.ussoccer.com
USA Track and Field
One RCA Dome, Suite 140
Indianapolis, IN 46225
317 261 0500
www.usatf.org
PARTIAL LIST OF PUBLISHED SPECIFICATIONS FOR SYNTHETIC TURF FIELDS
Artificial Grass in UEFA Competitions, Requirements and Recommendations
The Union of European Football Associations, www.uefa.com, 2003
FIFA Quality Concept for Artificial Turf Surfaces
Federation Internationale du Football Association, www.fifa.com,
2001
F1551-03 Standard Test Methods for Comprehensive Characterization of Synthetic
Turf Playing Surfaces and Materials
F1015-03 Standard Test Method for Relative Abrasiveness of Synthetic Turf
Playing Surfaces
F1936-98 Standard Specification for Shock-Absorbing Properties of North American
Football Field Playing Systems as Measured in the Field
American Society of Testing and Materials, www.astm.org
Guide to Artificial Grass Pitches for Community Use
Part 1 – Performance Standards for Outdoor Surfaces and Pitches
Part 2 – Their Design, Specification and Construction
Part 3 – Outline Design Brief
The Football Association, www.thefa.com,
2004
Guidelines for the Essential Elements of Synthetic Turf Systems Specification
The Synthetic Turf Council, Inc., www.syntheticturfcouncil.org,
2003
IRB Performance Specification for Artificial Surfaces for Rugby, IRB Regulation
13
The International Rugby Board, www.irb.com
DESIGN PROFESSIONALS
American Institute of Architects
1735 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20006 5292
202 626 7300
American Society of Landscape Architects
4401 Connecticut Avenue, NW, 5th Floor
Washington, DC 20008 2369
202 686 2752
The Construction Specification Institute
601 Madison Street
Alexandria, VA 22314 1791
703 684 0300
National Society of Professional Engineers
1420 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314 2794
703 684 2800
PUBLICATIONS
Running Tracks: A Construction and Maintenance Manual
Available through ASBA
Construction Guidelines
Available through ASBA
Court and Field Diagram Guide
Available from National Federation of High School Associations or through ASBA
The NCAA and the NFHS offer sport-specific rulebooks. Those of the NCAA include
field diagrams.
Athletic Business
1846 Hoffman Street
Madison, WI 53704
608 249 0186
Disclaimer – The attached field diagrams are provided for evaluation
and planning purposes only, and are not intended to be used for construction
purposes. Owners or contractors who are constructing a field should obtain the
official field dimensions from the governing bodies of the sports to be played
on the field.
Copyright © 2004. American Sports Builders Association.
All rights reserved.
High School Field Hockey Field Layout
NCAA Field Hockey Field Layout
NFSHSA Football Field Layout
NCAA Football Field Layout
NCAA Men's Lacrosse Field Layout
High School Soccer Field Layout
NCAA Soccer Field Layout
Infilled Synthetic Turf System (No Pad)
Infilled Synthetic Turf System (With Pad)
