Artificial Surfaces For Outdoor Sports 2013

Design
Guidance Note
Creating a sporting habit for life
N
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D I O
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Artificial FO U
Surfaces
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F T D I
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for
D Outdoor
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F T F O Sport
R A Updated guidance for 2013
D
Artificial Surfaces for Outdoor Sport Design
Guidance Note
Foreword
Sport England believes that good facilities are
fundamental to developing sporting opportunities Sport England’s Design
for everyone, from the youngest beginner to the Guidance Notes aim to:
international class athlete. Outdoor sports
facilities, whether large or small, can encourage • Increase awareness of
civic pride and assist the process of revitalising
deprived neighbourhoods. Facilities that are well
good design in sports
designed, built to last and well maintained are a facilities
pleasure to use and give an ample return on the
time and money invested in their construction and • Help key building
day to day operation. professions, clients,
Good design needs to be based on a sound user representatives
understanding of issues such as the current trends
and practices within individual sports, the wider and other stakeholders
leisure industry and the lessons learnt from to follow best practice
previously built schemes.
Good design needs to be embraced within the • Encourage well
earliest vision statement for a particular project designed sports
and enshrined in the initial briefing stage through
to the final detailed specifications and operational facilities that meet the
arrangements. needs of sports and
are a pleasure to use.
Sport England Design Guidance Notes aim to

promote a greater general understanding of overall
design concepts, an appreciation of technical
issues and the critical factors that need to be
considered in reaching the appropriate solution for
a particular project. They also advise where further
information, advice and expertise may be found
and point to benchmark examples.
December Revision 003 1 © Sport England 2013

Guidance Note
Contents
1.0 Introduction 3 6.0 Operation and maintenance 34
• General • Playing surface
• Advantages of artificial surfaces • Outdoor sports lighting
• Common forms of artificial sports areas • Costs in use and replacement funds
• School provision
• Technical language Appendix 1 36
• Background and trends Typical layouts
• Typical construction
• Active Design principles
2.0 Key issues 12

• Preparing the brief
• Sports performance standards
• Consultation
• Planning risk
• Site investigations
• Quality assurance
• Risk of physical injury
• Testing against performance standards
• Management, programming and flexibility
3.0 The choice of playing surface 17

• Classification of surfaces
• The range of construction techniques
4.0 Site planning principles 25

• Site considerations and location
• Infrastructure
• Trees
• Flood plains and areas at risk of flooding
5.0 Detailed design considerations 28

• Drainage
• Base and sub-base construction
• Playing lines
• Initial settling down period for surfaces
• Corrective / remedial action to surfaces
• Equipment
• Equipment storage
• Fencing
• Divider netting and screening
• Ball rebound systems
• Outdoor sports lighting

Guidance Note
1.0 Introduction Advantages of artificial surfaces

The general advantages of artificial pitches over
General
natural grass can be summarised as allowing:
This Design Guidance Note considers design
issues for a wide range of outdoor sport spaces • Greater durability
including pitches, single sports use courts and
multi use games areas (MUGAs) with artificial • More efficient use of space
surfaces constructed from various combinations • Increased usage 2
of man-made materials 1. It is concerned with
optimising the provision of all such facilities • Flexibility
whether they are located in new or existing
schools, local parks, sports clubs or as part of • Better overall value for money
larger regeneration projects.
• Defined performance characteristics.
The guidance covers:
• The benefits of various surface materials A further advantage is that less maintenance is
required for a given level of use when compared
• Design concepts to natural grass. However it is a myth that artificial
playing surfaces are maintenance-free. For
• Common technical expressions example, an artificial grass pitch is likely to have
the same annual maintenance cost as a turf pitch,
• Technical classifications of various playing
but be able to take ten times as much use 3.
surfaces
Specification and construction techniques can be
• Suitability of surfaces for various levels of tailored to a spectrum of uses and budgets, and
sports at training or performance levels include casual kick about or recreation areas, more
serious training pitches and various levels of
• Other sources of information and more
competition venues.
detailed advice.
However, there are important safety and
management implications that are explained later
in this document (see Section 2.0).
Artificial pitches can provide
an array of cost effective
and efficient facilities to suit
a wide range of sports and
physical activities.
A polymeric hard court used as an informal play and

amenity area within a school site
2
Subject to weather conditions, a well-maintained grass
1
This new guidance supersedes the previous Sport pitch would allow some seven hours of use per week.
England / SAPCA document ‘A Guide to the Design, 3
‘Maintaining Synthetic Turf: Sand Filled Systems, The
Specification and Construction of Multi Use Games
Cranfield - IOG Guidelines’
Areas (MUGAs) including Multi-Sport Synthetic Turf
Pitches (STPs) - Part 1 (of 3) – General Guidance and ‘The SAPCA Code of Practice for the Maintenance of
Design Considerations; Dimensions and Layouts Synthetic Sports Surfaces’

Guidance Note
School provision
For school sites, artificial sports surfaces offer
advantages and are promoted in standard briefing
guides for schools 4:
• Sports pitches
All-weather pitches, including artificial grass

pitches or polymeric surfaces, allow more
intensive use than grass and, particularly with
floodlighting, can also offer a popular
community resource.
• Games courts
Laying out a variety of courts within a single

multi use games area makes supervision
easier and extends the range of games. It
must be recognised however, that whenever
a facility is designed for use by two or more
sports, it is likely that the different sports will
Mini tennis court included in a multi sports hard court area have different ‘ideal’ playing characteristics
and some compromise in performance is
likely.
Common forms of external artificial sports areas
• Athletics training facilities
The most usual forms of external artificial sports
areas include: Not many schools have the necessary space
to accommodate full-sized athletics tracks.
• Small informal play areas with mini sports Schools and their design teams should look
features first at the space available and then consider if
other sports can also be included with athletics.
• Small multi use games areas (often referred to Polymeric surfaces are the preferred option for
as MUGAs) athletics but an artificial grass surface is an
acceptable option.
• Specialist courts for tennis or netball • Other school areas
• Larger format pitches that can be used for Artificial sports areas offer great potential for
training for hockey, football and/or rugby other ‘hard’, ‘informal’ and ‘social areas’ on a
school site. See Sport England document
• Competition pitches for hockey, football or ‘Thinking Differently’ for how imaginative
rugby design concepts can provide stimulating
physical education facilities in a school context.
• Cricket wickets (match and practice)
• Athletics training facilities
• Flat green bowls facilities.
However, every situation should be considered from

first principles and the briefing and design process
should be tailored to the needs of each locality.
Flexibility should be built in to help maximise use
and promote long-term sustainability. For example,
a full-sized artificial grass pitch (AGP) for hockey or
football can be designed for a number of smaller Colour used to enliven a multi use artificial grass
5-a-side pitches across the width or as a flexible pitch on a school site
physical education area - see Appendix 1 for typical
layouts.
4 BB 98 Briefing Framework for Secondary School
Projects. DfES
BB 99 Briefing Framework for Primary Schools
Projects. DfES

Guidance Note
Technical language See Sports and Play Constructors Association

Common technical expressions and (SAPCA) web site for a full list of technical terms.
abbreviations. http://www.sapca.org.uk/page.asp?node=39&sec=Glossary_of_Terms
All weather Playing surface unaffected by rain (but Engineered Description of the sub-surface layers
surface effected by frost and snow). base of a sports surfacing system where the
Astroturf 1 Trade name of original artificial grass structural layers supporting the
product often mis-used as a generic surfacing system are of a bituminous-
term for artificial grass. bound macadam construction. This
contrasts with a ‘dynamic base’
AGP Artificial Grass Pitch: Preferred term system where the sub-surface layers
used to describe a playing surface made are unbound. Engineered bases can
from strands of polymeric material such also be of in-situ formed concrete with
as nylon or polypropylene. respect to artificial surfaced bowls
ATP Artificial Turf Pitch: As AGP above, greens or cricket wickets.
refers to a playing surface made from Football turf FIFA reference to ‘3G’ pitches.
strands of polymeric material such as
nylon or polypropylene. FTP Football turf pitch - The FA’s abbreviation
for a 3G surfaced football pitch.
AP Active Places - database of facilities
which provides the baseline information Hard court A sport surface based on road building
for all the ‘Active’ planning tools. technology with little or no cushioning
/ resilience within the playing surface.
APE Active People / Active England – the
survey results from the December 2006 LA Local Authority.
report, relating to current participation LAA Local Area Agreement.
rates for adults i.e. 3 x 30 minutes of LDF Local Development Framework.
participation in sport and physical
activity per week. MUGA Multi Use Games Area.
BB 98 The minimum level of provision, across NGB National Governing Body.
all spaces, recommended for Participation Where participation is referred to, this
secondary schools. means 5 x 30 minutes per week, which
BB99 The minimum level of provision, across is the basis on which the current levels
all spaces, recommended for primary have been assessed for adults (16+),
schools. and on which any increases will be
measured by Sport England (Active
BSF Building Schools for the Future. People Survey) hours per week of
BREEAM Building Research Establishment quality PE for every student, plus 2
Environmental Assessment Method, for hours per week of quality PE / physical
various sustainability factors. activity out of school hours.
CSN Community Sports Network. Polymeric A term covering plastics, rubbers and
CSP County Sports Partnership. synthetic resins.
Community Describes facilities, which are 100% PCT Primary Care Trust.
Use accessible for use on a turn up and play PESSCL The Physical Education and School
basis; no membership fee required. Sport Club Links Strategy.
Community Legal agreement that defines the PSA Public Service Agreement.
use extent of community use of
S106 Section 106 (S106) of the Town and
agreements educational facilities.
Country Planning Act 1990 allows a
DDA Disability Discrimination Act. Local Planning Authority (LPA) to enter
Dynamic Description of the sub-surface layers of into a legally-binding agreement or
Base a sports surfacing system where the planning obligation with a landowner in
layers, supporting the surfacing system, association with the granting of planning
are of an unbound construction. This permission. The obligation is termed a
contrasts with an ‘engineered base’ Section 106 Agreement.
system where the sub-surface layers These agreements are a way of delivering
are bituminous-bound macadam. or addressing matters that are necessary
Extended The initiative which seeks to increase to make a development acceptable in
Schools access to a number of activities for the planning terms. They are increasingly
community on school sites, outside used to support the provision of services
curriculum time; activities could and infrastructure, such as highways,
include sport, ICT, etc recreational facilities, education, health
and affordable housing.

Guidance Note
Sand filled A type of artificial grass pitch (normally Needle A type of carpet commonly used for all
pitch of tufted carpet) where the carpet is punch types of sports facilities, primarily
fully sand-filled to within 2 – 3 mm of bowls, cricket and tennis. It is formed
the top of the pile. by layers of polymer fibres which are
Sand A type of artificial grass pitch (normally needled together. The carpet can be
dressed of tufted carpet) where the carpet is sand filled or non-sand filled to suit the
pitch only partially filled with sand. The sand intended sport.
is to help stabilise the carpet and Woven Can be either a woven polypropylene
retain some moisture in the system. carpet (cloth-like in appearance)
The infill is not normally necessary for which is non sand filled primarily used
the playing performance of the for indoor and outdoor bowls greens
surface. or a non-filled artificial grass cricket
Shock pad A resilient layer below the playing carpet.
surface to give a degree of cushioning
/ resilience to an impact of a player or
ball. Outdoor sports
SSP School Sports Partnership.
surfaces can be split
STP Synthetic turf pitch. As AGP above,
refers to a playing surface made from into two categories -
strands of polymeric material such as
nylon or polypropylene.
natural and artificial.
The 5 Hour The Government PSA target which A natural surface is one
Offer seeks to provide all 5 - 16 year olds
with access to 5 hours of sport per
formed by the suitable
week by 2011, which includes 2 preparation of natural areas of
curriculum hours of quality PE , and 3 land (such as grass).
hours of sport and physical activity
out of curriculum time; for 16-19 year An artificial surface is one
olds the aim is to encourage them to
take part in 3 hours of sport and constructed with a variety of
physical activity per week. The man-made materials (such as
activity in extra curriculum time will be
delivered in partnership with e.g.
timber boards, synthetic
clubs. products or bituminous
Water A type of artificial grass pitch (normally products).
based of woven carpet) where the carpet is
pitch not filled with sand. The carpet is Within each of these groupings, there
usually shorter piled than the sand are many sub-categories of surfaces
filled type having a much higher pile which are used for a multitude of
density and requiring a regular different sports.
application of water during matches to
reduce player friction and slow the
speed of the ball down across the See the Sport England Design Guidance Note
surface. Combined with some form of ‘Athletics’ for examples of athletics tracks
underlay / shock-pad, sometimes integrated with an all weather pitch.
integral. The carpets and / or the pad
are typically designed to retain the
applied water whilst maintaining a free
draining characteristic.
3G pitch An abbreviation of the so called ‘third
generation’ of artificial grass pitch
construction using longer pile artificial
grass with a rubber crumb infill /
dressing within the pile to influence
friction and impact characteristics.
Artificial surface with a simple weather protective structure

Guidance Note
Figure 3 below demonstrates the potential for greater use of artificial turf pitches for athletics training:
• Hockey pitch enclosure (63.0 x 101.4 m)
• 200 m, six-lane marked training circuit
• 100 m, six-lane straight and gates to the perimeter fence to access run off and landing pit areas
The principle could be equally well applied to a multi use games area development.
1.8m high
perimeter
200m, 6-lane training circuit fencing
Hockey pitch
Run-off Gates to
area fencing
Landing pit Run-up
area
100m, 6-lane straight
Artificial grass can be used both as an indoor and outdoor

sports surface
See ‘Floors for Indoor Sports’ Design Guidance

Note available from the Sport England web site.

Guidance Note
Background and trends The technological advances in artificial grass in

recent years has led to a general acceptance of the
The majority of outdoor sports have evolved in
surface for training and increasingly for competition.
environments using natural turf. However, in recent
Hockey was the first sport to adopt the surface for
times, the desirability of using natural turf in some
competition play and the FIH was the first
situations has been brought into question.
International Sports Governing Body to publish
Restrictions on available land, increasing
performance standards for artificial grass pitches
participation in sport, the need to lessen external
which has now become the accepted standard.
environmental influences and the desire to reduce
Football initially viewed the surface as mainly suitable
operating and maintenance costs have led to
for training due to disparity in the playing
alternatives becoming more widely used.
characteristic when compared to natural turf.
See separate Sport England Design Guidance However, the situation has changed with the
Note ‘Natural Turf for Sport’ for further details of introduction of the latest ‘third generation’ (3G)
the maintenance requirements, limitations in use artificial grass surface and recent work on
due to wet weather and recovery time after use. performance standards. The use of ‘3G’ pitches is
allowed in all FA competitions (FA & FA Youth Cup to
In the late 1970’s, there was a large demand for
the first round proper) and some league matches.
sports facilities which fuelled the growth in artificial
The FA have published guidance documents entitled
alternatives. Difficulties maintaining natural turf
‘The FA Guide to Artificial Grass Pitches’ (Third
and a shortage of available space (especially for
Edition) in 2010, the ‘Third Generation Football Turf
inner cities) further amplified the demand. Many
Guidance - Information for Players, Referees, Clubs,
approaches were made in the search for an
Leagues and Groundstaff’ and ‘The FA Guide to 3g
appropriate substitute for grass which could
Football Turf Pitch Design Principles and Layouts’ in
sustain a high level of use, required little
2012 all of which are available on line.
maintenance, and yet still provided a suitable
surface that offered desirable playing There has been significant growth in interest in
characteristics. The one technical development mini soccer, 9 v 9 and small-sided football and a
that has had the greatest impact was the use of high demand for five-a-side pitches in both school
plastics and rubber surfacing systems. and community recreation sites. Similarly, the
growth in female football participation has a major
The first installation of an artificial grass pitch
implication for new pitch provision.
(AGP) is accredited to the Monsanto Company in
the USA; it was designed and constructed with A similar situation can be seen in rugby with a
sponsorship from the Ford Foundation at Moses performance specification now being agreed by
Brown School, Providence, Rhode Island in 1964. the sports governing body subject to a selection
The first mainstream installation was at the procedure that ensures that key safety
‘Astrodome’ in Houston, Texas, in 1966. Artificial characteristics are verified 5.
grass was considered because natural grass
It should be noted that separate and different
would not grow indoors under artificial lighting and
performance specifications have now been agreed
survive heavy usage. With the success and
for hockey, football and rugby. For high level
versatility of this system, it soon became prevalent
specialist facilities, there are testing and licensing
in the USA for both indoor and outdoor use. The
requirements set out by the sports governing
first AGP in Britain was installed in 1971 as a
bodies to ensure safety, but there are potential
non-commercial football facility for Islington
issues in a multi sports context that need to be
Borough Council, London. An AGP was considered
considered to ensure that the correct surface is
because of the durability/cost ratio and the limited
selected. See later Section 3.
availability of land. After this installation, the
introduction of AGP’s became widespread in the Artificial surfaces are widely used for cricket practice
UK. and match wickets and the England and Wales
Cricket Board (ECB) have published a performance
During the 1980’s, a more scientific approach led
standard and associated documents for non-turf
to definitions of the mechanical properties for
cricket pitches covering construction and
individual sports that could be verified by
performance requirements 6. The ECB publish a list
laboratory and on-site testing. Today there are a
of approved ‘non-turf pitch’ systems and suppliers.
wide range of ‘standards’ that can be used to
design and test the actual playing qualities of
sports surfaces through their life span. Such 5 http://www.irb.com/mm/document/lawsregs/0/
standards are being increasingly integrated into regulation22080611_6080.pdf
the ‘rules of play’ and the safety issues for the 6 http://www.ecb.co.uk/development/facilities-funding/facilities-
majority of outdoor sports. See later Section 3. guidance-and-project-development/ts6-performance-
standards-for-non-turf-cricket-pitches,1574,BP.html

Guidance Note
Typical construction
An artificial surfacing system is generally made up
from a number of layers (top down):
• Surface layer e.g. carpet, polymeric material
• Shock absorbing layer often termed shockpad
• A stable and carefully regulated base layer on

which the synthetic surfacing is supported e.g.
OO Porous macadam - a hot-rolled blend of
aggregate and stiff bitumen binder
OO Compacted sand
Similarly, artificial surfaces are widely used for flat
green bowls and World Bowls have published a OO Specialised mineral particulate materials
performance standard describing the construction OO In-situ formed concrete (occasionally
and performance requirements for flat green bowls used for bowling green and cricket wicket
surfaces 7. bases)
• Crushed broken stone sub-base layer -
normally a compacted graded aggregate
• Geo-synthetic layer (to prevent the migration

of particles between layers)
• Consolidated subsoil (or compacted fill), often

the natural soil found on site or a ‘stabilised’
formation. Drainage is normally installed within
the subsoil.
shockpad
Surface &
25 mm Carpet and fill
The distinction between ‘natural’ and ‘artificial’ 15 mm Rubber shock pad

grass pitch construction has become blurred due 25 mm 10 mm porous asphalt
to the development of artificial grass ‘reinforcing’ Base
systems. These consist of polymeric fibres or 40 mm 20 mm porous asphalt
ribbons that are ‘planted’ at regular spacings into
a natural grass pitch or blended into the soil
forming the rootzone to give improved durability
and withstand more intensive use. Polymeric fibres
are also blended with sand to form artificial
Stone sub-base
equestrian surfaces.
300 mm MOT Type 1 subbase
Geo-synthetic layer
Formation
Compacted subsoil
Typical build-up for an artificial surfacing system
7 http://www.worldbowlsltd.co.uk/artificialsurfaces.html

Guidance Note
Variations on these designs are not uncommon

and they will differ between sports. For example,
a shockpad may not always be used or needed
and in some instances the porous macadam will
be the surfacing layer or a stiffened in-situ formed
shockpad may serve as a combined macadam /
shockpad system (known as an e/layer).
Polymeric surfaces can be found both in high level

competition venues and in local school sites
The key principles are:
• Accessibility
Separate artificial grass performance specifications are Improving accessibility refers to the provision
now available for hockey, football and rugby of easy, safe and convenient access to a
choice of opportunities for participating in
See Section 3.0 for more details. sport, active travel and physical activity for the
whole community.
Active Design principles
Active Design 8 provides easy-to-use guidance • Amenity
and information to town planners, architects and
Enhancing amenity involves the promotion of
urban designers on how to put sport and
environmental quality in the design and layout
opportunities to get active at the heart of new
of new sports and recreational facilities, the
housing and community developments, both
links to them and their relationship to other
public and private.
development and the wider public realm.
• Awareness
Increasing awareness highlights the need for

increased prominence and legibility of sports
and recreation facilities and opportunities for
exercise through the layout of the development.
For many sports, artificial grass is increasingly seen as the Shared community use of a school facility that is conveniently
standard surface for training located in a prominent part of a school development
8
See ‘Active Design’ download available from the Sport
England web site.

Guidance Note
See the Football

Association’s
publication ‘Football
Facilities in Schools’
for technical advice
and sample designs. Artificial play facility as an integrated part of a general
www.thefa.com/GetIntoFootball/~/media/8115 amenity space
02B66FF043EB90281494EA6759B2.ashx/
FA%20BSF%20document.pdf
Imaginative design adding to the awareness of physical

activity spaces
Full sized pitches

orientated in north /
south sector to avoid
glare problems from
low level winter sun
All weather pitch

located to avoid
conflicts with Imaginative sporting
adjoining elements integrated into
residential the general school realm
areas
Appropriate management
arrangements integrated
into the design
Key:
1 Pitches
Prominent location of all Car parking and changing
weather pitch to increase 2 Games Courts
accommodation to support the
awareness and encourage community use of the sport 3 Soft informal and social
shared community use facilities 4 Hard informal and social
5 Habitat
Remaining area is ‘Buildings
and Access Area’
The principles of Active Design applied to a typical school site
http://www.activeplaces.com/

Guidance Note
2.0 Key issues understand all the safety implications and where
compromise might or might not be acceptable.
Preparing the brief See Section 3.0.
Critical to the success of any sports facility is an Sports performance standards
assessment of the likely use of the facility and the
ability of a particular location to meet the strategic BS EN 15330 ‘Surfaces for Sports Areas’ lays down
and local sports needs. It must be determined the basic requirements for artificial grass and
which sports the facility will provide for, the needle punched surfaces for a variety of sports and
standards of playing performance needed, and the many sports governing bodies have identified key
priorities for usage between them. The choice of performance criteria for their sport which are
sports and the feasible balance between them designed to ensure that the surface does not
may also depend on the different levels of income inadvertently affect the way the game is played and
generation that are possible. The initial planning ensures safety criteria are met. These requirements
stage should also include a thorough assessment are based on the behaviour of ‘good quality’ natural
of the proposed management and operation of the or equivalent surfaces and relate to the way the ball
new facility. It is vitally important that all and player interact with the surface. In particular the
stakeholders are made aware of the proposed height the ball bounces, the distance it rolls and the
design and layout of the facility before the planning hardness of the surfaces are evaluated.
application is submitted, to avoid costly errors. If the surface is to be used for top-level
No one surface or court configuration will be ideal competition, some governing bodies will need it to
for every combination of use and it is important to be tested on a regular basis to ensure it continues
to meet their performance requirements. The FA
require annual testing for competition facilities and
Critical consideration some football leagues also insist on annual testing.
should be given to: Surfaces that are not used at the highest level of
competition do not require the same frequency of
• The priority sports / activities testing but should be checked on a regular basis
to ensure they are still acceptable for the sport.
• Levels of play If the surface is used for multi-sport then reference
can be made to the European standards (which
• The size and pitch / court incorporate the British Standards). These
marking standards are referred to in Table 1 on page 19.
• The site and surrounding Reference should be made, as appropriate, to
areas other relevant sources of information, including:
• The intensity of use • Other technical standards such as

Construction Codes of Practice 9
• The sports performance and
playability characteristics • Technical requirements of funding bodies
required
• Technical requirements of the individual
• The potential income and National Governing Bodies (NGBs).
expenditure Consultation
• The management and Early consultation is essential with the sports sector
maintenance regime (e.g. sports clubs, stakeholder groups) and the
surrounding catchment to understand the demand
• Establishing a sinking fund for community use and local views. The current
for future replacement of the provision on the proposed site should be compared
surface with what is being planned for the future. This
should include the likely usage in terms of days /
• Funding body requirements hours and how this could be managed in the light
of the community consultation. The potential sports
• Business plan
• The FA require annual testing 9
See Sports and Play Constructors’ Association
for all FA competitions. http://www.sapca.org.uk/

Guidance Note
Site investigations
Consultation with the The cost of a new facility can be greatly influenced
by site conditions and might be significantly higher
potential users to ensure for engineering on a difficult site. In some cases,
an attractive design that: site conditions can render an otherwise attractive
project to be financially unviable.
• Meets needs A designer has to consider the following factors:
• Encourages ‘ownership’ • Topography

• Access
• Is fun to use.
• Site drainage
Avoid the perception that • Electrical supply
the facility is unsafe or • Water supply
dominated by a single • Trees
group or sport. • Underlying soil conditions
activities for the site should be considered against • Biodiversity issues.

the proposed specifications to ensure they are fit
for purpose and truly multi use. Before starting detailed design, the designer will
require as much information as possible about the
Identify where uncertainty might exist about site and its surroundings. Allowing sufficient
precise needs for the facility and how flexibility resources for a thorough initial information gathering
might be increased by selecting a surface that can exercise greatly reduces the risk of unforeseen
accommodate a range of sports/activities. problems (and increased costs) during construction
Consider also if the design ensures accessibility and after completion. It is strongly recommended
to all users and whether the changing/storage that this information be obtained at an early stage
facilities are appropriate. of the design process and be made available to all
contractors tendering for the construction of the
facilities.
Sporting outcomes should
be integral to the initial Undertake early detailed
design brief and reviewed site surveys and ground
throughout the: investigations to reduce
• Design project risks.
• Construction Understanding the ground conditions is vital, as
the greatest risk of unforeseen problems and
• Operational phases of additional cost usually lies in the ground. Gathering
the scheme. information is only the first step and may need to
be followed by fieldwork and laboratory testing.
The most important element in ground investigation
Planning risk is to confirm the type of underlying soil or rock.
The potential difficulties of obtaining planning This is done using either boreholes or trial pits to
consent should also be considered such as the allow close examination of each layer to provide a
conformity with local planning policy for ‘open detailed engineering description in accordance
spaces’ and the sensitivity of the site to the with BS 5930: Code of Practice for Site
inclusion of floodlighting, particularly where Investigations. This is required across the entire
income from use of the facility in the evening is development site to establish any variations.
fundamental to the success of the business plan. If the proposed site is a sloping one, it may be
See later Section 4.0 and separate ‘Artificial Sports necessary to level it, in which case the investigation
Lighting’ Design Guidance Note available from the should include an assessment of the soils that will
Sport England web site. be nearer the surface at the new, reduced level.

Guidance Note
The excavated plateau on which the pitch, track The load bearing capacity of a formation can also
or court is to be constructed is termed the be increased by overlaying it with purpose made
‘formation’. On a level site, this might be created plastic mesh products and/or installing the plastic
by simply scraping away the topsoil. On a sloping mesh within the foundation stone layer.
site, a level formation is most economically created
by a process of ‘cut-and-fill’ in which soil from the
higher part of the site is re-distributed to the lower
part. For this operation to be successful, it must
be confirmed that the soils that will be encountered
can be compacted firmly.
The formation is then compacted, usually by
rolling, to provide a firm stable platform on which
to build up the layers of the new construction. The
stability of the formation is measured in terms of
its bearing capacity (its ability to withstand loading
without deforming) often expressed as CBR
(California Bearing Ratio). It is essential that the
employer gets a firm pre-contract undertaking
from the contractor that the design of the sports
facility (based on existing ground conditions) will Plastic mesh within stone layer
ensure long term stability.
Creating a level plateau within a sloping site in this If floodlighting is to be installed it will be necessary
way will create changes between the pitch and its to determine the amount of power required and to
surrounds. If space permits, these differences are establish the capacity of the existing electrical
most economically dealt with by creating slopes, supply on the proposed site. Provision of a new
which can partly be used as spectator vantage electrical supply onto the site will generate a
areas. significant cost and time implication.
If the space is constrained, expensive retaining Whilst a MUGA, small pitch or a netball or tennis
structures may be the only way of dealing with the court may appear to only be a simple macadam
level differences. Abrupt changes of level bring construction with a synthetic or painted surface,
other complications, such as the need for barriers, the exacting demands and tolerances of sport
steps and special disabled access provision, all of mean that they should be built by companies with
which can also add considerably to the cost of the the relevant and proven construction expertise.
scheme. Likewise, consultants with specialist expertise
should be used for the design, specification and
If poor ground conditions are encountered on a project/construction management of all artificial
site, the formation can be ‘stabilised’ by treating pitch projects. Appropriate checks should be
the soils with cement and lime which is rotivated made on the contractors and designers before
into the site soils. This is a specialist process and selection to ensure they have the necessary
can only be attempted following detailed chemical experience, financial standing and proven quality
analysis of the site soils which indicates the of workmanship to undertake the work.
quantity and ratio of additives required.
Installation of ground stabilisation treatment Artificial grass pitch associated with an inner city sports centre

Guidance Note
reduce risk but also balance them against the

playing requirements of the particular sports and
Sizes and layouts should standards of the sporting activities. If a surface is
take account of: designed and specified correctly, it can greatly
reduce the potential risks through appropriate
• NGB dimensions levels of friction (between the shoe and surface),
surface deflection (how much the surface moves
• Levels of play during impact) and force reduction (how hard the
surface is) to the activities taking place.
• Margins and safety run Additionally, the manufacturer’s recommendations
for usage should be closely followed, in particular,
offs including placement of the use of appropriate footwear.
goal recesses
The Construction (Design and Management)
• Performance standards Regulations 2007 places additional duties on
designers to eliminate or reduce hazards and risk
• Location of lighting during design, and to advise on those risks that
remain. The term ‘designer’ is used broadly and
columns may include a client, contractor and anyone
involved in the preparation and modification of a
• Access routes to point of design or giving instructions to others. The
entry to court (including composition, construction requirements and the
wheelchair access). lifecycle implications of sports surfaces needs to
be understood. In addition, analysis and discussion
of the ‘in use’ health and safety implications of a
product will be required with end users, operators
Quality assurance and the client.
Proper quality assurance procedures should be Manufacturer’s recommendations should be
applied throughout construction; certain closely followed.
components of a synthetic surfacing system will be
factory-prefabricated, whilst others may be Testing against performance standards
manufactured in-situ from complex chemical
mixtures, the properties of which can be influenced Sports governing bodies set standards that define
by faulty workmanship, defective materials or the playing and safety criteria they consider
adverse weather conditions. It is therefore essential appropriate for their sports. In addition, there are
that an experienced and qualified professional is EN (European) Standards for sports surfaces.
employed to inspect the works during construction Compliance with these standards can be
to ensure that pitch is being constructed to the mandatory when competitive matches are to be
correct specification and standards. played. It is therefore important that the level of
competition and the relative importance of different
Risk of physical Injury uses of a sports area are established during the
design of the facility to ensure the playing surface
Impacts with sports surfaces can lead to a range will provide the performance required. Even when
of potential physical injuries if they are not used or no competition regulations apply, compliance with
designed correctly. These injuries can be split into relevant standards is often required in order to
acute and chronic; acute injuries occur suddenly ensure the facility is ‘fit for purpose’ and to show
during activity and include injuries such as sprains, that the site operator is complying with their legal
friction burns and fractures; chronic injuries usually obligations and the requirements of their insurers.
occur as a result of overusing one part of the body
over a prolonged period of time. Whilst acute Specific sports standards can be obtained directly
injuries are often more severe than chronic injuries, from the relevant sports governing body (check
the causes of both need to be considered when their websites) and European Standards can be
designing a sports surface. purchased and downloaded from:
Obviously accidents can happen and no surface http://www.bsi-global.com/.
will remove all the risks but certain factors should BS EN 15330 ‘Surfaces for Sports Areas’ is the
be considered when designing and procuring a most relevant for outdoor sports. As the
sports surface to ensure these risks are reduced. performance of a playing surface will change
There are many materials used in the construction throughout its life, periodic re-testing should be
of sports surfaces and these can be engineered to

Guidance Note
undertaken to ensure the facility is still performing

to the required standards. Some sports governing Major Project Stages
bodies give guidance on the frequency of
re-testing. Where this is not provided, a frequency Preparation (RIBA Stages 0 & 1)
of 2-3 years, depending on levels of use, is often
recommended.
Review of project brief
Management, programming and flexibility Establish the relevant Performance Quality
The management of the artificial surface and the Standards (PQS)
way that it will be used on a day-to-day level needs
to be considered at an early briefing stage. For Business justification
example, the arrangement for teams/individuals to
make bookings, the degree of security and Site investigations
supervision that will be appropriate, the Review of site constraints
arrangement for regular cleaning and for periodic
maintenance need to be factored in to a business Approximate estimate of costs
plan for the facility. See the table below for a model
to calculate the level of use and maintenance.
Design (RIBA Stages 2 & 3)
Usage Example
hours / year Establish a procurement strategy
School use: lessons / games 800
Additional information
Community use (practice) 200 Concept design
Community use (full matches) 600 Concept and detailed design approvals
Community use (recreational) 100

Pre-Construction (RIBA Stages 4)
Maintenance hours 150
Detailed design information
See Section 6.0 - Operation and Maintenance 10. Tender documentation
TENDER process
Investment decision
Construction (RIBA Stages 5 & 6)
Construction Process
Project Completion
Testing against Performance Quality Standards
(PQS)
Establish if pitch is ready to use
Use (RIBA Stage 7)
Aftercare and ongoing maintenance programme

Periodic testing against PQSs
10
See also ‘Maintaining Synthetic Turf: Sand Filled Major stages of project development
Systems, The Cranfield - IOG Guidelines’

Guidance Note
3.0 The choice of playing surface

Among the most commonly played sports on
multi-sports games areas are:
• Tennis
• Mini tennis
• Netball / basketball
• Five-a-side football
• Hockey.
One of the important issues relating to the choice
Other sports that might also be played include: of surface is the need for some form of shock
absorbency (or cushioning), but again, there can
• Uni-hockey
be conflicting requirements between the sports.
• Rugby union and rugby league On the one hand, there are clear benefits for
participants in protection from injury, but on the
• Lawn bowls other hand too much cushioning of the surface
may be detrimental to the performance of certain
• Cricket sports, such as tennis, basketball and netball.
Rugby Union and Rugby League are examples of
• Tag rugby sports where the synthetic surfacing system
• Rounders requires a high degree of shock absorbency to
prevent head injury during full contact training
• Athletics practice sessions and competitive matches.
It is increasingly possible to quantify the playing
• Tri-golf
performance of sports surfaces using a series of
• Roller hockey standard test methods to measure the different
characteristics and a number of NGBs can provide
• Volleyball guidance on the individual recommendations for
their own sports.
• Lacrosse.
Whilst some sports facilities are built for the sole

use of a single sport, many have to cater for a
number of activities on the same surface. This will
inevitably lead to design compromises as certain
types of surface are more suitable to some sports
than others. In recognition of this, manufacturers
are making great efforts and technological
advances to design surfaces that provide a good
playing experience for more than one sport.
Table 2 on page 20 identifies the general suitability
of main types of playing surface for a range of
sports. The standard of competition to be
accommodated may also influence the choice of
surfacing 11.
High fencing is commonly installed adjacent to car parks

11 and roads
These descriptions are provided as a general guide and
are not necessarily the views of individual NGBs.

Guidance Note
Classification of surfaces • Type 4

In the past, multi use games areas (MUGAs) have Polymeric surface over macadam base areas
been classified in a numerical system that can be used for recreational football, basketball and
summarised as: general sports and recreational training and
play. Due to their greater shock absorbency
• Type 1 and lower surface friction, these areas are not
Open textured porous macadam areas used recommended for tennis or netball.
for ball rebound sports where tennis is the • Type 5
priority and sports such as mini-tennis, netball,
and basketball are secondary users. These Artificial grass areas (MUGAs or AGPs) with a
areas are suitable for wheelchair sports shockpad and either heavily doused with
although care is needed in warm weather water before play or filled or dressed with sand
during the first year of use. or rubber crumb. These areas are used for
sports such as hockey, five-a-side football,
• Type 2 football, lacrosse, American football and
Open textured porous macadam areas used training for activities such as athletics, rugby
for ball rebound sports where netball is the union and rugby league. ‘3G’ artificial grass
priority and sports such as tennis, mini-tennis, with long pile and rubber particulate pile filling
and basketball are secondary users. These is less suitable for hockey. Competitive (i.e. full
areas are suitable for wheelchair sports contact) rugby union and rugby league must
although care is needed in warm weather be played on pitches which have a high degree
during the first year of use. of shock absorbency as specified by the
NGBs of those sports.
• Type 3
Recent rapid development of various combinations
Polymeric surface over macadam base areas of artificial grass surfaces (i.e. type 5) make it more
used for ball rebound sports where netball is useful to group products under other
the priority and sports such as tennis, characteristics such as the pile height of the grass
mini-tennis, and basketball are secondary and types of fill. Current terms used within the
users. These areas are suitable for wheelchair industry are used in Table 1 on page 19.
sports.

Guidance Note
Sport Surface type Relevant Standards

Recreational Macadam SAPCA Code of Practice for the Construction and Maintenance of
football Tennis Courts (macadam courts)
Polymeric BS EN 14877: Surfaces for Sports Areas – Specification for
Synthetic Surfaces (multi-use)
Needle punch surfacing BS EN 15330-2: Surfaces for Sports Areas – Specification for
synthetic turf and needle punched surfaces: Part 2 Specification
for needle punched surfaces (multi-use)
Small sided Sand-filled artificial grass BS EN 15330-1: Surfaces for Sports Areas – Specification for
football synthetic turf and needle punched surfaces: Part 1 Specification
for synthetic turf surfaces (football)
Long pile artificial grass BS EN 15330-1: Surfaces for Sports Areas – Specification for
Rugby Long pile artificial grass BS EN 15330-1: Surfaces for Sports Areas – Specification for
for synthetic turf surfaces (Rugby Union), or
IRB Regulation 22 for Rugby
Football (mini, Long pile artificial grass BS EN 15330-1: Surfaces for Sports Areas – Specification for
9v9, small sided synthetic turf and needle punched surfaces: Part 1 Specification
and full size for synthetic turf surfaces (football), or
pitches)
FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf – FIFA One Star Category
or International Artificial Turf Standard (IATS)
Hockey and Macadam SAPCA Code of Practice for the Construction and Maintenance of
hockey training Tennis Courts (macadam courts)
Polymeric BS EN 14877: Surfaces for Sports Areas – Specification for
Synthetic Surfaces (multi-use)
Non-filled artificial grass FIH Handbook of Performance Requirements for Synthetic Turf
Pitches
BS EN 15330-1: Surfaces for Sports Areas – Specification for
Sand-filled artificial grass FIH Handbook of Performance Requirements for Synthetic Turf
Pitches
BS EN 15330-1: Surfaces for Sports Areas – Specification for
for synthetic turf surfaces (hockey)
Needle punch surfacing BS EN 15330-2: Surfaces for Sports Areas – Specification for
for needle punched surfaces (multi-use)
Long pile artificial grass BS EN 15330-1: Surfaces for Sports Areas – Specification for
for synthetic turf surfaces (hockey) 12
Table 1: Types of sports surface and applicable standards – text in red identifies compliance with the standard is also a
competition rule of a sports governing body. Also see ‘The SAPCA Code of Practice for the Construction and Maintenance of
Synthetic Turf Sports Pitches’
12 See England Hockey web site for up-to-date advice on the certification of long pile / 3G pitches.
www.englandhockey.co.uk/page.asp?section=75&sectionTitle=Facilities

Guidance Note
Pitch type Porous Polymeric Water based Sand filled pitch Sand dressed Needle punch surfacing Short Pile 3G Long Pile 3G
Macadam pitch
Shockpad N/A N/A N/A Yes No Yes Yes No N/A N/A
Sport
Athletics mmmmmm llll mm l mmmmm ll mmmm ll mmmm ll mmmm ll mmmm ll mmmm ll mmmm ll mmmm
Basketball ll mmmm ll mmmm l mmmmm l mmmmm l mmmmm l mmmmm ll mmmm ll mmmm mmmmmm mmmmmm
1
Netball llll mm ll mmmm l mmmmm l mmmmm l mmmmm l mmmmm ll mmmm ll mmmm mmmmmm mmmmmm
Mini-tennis lll mmm ll mmmm l mmmmm l mmmmm l mmmmm l mmmmm ll mmmm ll mmmm mmmmmm mmmmmm
Tennis lll mmm ll mmmm mmmmmm l mmmmm ll mmmm l mmmmm l mmmmm ll mmmm mmmmmm mmmmmm
Use as school
Not suitable to be used as playground as this use will probably invalidate manufacturers warranty and increase maintenance requirements.
playground
Football,
Rugby Union,
Rugby League
mmmmmm mmmmmm See Table 3
and Hockey
Key mmmmmm Not suitable for use

l mmmmm Surface for modified games / training on but not suitable for
serious training / competiton
ll mmmm Surface for training/recreational use
lll mmm Surface for training and for some competition
llll mm Surface for competition and training
lllll m Surface for competition and training (regional / national)
llllll Surface for high level competition / training (national / international)
Note: 1 For netball it is preferred that the macadam is not colour coated
Table 2: General suitability of sports surfaces for various sports

Guidance Note
The range of construction techniques

The range of construction techniques that can be
used for artificial pitches are briefly described
below. See SAPCA - Codes of Practice for more
details.
Macadam
Macadam surfaces may take the form of dense or
porous macadam. Whilst the former may provide
a more durable surface and is typically laid on
school playgrounds it usually provides limited
benefits for sports use.
Porous macadam is used on around 80% of all
tennis courts in the UK and can be played on in Resurfaced porous macadam track
most weather conditions all year round. Most
netball courts are also of porous macadam. Polymeric Surface
Porous macadam courts may be colour coated to Polymeric surfaces have a degree of inherent
improve aesthetics and the playing environment. shock absorption, which may be varied by
This is achieved by either using pigmented increasing the thickness of the surfacing layer or
materials to form the macadam or by painting the altering the composition of the polymeric materials.
un-pigmented surface after installation. Although To provide the high degree of slip resistance
the use of pigmented macadam may be initially required by sports such as netball, a specially
higher, the increased durability of the colour may modified final coating can be applied although the
make it more suitable for areas of high use. use of this surface for ball contact sports will cause
a rapid reduction in its slip resistance. It is for this
The slip resistance of the colour coating is reason that combining sports such as five-a-side
important and requirements for this will vary for football and netball is not recommended.
tennis and netball 13.
Cushioning in
sports shoe and
polymeric
surface Porous structure
Cushioning in Porous structure
sports shoe Polymeric surface
Wearing surface
Porous macadam Base layer
Sub base layer Sub base layer
Geo-synthetic layer Geo-synthetic layer
Formation / drainage Formation / drainage
Sectional diagram of macadam construction Sectional diagram of polymeric construction
Thicker forms of the surface may be specified

where the intended sports include five-a-side
football or athletics training. This type of polymeric
is also capable (in some situations) of withstanding
running shoe spikes.
13
A guide to the design, specification and construction
of multi use games areas (MUGA’s) published by Sport
England in conjunction with SAPCA.

Guidance Note
Types of artificial grass surface generally a longer pile and various combinations
of rubber crumb, or sand and rubber fillings. These
There are many different types of artificial grass
are mainly suited towards football and rugby.
construction with a range of properties, and
advantages and disadvantages. Variables include
Rugby
the polymer used for the fibre yarn, the
cross-sectional shape and area of the individual 60 -65 mm rubber filled
ribbons of fibre, the method of carpet manufacture, artificial grass and shock
the pile height and pile density. pad
Typical sublayers build up*
Two principal designs are offered for multi-sports
areas, those with a vertical pile of tufted, woven or
knitted construction that is supported with a sand/ Football
rubber/other filling or dressing and those with an
55 - 60 mm rubber filled
interlocking pile of needle-punch construction that artificial grass and shock pad
are also filled or dressed with sand or other material.
The majority of artificial grass pitches in the past Typical sublayers build up*
have been surfaced with tufted sand filled carpets.
Experience has shown this form of carpet to have Hockey (International)
good durability and performance when used in the Typically 12 - 14 mm water filled
extreme wear conditions experienced on MUGAs. artificial grass and shock pad
Sand-dressed carpets are a more recent innovation. Typical sublayers build up*
They have a shorter, denser pile than the sand filled
systems with a much lower quantity of sand in the
Hockey
base of the pile and are primarily suited for MUGAs
where hockey is the primary sport. 25 mm sand filled / 18 mm dressed
artificial grass and shock pad
Typical sublayers build up*
Artificial grass surface construction
* Typical sublayer build up comprising 65 mm porous

macadam base / 300 mm stone subbase / geo-synthetic
layer and formation as per diagram on page 9. To be read
with Tables 2 and 3.
Artificial clay tennis courts that consist of artificial

Sand-filled pitch with 23 mm pile onto a 15 mm shock pad grass with a coloured mineral infill are becoming
for hockey and for football training popular. Some systems require no watering and
Needle-punched carpets offer benefits of the maintenance is much less demanding than
increased sand stability within the pile and higher natural clay surfaces.
drainage characteristics.
A more recent innovation are a number of so called
‘3G’ (third generation) or ‘long pile’ products with
Artificial clay tennis courts
Resurfaced pitch with 60 mm 3G long pile onto a 15

mm shock pad for football and for rugby training

Guidance Note
Shockpads used, it is important that all rolls should be laid

straight and true with the minimum of distortion.
A shockpad is a resilient layer introduced between
Head joints should be staggered by at least 1.0 m.
the base and the playing surface. The shockpad is
Prior to head jointing, each roll should be allowed to
used to provide increased comfort to players and
reach its optimum length before trimming. No joints
to create defined playing characteristics for
should have a variance in height greater than 2 mm.
specific sports. The shockpad also helps to retain
the performance characteristics. The most Several other forms of proprietary shockpad are
common components are rubber crumb/shred marketed and installed by contractors in the UK.
mixed with a resin binder, either manufactured as These include fibre pads, pads of closed-cell foam
prefabricated rolls or mixed and laid in-situ. (flexible as rolls or rigid as panels); pads which are
an integral part of the carpet system; composite
Shockpads constructed in-situ vary in thickness
pads, etc. Each has properties that the
from 15 mm to 35 mm depending on the
manufacturer must confirm and demonstrate (by
performance required and consist of a
independent test report) before a choice of
polyurethane binder mixed with rubber crumb /
synthetic surfacing system is made.
shred, installed as a cold mix through a special
paving machine. The thicker pads may also Experience has shown that the intensity of use of
contain pea gravel or other smaller aggregates and a MUGA can initiate carpet movement when a
are often referred to as ‘E-Layers’ which are smooth surfaced shockpad is used. If this form of
installed directly onto a stone base. The rough shockpad is selected the combination of carpet
texture of the shockpad helps grip the back of the and shockpad needs to provide adequate
artificial grass carpet, minimising the risk of carpet protection against carpet creep, this may involve
creep or movement. ribbon bonding (not total bonding which will impair
porosity), perimeter anchoring or other means of
perimeter carpet retention.
Artificial grass /
shock pad on
engineered base
Porous structure
Artificial grass Choose the surface

Base layer that best suits the
priority sport(s).
Sub base layer
Geo-synthetic layer
Formation / drainage
Sectional diagram of artificial grass with shockpad

construction
Pre-fabricated rubber pads come in two basic
types: ‘flat’ or ‘dimpled’. The type and thickness
chosen will be dictated by the priority sport,
although several different options may be able to
provide a surface that complies with the
requirements in terms of playing characteristics.
Dimple pads have a flat upper surface, with a
regularly spaced pattern of undulations on the
lower surface to form a rounded ‘egg box’ type
structure. Rolls are usually 1.25 m in width.
Lengths vary depending on thickness, but are
normally between 25 m and 35 m.
Rolls of prefabricated shockpad may be laid
perpendicular or parallel to the subsequent rolls of
artificial grass carpet. Whichever arrangement is

artificial grass40mm rubber filled artifi-
25mm sand filled a
Artificial Surfaces for Outdoor Sport cial grass Design25mm
Typical
Typical sublayer sublayer buildup*
buildup* grass and
Guidance Noteshock pa
grass
Pitch type Rubber crumb type Sand type
Typical sublayer buildup*
Typical
Water type
sublayer bu
1 1 1 Typic 1 1
Category Long Pile 3G
Long
Long Pile 3G
(60-65 mm with shock pad) (55-60 mm) Pile 3GShort Pile 3G
3G
(40 mm) Dense Short Pile 3G
Sand Filled Sand Dressed Water based
65mm rubber55-60mm filled artificial rubber

40mm filledrubber filled artifi-
grass and shock artificialpad grasscial grass 25mm sand filled 25mm artificial
sand dresse 12mm
grass and shock grass padand shock pa
grass
Typical sublayer
Typical buildup*sublayer buildup*
Typical sublayer bu
Comments
on sports
Rugby surface
Typical sublayer
Preferred 3G football
surface buildup*
Acceptable surface for
football and hockey
Acceptable surface for
competitive hockey and
Preferred surface for
competitive hockey and
High level competitive hockey
and suitable for football Typic
surfaces suitable for football training suitable for football training training if pitch irrigated
Sport
Dense Short Pile 3G
lll mmm2 12mm
llllllwater filled a
Hockey 2 2 2
mmmmmm mmmmmm llll mm lllll m
3G mm 25mm sand filled artificial
Rugby League llll mm3 llll 3
40mm
ll mmmmrubberlfilled
4
mmmmm artifi- 25mm 5
l mmmmmsand dressed l mmmmmartificial
grass
5
and shock pa
5
Rugby Union llllll 6 ll55-60mm

mmmm 7 rubberl mmmmm filled
cial grass 5
l
grass
mmmmm
and shock5grass
l mmmmm
pad and shock l 5 pad
mmmmm 5
Football lllll m8 artificial

lllll 8 grassllll mm 8
lTypical
mmmmm sublayer 9
l mmmmmbuildup* 9
l mmmmm 9
m
Typical sublayer bu
Key mmmmmm Not suitable for use
1
Shockpad optional: often needed to meet appropriate performance requirements
l mmmmm
Typical sublayer buildup* Surface must comply with FIH Standard (insitu tested)
Surface for modified games / training on but not suitable for
2
serious training / competiton 3 RFL currently evaluating surface standard - see their website for latest information
4 No full contact
25mm 12mm water filled artificial
Can only be sand
used for Tagdressed
and Touch Rugby /artificial
ll mmmm Surface for training / recreational use
5 Handling skills
lll mmm Dense Short 25mm Pile 3Gsand filled
Surface for training and for some competition 6
grass artificial
Surface grass
and shock pad enhanced
must comply with IRB type and
22 with shock pad
HIC requirement
llll mm Surface for competition and training 7 RFU currently evaluating surface standard - see their website for latest information
lllll m grass
40mm rubber filled artifi- Typical
Surface for competition and training (regional and
/ national) shock pad
sublayer buildup*
8 Surface must comply with FIFA 1 star or IATS equivalent approval required but
pitches less than full sizeTypical
including smallsublayer
sided and training buildup*
pitches can be
llllll
cial grass
Surface for high level competition / training (national / international)
Typical sublayer 9 buildup*
tested to and must comply with BS EN 15330-1 (2007 / 2008)
Surface must comply with BS EN 15330-1 & 2 (2007 / 2008)
Note: All users should refer to the individual NGB guidance, available on line, for specific information on the preferred categories
Typical sublayer buildup* 12mm water filled artificial
Table 3: Categories of Artificial Grass Pitches (AGPs)
grass and shock pad
25mm sand dressed artificial
Guidance Note
4.0 Site planning principles • Those where there is good access to the
facility for people with disabilities.
Site considerations and location
Avoid locating MUGAs or AGPs:
The location of an artificial pitch should be
sympathetic to its surroundings and any adjacent • Where steep gradients lead to and away from
infrastructure and early guidance should be sought the area, especially at personnel and
from the Local Planning Authority, particularly if the maintenance vehicle access points.
pitch is to be floodlit. In such cases it is essential
to consider the ambient night time lighting levels • Where access for people with disabilities will
and the light spillage contours for various be difficult.
floodlighting schemes before fixing the distances
to the boundary and surrounding roadways or • Where the facility is remote from support
buildings. Landscaping and mounding can be facilities such as changing accommodation
used to obviate noise breakout and floodlight
spillage. See separate Guidance Note ‘Artificial • In very exposed terrain - where needs dictate,
Sports Lighting’ for detailed design considerations it is advisable to install a shelter belt of
to prevent light pollution and nuisance. evergreen trees especially to the NE, N and
NW geographical aspects of a facility
The Local Authority should also be consulted on
whether the drainage system needs particular • Where it is not possible for access roads /
features to create a ‘Sustainable Urban Drainage footpaths and maintenance routes to reach the
Systems’ (SUDS) that controls the flow of water to main personnel / maintenance gates
a drainage outlet. This may have a significant
impact on the overall design and cost of the • Where incoming services (electricity feed
project. See Section 4.0. cables and water / drainage) will be prohibitively
expensive to install
The location of the facility must not create traffic
problems and adequate access roads and car • Where too many site perimeter and internal
parking should be provided. Typically, one car per security / access gates have to be passed,
three players can be used to assess traffic impact. meaning gates keep having to be locked and
This figure can be doubled in situations where the unlocked
changeover between matches is not staggered.
• Where it is not possible for a facility supervisor
to monitor personnel, vehicular and cycle
movements (especially on access routes and
Choose an accessible in relation to changing rooms, parked cars etc)
site location that limits • Where emergency vehicles cannot readily get
noise and floodlight to the facility
pollution problems for • Where users have to traverse naturally turfed

areas. Mud, debris and contaminants all lead
occupants of adjacent to the rapid deterioration of an artificial playing
surface
properties.
• Close to unstable ground (landslides) or
drainage outfalls (back falling or ponding on
Good locations for MUGAs and AGPs include: the MUGA due to blocked drains)
• Those close to car parks and support facilities • Close to deciduous (leaf drop in autumn) or
(especially where constantly supervised) leaf sap forming trees
• Those where there are good sound absorbing • Close to non-sporting area where there may
/ spectator terracing and banking possibilities be a conflict with other users.
e.g. the facility sits in a natural amphitheatre
where it is possible to view activities (even
remotely using CCTV) from a high level and
where the facility will be sheltered by the
surrounding terrain

Guidance Note
Infrastructure Where there is a high level of team changeover

throughout the day, the designation of a small
The location should ensure the MUGA is readily
court recreation / warm-up / practice area may be
accessible, ideally located to the front and/or side
beneficial. This may be surfaced using a more cost
of a management facility or site. If this is not
effective surface if budgets are limited but
possible, good supervision and amenity/security
matching the exact AGP surface is preferable
lighting and pedestrian, vehicular and cycle routes
where higher standards of competitive play are
should be required.
envisaged.
The access road system needs to be wide enough
Experience suggests that taking the artificial grass
to be used by visitors, maintenance and
carpet up to the fence line on an AGP is desirable
emergency vehicles (including equipment attached
as a macadam border can become dangerously
to a tow bar or on the back of a trailer) and have
slippery when sand or rubber particulates from the
appropriate hammer heads or turning circle. The
carpet infill migrate onto it. Carpeting the whole
surrounding landscape should be attractive and
area in multi-sport situations, where cross pitch
footpaths should be well lit and wide enough to
sub lettings and casual play lettings are envisaged,
ensure wheelchair users can access the facility.
also allows the soccer goalmouths to be positioned
See separate Sport England Design Guidance
outside the side lines of a hockey pitch. This will
Note ‘Accessible Sports Facilities’ for details.
prevent excessive wear to the wings of the hockey
pitch reducing the possibility of patch repairs that
Design for full can prove hazardous.
accessibility with well

lit, paved access to Design references:
outward opening Sport England Guidance:
gates contained in the • Pavilions and Clubhouses
fence line. Design Guidance Note
See ‘Accessible Sports Facilities’ available from their website.
Design Guidance Note available
FA Technical Guidance:
from the Sport England website.
• Ancillary Works
Amenity / security lighting installations should be
installed along access routes to help alleviate any
• Changing Facilities
severe contrast of lighting conditions when a user
comes away from a floodlit facility.
• Artificial Grass Pitches.
www.footballfoundation.org.uk/external-links/
To ensure safe egress from the floodlit area,
arrangements should be made to retain a small www.thefa.com/GetIntoFootball/Facilities.aspx
part of the main lighting in operation for a limited
period. This will usually be just prior to the curfew
time, if one is imposed by the planning approval. Trees
For anything greater than a one-court size of Trees adjacent to a site may have the advantage
MUGA (and to a degree, needs should even be of providing privacy, shelter or screening from a
assessed for these), access to support facilities low sun. Their roots, however, can be a threat to
and changing provision is essential. the facility itself, by penetrating the stone sub-base
When sand filled or sand dressed or 3G (third and distorting or cracking the surface. This is
generation) surfaces are used, it is advisable to especially the case for strong-rooted varieties such
install at all ingress / egress points drained as poplar, willow and sycamore. Where such a
catchment pits and gratings, complete with barrier threat exists, preventative action will be necessary,
matting. Certain designs of catchment pits and such as tree surgery or the construction of a root
grilles will also double as animal deterrents, trench to inhibit the growth of roots onto the site.
especially if pits are wide enough to prevent them This is usually done by digging a trench, cutting
being jumped over and if gates are self-closing. any roots in the process and removing them as far
as possible to a depth of 1.0 m. The wall of the

Guidance Note
trench is then lined with suitable material, such as Flood plains and areas at risk of flooding
concrete or thick polyethylene barrier grade sheet,
Many sports facilities including pitches and
before backfilling.
athletics tracks are constructed in flood plains and
It should be noted that whilst such measures will areas at risk of flooding. If a sports facility is to be
inhibit root incursion, the only certain preventative constructed within a flood plain or flood risk area,
measure is repositioning the pitch. Generally, the local planning authority and the environment
pitches should be no closer to trees than a agency will almost certainly impose stringent
distance equivalent at least to the potential height design criteria at planning stage. The raising of
of the tree and its potential canopy width. If there ground levels in a flood plain is generally not
are no alternative sites for the pitch, construction allowed and finished levels will have to be
can take place above tree roots by using special approved before works commence. The type of
‘cellular web’ sheeting which is placed onto the fencing used can also be a planning issue as it
soil, pinned in place and filled with stone (‘non-dig’ must allow the free passage of water across the
construction). Tree officers recognise this facility and planning approval may have to be
technology and there are specialist companies sought for the type of fencing to be used. Hockey
who will prepare a design if they are provided with ball rebound boards may not be allowed at the
a tree report and geotechnical report of the site. base of the fence or they may be allowed provided
there is a specified gap beneath them.
Requirements can vary.
If a sports facility is subject to flooding, the surface
will have to be cleaned and sanitised once flood
waters subside. Flooding can sometimes cause
artificial grass carpets to lift and carpet infill to
wash away in which case total replacement may
be necessary. Flooding can silt up drainage
systems and CCTV surveys and jetting of drainage
systems may be required.
Example of ‘cellular web’ tree root protection system
In addition, branches that overhang artificial
pitches are a cause of various problems, such as
the continuous dripping of water and leaf sap,
insect secretions and bird droppings. These can
result in damage to the playing surface and
impaired porosity. It is recommended that
overhanging branches be pruned back or, if
possible, the facility re-sited.
Cutting tree roots may de-stabilise a tree or kill it
and it is strongly recommended that the advice of
an Arboriculturist and/or Local Authority Tree
Officer is sought before carrying out tree surgery.
Some trees are also protected by preservation
orders and significant fines will be imposed if they Contamination of the infill after flooding. The pitch had to
are cut without prior permission. The document be cleaned and sanitised
‘BS 5837:2005 Trees in Relation to Construction
Recommendations’ provides specific advice and
guidance. During the planning process, the applicant will be
asked whether the proposed site is in a flood zone
and this information can be accessed on the
environment agency web site or by contacting
them directly. The applicant should be prepared to
engage a professional to produce a flood risk
assessment (FRA) in cases where the proposed
site is in a flood zone.

Guidance Note
5.0 Detailed design considerations incorporate lateral drains beneath the pitch, the
centres of which are determined by the composition
Drainage of the subsoil and the designed infiltration rate, but
usually range from 5 m to 15 m. The ends of lateral
The MUGA/AGP should have a suitable drainage
scheme that will:
• Ensure that all surface water is removed from

the pitch at a rate which will avoid surface
flooding
Ov
• Avoid a reduction in the load-bearing
Lateral drains
er
all
capacity of the formation layers or frost
fa
damage to the construction
ll
• Protect the installation from the effects of
ground or surface water from the
surrounding areas
• Comply with the Local Authorities

requirements for compliance with Sustainable
Urban Drainage (SUDS) design principles.
Main drain
One area where MUGAs and AGPs differ is in the
To positive outfall and
design of the drainage system. Due to the relatively storage system that might
small dimensions of most MUGAs, they do not have be required for a sustainable
any form of sub-court drainage other than a drainage system (SUDS)
perimeter drain that is laid around one or more Typical drainage approach where the overall slope of the
sides of the facility. In contrast, most AGPs pitch assists the drainage system.

Guidance Note
drains should be capped to prevent contamination The stone and madacom base should be
and connectors should be used to join lateral drains constructed using hard, clean, free draining,
to collector drains. Collector drains are normally crushed frost-resistant aggregates. In order to
located on the outside of the perimeter edging. prevent contamination from the formation, it is
often necessary to install a geotextile membrane
Interceptor drains (which may act as collector
on the formation prior to installation of the
drains) should be installed at the toe of any
compacted stone sub-base.
embankments to prevent run-off from surrounding
areas onto the pitch. The macadam upper layers of the base should be
of a carefully graded, open textured construction
Silt/inspection chambers should be installed
and not the standard ‘car-park’ type mix, prevalent
where perimeter/collection drains change
in school playgrounds.
direction, and the provision of rodding eyes
should be included at the head of collector drain
Playing lines
runs for ease of access for maintenance.
One of the obvious limitations of a MUGA is the
In most cases there will be a requirement by the
possible difficulty for players in identifying the
Local Planning Authority or the Environment
relevant play lines, where there are many
Agency for the drainage to be designed as a
overlapping sets of lines on the same surface. For
Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS).
this reason it is unwise to include lines just for the
This will control and limit the flow from the site
sake of completeness, if the sport is not likely to
and can be very expensive in terms of capital and
be played very often. The problem is usually more
maintenance costs. It is essential that the system
pronounced for sports such as tennis, where it is
is designed by properly qualified and experienced
very important that the lines should be quickly and
consultants.
clearly seen by the players.
Base and sub-base construction
The base for a MUGA is normally a porous
engineered construction consisting of two courses
of open-textured bituminous macadam laid above
a graded stone ‘sub-base’ foundation. This form
of construction has gained acceptance due to its
ability to offer the greatest possible level of stability
to the final surface, resisting frost heave and
spreading surface loading. These factors all mean
that it is simpler to replace or upgrade the surface
of the MUGA when the need arises.
The base to any MUGA/AGP should be designed Acrylic tennis court surfaces painted on a macadam base
to meet the following criteria:
Playing lines can be painted on to most surfaces,
• It should be capable of supporting – and but with synthetic grass they are usually either
transmitting to the existing ground – the loads tufted in during manufacture or cut in when
of all vehicles, plant, machines and materials installing the surface. The choice of colours is also
to be used in the construction, without causing important, and advice should be taken on the most
deformation of the site. suitable combinations of colours for the sports to
be included. As a rule of thumb, the most
• After the pitch is built, the stone sub-base frequently used sport should be marked out in
should be capable of supporting and white, the second most played sport in yellow,
transmitting all loads on the playing surface followed by blue, and red. However, the FA have
without permanent or long-term deformation decided that blue lines will be used for 9v9 football
of the playing surface. Such loads arise (refer to the FA 3g Guide 2012).
mainly from players and maintenance
equipment.
• It should ensure that water, whether rainwater

or natural ground water, will drain away freely Take playing surface
through the stone sub-base material and into
the formation and/or drainage system.
right up to fence lines.

Guidance Note
security. It is vital that great care should be taken

to ensure the safe anchorage of all freestanding
equipment.
• Football goals (full size) should comply with

BS EN 748:2004
• Small-sided football metal goals should

comply with PAS 36-1
• Youth football, futsal, mini-soccer and

small-sided football goals should comply with
BS 8461:2005 + A1:2009, BS 8462:2005 +
A2:2012 and BS 8461
A 3G rugby pitch with carpet extending right up to the • Handball goals should comply with BS EN 749
fence
• Hockey goals should comply with BS EN 750
Initial settling down period for surfaces
• Netball goal posts should be supplied with
Most playing surfaces require some degree of
protective post pads and comply with AENA
extra care when used during the immediate
requirements
post-construction phase. It is important for
purchasers to be fully informed as to when the • Tennis posts and nets should comply with
playing surface may be first used and any BS EN 1510
precautions that may be necessary until the
surface has fully settled in. This is particularly Always insist that a Certificate of
important in the case of bitumen-bound surfaces, Conformity from an independent test
which may be subject to some softening during laboratory is supplied with each item of
hot weather and the use of wheelchairs during the sports equipment purchased.
first year of use need very careful monitoring.
Recessed sockets in the playing surface are quite
Corrective / remedial action to surfaces usual for surfaces such as macadam and
Some surfaces, most notably macadam, are polymeric, though less practical for sand-filled
extremely difficult to repair imperceptibly. A degree synthetic grass. Also available are proprietary
of latitude should therefore be applied when sports equipment systems which offer high quality
assessing minor areas of non-compliance for their bespoke solutions, such as integrated surround
effect on performance and suitability for purpose, fencing and a variety of goal units. Especially
and the appropriate extent of any remedial action. preferable are recessed goals for five-a-side
football, in order that the goals should be flush
Where remedial works are required, the repaired with the rebound boards or walls.
surface should match adjoining areas in colour,
texture, levels and, except where invisible mending
can be achieved (e.g. some synthetic grass
surfaces), should be replaced to the nearest play
lines or construction joints. Joints should be neat,
straight and unobtrusive.
Equipment
There is a wide range of nets, posts, goals, division
netting and rebound boards to choose from.
Consideration must be given to the precise use of
each facility, so that the change of usage from one
sport to another can take place with the minimum
of effort and inconvenience.
Nets, posts and goals can be free-standing and Recess for portable soccer goals
therefore easily moved, although it is important to In situations where site constraints prevent goal
make proper provision for their storage when not recesses being constructed, ‘folding’ or ‘swing out’
required from the point of view of both safety and goals are available.

Guidance Note
Equipment storage
Mainstay portable sports equipment can be stored
outdoors - it is designed to be exposed to the
elements.
Specialist non-personal equipment e.g. training
cones, goals netting etc. are best kept in a secure
facility or vandal resistant storage container close
to the MUGA.
On facilities where football and its derivatives are
likely to be played, it is sensible to build into the
‘Swing out’ soccer goals perimeter fence suitably sized recesses to
accommodate and anchor portable soccer goals.
The design should ensure there is sufficient height
Ensure the safe clearance in the fence goal recess to prevent cranial
and thoracic injury - largely caused by someone
anchorage of all items running towards the goals or keeping goal. The
of equipment such as design should ensure it is easy to retrieve balls from
the fence recesses and goal itself (goals may not
goal posts. even require netting for certain standards of play).
Above all, the ability to securely anchor the frame of
the goals to prevent them toppling over is paramount.
Cricket practice cages (permanent and wheelaway) If goals are required to stand inside the perimeter
Guidance on cricket practice cages is available on fence line during play, it is essential they are
the ECB web site. The wheelaway cage allows an returned to storage recesses when the full pitch (or
artificial surfaced ‘match pitch’ to be used for portions), are to be used. Beyond the play lines,
practice. It is also worth noting that for reasons of run offs are provided to ensure users can stop
safety, cricket practice facilities are sometimes safely, so it is important to ensure that equipment
enclosed within surround fencing incorporating a is not stored in them.
roof net. The suggested layout for the example AGP shown
in Appendix 1 allows for full-size portable football
and hockey goals to be relocated into fence
design recesses, conveniently positioned behind
the goal locations at each end zone of the facility.
Such recesses should have secured posts of
sufficient height (equivalent to the main perimeter
fence height) with a high-level permanent
tensioned wire - to allow a netting to be pulled
across to containment for seven-a-side football
end zone utilisation of the main pitch, when the
main pitch goals are retracted into their equipment
recesses.
‘Permanent’ cricket nets
Provide adequate
storage for equipment.
Fencing
The choice of surround fencing is usually dictated
by the priority sport, site constraints and budget.
The two basic functions of surround fencing are to
retain balls within the playing area and to allow
spectators to view the game safely. In some
locations other important considerations may be
security and the need to keep out animals. For
‘Wheelaway’ cricket nets greater durability, weldmesh cladding is strongly

Guidance Note
All gate thresholds should be level or slightly

ramped (i.e. not stepped). Gates should also be
positioned so as not to create ‘tight’ gathering or
milling points, especially where pitch / games area
team changeovers are scheduled. See SAPCA
Code of Practice for the Construction and
Maintenance of Fencing Systems.
Divider netting and screening
Include division
Twin wire used on a school site netting to divide the
pitch into small courts
and give maximum
programming
flexibility.
In order to maximise the use of larger MUGAs and

AGPs, good quality division netting should be
installed to split the playing area into separate,
smaller areas of activity, as required. This type of
netting is typically referred to as ‘curtain’ netting
358 mesh used on a school site which can be drawn across the pitch on support
preferred, together with rebound boards or wires when in use and pulled back to the fence line
perimeter kickboards as appropriate for the sports when not in use. Care should be taken in the
being played. The ability of fencing to withstand selection of the netting and intermediate free
damage from impact by balls can be confirmed by standing support posts to ensure the safety of
asking for a Certificate of Conformity from an players at all times, avoiding, as far as possible,
independent test laboratory that the product meets potential trip hazards.
the requirements of EN 15312:2007 Repeated The greatest care should be taken if site screening
Impact Resistance to Footballs and Kicks. or windbreak materials are to be hung on the
Single gates should be 1.2 m wide. Double gates surround fencing, to ensure that the design of the
should be 3.0 m wide with removable lintel panel fencing is sufficiently robust. A heavy-duty surround
above for ease of access with soccer goals. All system will normally be required for this purpose.
gates should be fully infilled with weldmesh /
rebound boards / kick boards as appropriate, and Ball rebound systems
provided with a suitable locking mechanism. All Where appropriate, particularly on MUGAs where
gates should open outwards for the safety of five-a-side football is to be played, a rebound wall
players. or board system should be installed. Rebound
At main access gates, boot cleaning facilities walls and boards can be constructed from a variety
should be provided to prevent contamination of of materials and may be stained or painted in order
the playing surface with mud and material from to improve their aesthetic appearance. A number
outside the playing area. of companies now also offer rebound fencing
typically of a ‘twin wire’ system or 358 mesh (see
Consideration should be given to having a bolt examples above). These are advantageous where
hole gate to allow persons backed into a corner in user and site security issues are a concern as they
bullying situations to escape from the MUGA - it allow viewing of the total area.
need only be rebound board wall height, but
should have a panic spring latch release lock
(operated from inside of MUGA only) with a closing
mechanism (spring coil hinge restraint) to return
the gate to the shut position.

Guidance Note
Outdoor sports lighting With the profile it should be possible to predict the
likely levels of additional income and expenditure
For pitches where a significant amount of that providing outdoor sports lighting will generate
community use is planned, it is essential that the and whether such provision is likely to be financially
pitch is properly floodlit. Most funders will insist viable. It may also be helpful to consult the Local
on outdoor sports lighting. Authority’s Sport and Recreation Strategy or the
The advantages of outdoor sports lighting are: Regional Recreation Strategy and Sport England’s
Facility Planning Model to ascertain whether a
• Increased use of facilities. Outdoor sports need for floodlit sports facilities has been identified
lighting facilities enables them to be used on for the area.
winter evenings, giving substantially higher
Where outdoor sports lighting is to be installed as
usage rates than equivalent non-floodlit
part of a MUGA construction, independent
facilities and increasing choice and flexibility
specialist technical advice should be taken
of playing times for users.
regarding the choice and performance of the
• Programming flexibility. Longer operating lighting system, the illumination requirements for
hours give facility managers and users more the specific sports that will be catered for, and the
freedom in programming and in initiating management of the lighting system. Many Local
sports development programmes. Authorities have planning guidance on sports
lighting and early consultation with the planning
• Additional income. Increased use means authority is advisable.
greater potential to generate additional
It should be noted that conflicting guidance might
income - essential with the high capital cost
sometimes be given by different organisations or
of providing a MUGA or AGP, although there
publications regarding the recommended
will be increased wear and tear of the surfaces
standards of lighting for different sports. In such
reducing its service life.
instances, reference should be made to the
• Usage options. A floodlit MUGA adjoining a appropriate NGB for the sport(s) concerned 14.
sports hall can accommodate activities such
as football, netball and tennis, releasing more
expensive indoor space for other activities.
It is essential, before deciding to install outdoor

sports lighting, to be satisfied that the benefits of
increased use, flexibility and additional income will
justify the initial capital cost and, thereafter, help
offset the ongoing energy costs, maintenance costs
and the additional management costs necessary to
maximise these benefits. A profile of a typical week’s
use during the playing seasons will help in this
assessment. Such a profile should include:
• Club matches, training and coaching sessions

for all adult and junior teams
• The likely casual use of the facility by other

clubs, teams and individuals – the sports or
leisure department of the Local Authority
should be able to help in this respect.
Most funders will

insist on floodlighting
of a synthetic pitch to
ensure maximum use
of the pitch. 14
See ‘Artificial Sports Lighting’ Design Guidance Note
available from the Sport England web site.

Guidance Note
6.0 Operation and maintenance Refurbishment techniques are available for some
types of artifical grass in which some or all of the
Playing surface fill is removed and replaced with new materials.
Typically, this would be after 5 or 6 years of use.
The maintenance of any synthetic sports surface This can help to maintain the drainage, remove dirt
is of vital importance. It is required to ensure and pollution material and reduce compaction.
consistent playing characteristics and compliance
with the specified sports performance
requirements, visual appearance and permeability
(if appropriate). Regular maintenance is often Industry guidance is
referred to as ‘planned preventative maintenance’
and will also help to maximise the life of the carpet.
for 1 hour of
The contractor should provide full maintenance maintenance for every
instructions upon completion of the project. The
contractor's guarantee will usually be conditional 10 hours of use.
on the recommended maintenance requirements
being carried out with reasonable diligence.
The precise maintenance requirements will vary
according to the type of surface and particular Frequency Task
guidance should be sought from the contractor / Every 1-2 days Empty bins
manufacturer. Detailed maintenance guidelines are Sweep pitch
included in ‘The SAPCA Code of Practice for the
Construction and Maintenance of Synthetic Turf Weekly Drag brush
Sports Pitches’ published by the Sports and Play Inspect for damage
Construction Association (SAPCA).
Every 2-4 months Standard power brushing
It is a common misconception that artificial
surfaces are maintenance-free. The products are Every 3-4 years Deep power brush
expensive to install and a proper maintenance
programme should be followed to maximise the Every 5-10 years Infill jetting and replacement
life expectancy 15. In addition, regular cleaning will
Typical maintenance regime for an artificial grass pitch
help to keep the pitch in an attractive condition
used for 2000 hours / years 16
and encourage usage.
Artificial grass pitch marked for hockey and football
15
The Football Association estimates that £9,000 - £11,000
per year is required (at 2008 prices) for regular and
periodic maintenance of a full sized pitch.
http://www.footballfoundation.org.uk/external-links/ 16
‘Maintaining Synthetic Turf: Sand Filled Systems, The
http://www.thefa.com/GetIntoFootball/Facilities.aspx Cranfield - IOG Guidelines’

Guidance Note
Outdoor sports lighting Costs in use and replacement funds
The maintenance of the outdoor sports lighting Project co-ordinators should take into account the
installation is also of vital importance if it is to full life costs of the facility at an early stage.
continue to meet the performance standards and Information should be obtained on the costs of
life expectancy set at the design stage. The routine maintenance of the chosen playing surface,
maintenance will include routine work on all the together with the cost of the total replacement at
associated electrical services, cleaning of fittings the end of its useful life. The manufacturer of the
and checking of the correct ‘aiming angles’ set up surface will be able to advise on their particular
during final commissioning. To enable future products and information may be available from
maintenance of the lighting to be related to the other projects. Similar information should be
‘burning hours’, a suitable ‘hours run’ counter obtained in respect of the floodlighting installation.
should be included in the control / monitoring Both a routine maintenance budget and a ‘sinking
system. When the performance of the lamps fall fund’ for total replacement (or major works) should
below the design standards, the maintenance be established as soon as the new facility is in use,
budget should be used to replace them. This is in order to ensure that sufficient funds are available
best done on a planned basis and allowance when necessary. Such costs should also be
should be made for all lamps to be replaced as a reflected in the business plan and charges for use
complete set, and not individually on lamp failure. of the facility by the wider community.
Establish a ‘sinking
fund’ for total
replacement of the
surface (or major
works) at the end of
its life.

Guidance Note
APPENDIX 1:
Typical layouts
The success of a MUGA or AGP is dependent on It is generally recommended that playing areas
the layout, for the various sports to be played on should be orientated approximately in a
the facility, being correct. The critical consideration north-south direction. This orientation is preferred
when designing the layout of a MUGA is to because it minimises the effect of a setting sun on
maximise the available space whilst providing an the players, but in the UK climate, the inability to
acceptable playing environment. The size and achieve this orientation need not preclude the
layout of the pitch or MUGA should suit local and construction of the facility. It is also worth noting
strategic sporting needs and user profiling. that where a facility is built primarily with daytime
Project teams should check with NGBs of all sports play in winter in mind, a north-south orientation
included for their most current recommendations may be far from ideal, especially where shading
on pitch dimensions, including run offs, before from the south may need increased time for
drafting the facility layout. The total area of the pitch thawing of frosty areas.
or court comprises the principal play area (the area The typical layouts indicated for MUGAs and AGPs
within the line markings and run offs that are follow the NGB recommendations. The MUGA
provided to ensure players do not collide with layouts are based on single units. Where multiple
fences, floodlight columns etc). For some sports units are required, sectional boarding or fencing
e.g. tennis, a secondary total play area is prescribed may be used to separate areas, particularly where
for floodlighting. This is the area outside the five-a-side football is to be played.
principal playing area but less than the total fenced
area. The rules of the various sports define the pitch
or court size. Many sports governing bodies also
give guidance on what they consider to be Corner lit floodlight scheme
adequate run off areas. If space is limited, the
governing body’s recommendations on run offs
should always prevail and the pitch or court size be
reduced accordingly.
Double gate for maintenance and

equipment access
Paved access
3000
Recessed
equipment
storage
0
60
36
Paved access
21
35
0
Typical Type 1, 2 or 3 MUGA layout with line markings for tennis, netball and mini tennis
See the ‘Artificial Sports Surfaces’ section of the Sport England web site for downloadable drawings
h t t p : / / w w w. s p o r t e n g l a n d . o rg / f a c i l i t i e s - p l a n n i n g / t o o l s - g u i d a n c e / d e s i g n - a n d - c o s t - g u i d a n c e / a r t i f i c i a l - s p o r t s - s u r f a c e s /

Guidance Note
Corner lit floodlight scheme
Recess for storage of goal
Double gate for maintenance and

equipment access
Paved access
3000
0
00
37
Paved access
18
50
0
Rebound board
Typical Type 4 or 5 MUGA layout with line markings for five-a-side football
Safety margin 3 m
wide (as pitch surface Macadam surround
Floodlight
with option for
column Pull across netting
Optional recesses alternative colour)
to protect recess
for storage of
Pitch area with artificial area
five-a-side divider
grass surface (typically nets
sand-filled or
sand-dressed carpet)
Single gate for ball
retreval / access
Double gate for

4500
maintenance access
3000
00
14
10
Recess for storage of
five-a-side goal
63
00
0
Kick board
Recess for storage of
hockey/football goals
Typical AGP layout with line markings for hockey, football and five-a-side football
See the ‘Artificial Sports Surfaces’ section of the Sport England web site for downloadable drawings
h t t p : / / w w w. s p o r t e n g l a n d . o rg / f a c i l i t i e s - p l a n n i n g / t o o l s - g u i d a n c e / d e s i g n - a n d - c o s t - g u i d a n c e / a r t i f i c i a l - s p o r t s - s u r f a c e s /
See ‘Comparative Sizes of Sports Pitches and Courts’ guidance note available from the Sport England web site.

Guidance Note
Alternative Languages and Formats:

This document can be provided in alternative languages, or alternative
formats such as large print, Braille, tape and on disk upon request.
Call the Sport England switchboard on 08458 508 508 for more details.
Information Prepared by:

Sport England, Robin Wilson Consulting & S&P Architects
Acknowledgements:
Sport England thank the following individuals and organisations for their contribution:
National Governing Bodies (NGBs):
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Bob Froud: MSc – Consultants
England Hockey Board (EHB) Mark Harrison: MSc – Consultants
England Netball (EN) Alistair Cox: Labosport
Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) Colin Young: Labosport
Rugby Football League (RFL) Ben Woods: Olympic Park Legacy Company
Rugby Football Union (RFU)
The Football Association (FA) Photography by:
Dales Sports
Desso
Geosynthetics
Greengauge
MSc – Consultants
Philips Lighting
User Guide:
Before using this guidance for any specific projects, all users should refer to the ‘User Guide’ to understand
when and how to use the guidance as well as understanding the limitations of use.
Click here for ‘User Guide’

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Issue Tracker:
003 – Minor amendments: December 2013
002 – Updated and amended guidance: October 2012
001 – Initial Publication
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Artificial Surfaces For Outdoor Sports 2013

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Artificial Surfaces For Outdoor Sports 2013

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What are the advantages of artificial surfaces over natural grass?

What are the advantages of artificial surfaces over natural grass?

What are some of the key issues to consider when preparing the brief for an artificial surface?

What are some of the key issues to consider when preparing the brief for an artificial surface?

Design

Sport England Design Guidance Notes aim to

December Revision 003 1 © Sport England 2013

2.0 Key issues 12

3.0 The choice of playing surface 17

4.0 Site planning principles 25

5.0 Detailed design considerations 28

December Revision 003 2 © Sport England 2013

1.0 Introduction Advantages of artificial surfaces

A polymeric hard court used as an informal play and

December Revision 003 3 © Sport England 2013

All-weather pitches, including artificial grass

Laying out a variety of courts within a single

• Athletics training facilities

• Flat green bowls facilities.

However, every situation should be considered from

December Revision 003 4 © Sport England 2013

Technical language See Sports and Play Constructors Association

December Revision 003 5 © Sport England 2013

Artificial surface with a simple weather protective structure

December Revision 003 6 © Sport England 2013

100m, 6-lane straight

Artificial grass can be used both as an indoor and outdoor

See ‘Floors for Indoor Sports’ Design Guidance

December Revision 003 7 © Sport England 2013

Background and trends The technological advances in artificial grass in

December Revision 003 8 © Sport England 2013

• Surface layer e.g. carpet, polymeric material

• Shock absorbing layer often termed shockpad

• A stable and carefully regulated base layer on

• Geo-synthetic layer (to prevent the migration

• Consolidated subsoil (or compacted fill), often

The distinction between ‘natural’ and ‘artificial’ 15 mm Rubber shock pad

Typical build-up for an artificial surfacing system

December Revision 003 9 © Sport England 2013

Variations on these designs are not uncommon

Polymeric surfaces can be found both in high level

The key principles are:

Increasing awareness highlights the need for

December Revision 003 10 © Sport England 2013

See the Football

Imaginative design adding to the awareness of physical

Full sized pitches

All weather pitch

December Revision 003 11 © Sport England 2013

• The intensity of use • Other technical standards such as

December Revision 003 12 © Sport England 2013

• Encourages ‘ownership’ • Topography

activities for the site should be considered against • Biodiversity issues.

December Revision 003 13 © Sport England 2013

December Revision 003 14 © Sport England 2013

reduce risk but also balance them against the

December Revision 003 15 © Sport England 2013

undertaken to ensure the facility is still performing

Community use (recreational) 100