If you're into artificial turf or soccer, you've probably heard of the FIFA Artificial Turf Certification. This certification is given to turf manufacturers whose products meet certain standards set by FIFA, the international soccer organization. But what exactly does this certification entail? And why is it important?
First, it's important to understand FIFA's requirements for artificial turf. According to the organization's Requirements Manual, synthetic sports turf must meet certain standards in areas such as ball bounce, shock absorption, and resistance to rotation. These requirements are designed to ensure that the turf provides a consistent and safe playing surface for athletes.
To receive FIFA certification, turf manufacturers must submit their products to an approved FIFA laboratory for testing. The testing process involves a series of tests on the finished sports turf and the individual components that make up the turf. The main tests include:
1. Ball Roll: This test measures the friction between the ball and the turf and determines how fast and how far the ball rolls across the surface.
2. Impact Absorption: This test measures the turf's ability to absorb impact from a player's foot or body, which can help prevent injuries.
3. Rotational Resistance: This test measures how well the turf resists rotation when a player's foot rotates across the surface. This is important for preventing knee and ankle injuries.
If the turf passes all the required tests, it will receive FIFA certification. This certification is valid for three years, after which the manufacturer must apply for re-certification.
So why is FIFA certification important? Firstly, it helps ensure that players can play on a safe and consistent playing surface no matter where they are in the world. It also incentivizes turf manufacturers to continually improve their products to meet FIFA's high standards.
In addition, FIFA certification is often a necessity for hosting major international football tournaments. In order to be considered as a host, stadiums must have a FIFA-certified playing surface. This means that obtaining certification can be a big selling point for turf manufacturers and stadium operators.
FIFA artificial turf certification helps ensure that artificial turf playing surfaces meet high standards of safety and consistency. If you're involved in the world of football or artificial turf, it's worth understanding the requirements and testing process for obtaining this certification.
FIFA Artificial Turf Certification Mark
The latest FIFA certification system for artificial turf now includes three different categories: "FIFA BASIC", "FIFA QUALITY" and "FIFA QUALITY PRO". The new "FIFA BASIC" is designed for recreational and community-level play areas. The "FIFA QUALITY" logo replaces the previous FIFA Recommended 1 Star and is aimed at amateur sports fields and training grounds. The "FIFA QUALITY PRO" designation replaces the FIFA Recommended 2 Stars and is designed for professional-level fields suitable for international and high-level professional competitions.
Different FIFA artificial turf certified fields
