Proper maintenance is essential for playability and also prolongs the usable life of the field.
- Regular brushing is essential for a good playing surface. Without proper maintenance, the ball can roll unevenly, gain or lose speed, or bounce unpredictably.
- Infill material that accumulates around the playing area should be returned to the field and leveled.
- Heavy rain may cause the infill material to migrate, requiring additional brushing to restore a level playing surface.
- In warm weather it may be necessary to water the field to reduce the surface temperature, which can be hot enough to cause skin burns and contribute to heat stroke/stress.
- Heavy rain may cause the infill material to migrate, requiring additional brushing to restore a level playing surface.
- Also see the guidelines on Maintenance of Synthetic Turf [PDF], from FIFA, the international soccer association.
Also see:
- Overview
- What Is Synthetic Turf?
- What Do Athletes Think?
- Health & Safety Concerns
- Turf Burns – First Aid & Treatment
- Antibiotic-Resistant Infections – MRSA
- Environmental Pros & Cons
- Maintenance & Upkeep
- Cost – Natural Turf v. Synthetic
- Play It Safe – Recommendations for Athletes, Parents, and Institutions
- Sources & Links for More Information
- Open Letter to Anyone Considering Synthetic Turf