FIH - Field Certification and Laboratory Testing, All from a Single Source

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Synthetic Turf – FIH Tests

FIH, Field and Laboratory Tests

The basis for using artificial turf sports fields - for example, to host international matches - is certification in accordance with the FIH Turf & Fields Standards. Only artificial turf systems and fields that pass the rigorous tests of the FIH Quality Program - both in the laboratory and on the playing field - are awarded FIH certification. This certification guarantees that the synthetic turf systems meet the requirements for hockey in terms of playing characteristics, safety, durability, and quality assurance. 

Our references include: Hockeypark Mönchengladbach, Ernst-Reuter-Sportfeld Berlin, and the Hamburg Polo Club.

Depending on the intended use and the conditions under which hockey is played, the synthetic turf systems are tested according to 5 categories:

Test or Usage Conditions

Hockey Synthetic Turf Classification

Global

National

Community

Gen 2 Multisport

3G Multisport

Irrigated

x

 

 

 

 

Moist

x

x

x

x

x

dry

 

x

x

x

x

The rigorous, two-stage testing process - consisting of laboratory testing of the product and final acceptance of the installation - ensures that the artificial turf field in question meets the requirements for playing characteristics, safety, quality, and durability. 

As always, we provide everything you need from a single source:

Laboratory Tests

For a synthetic turf system to be included on the list of sports products, it must comply with the technical regulations for sports. To this end, the entire system is tested for its performance and safety-related characteristics. These include, for example:

  • Force absorption (protective function: shock absorption)
  • Energy return
  • Vertical deformation
  • Ball bounce behavior
  • Ball roll behavior
  • Rotational resistance (measurement of stress on joints and ligaments)
  • Skin friction (coefficient of friction) 

The system test required for inclusion in the list of sports products is a mandatory prerequisite for the certification of a playing field and ensures that only synthetic turf systems suitable for the respective sport are installed. Installation is verified through field certification.

Field Certification

The finished playing field is inspected in accordance with the FIH’s sport-specific guidelines, e.g.:
 

  • Force attenuation (shock absorption protection)
  • Energy return
  • Vertical deformation
  • Ball bounce behavior
  • Ball roll behavior
  • Torsional resistance (measurement of stress on joints and ligaments)
  • Markings and Dimensions