why turf is better than grass in football

Having grass pitches is not an option, but a requirement for the development of soccer players at an elite level. Panamas national soccer league is under a constant fight and debate demanding the construction of natural grass soccer field stadiums, as any top-level professional league would have. $18,000 - $44,000. Actually, 40 top women soccer players sued World Cup organizers for gender discrimination. Are There Harmful Effects of Electromagnetic Radiation on Humans? Copyright 2022 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Not only for knees, but also all joints from the lower limb. Turf protects players from injury and is easier to play on even when its raining outside. Well break down the disadvantages of turf into these: Now, well talk about each one more in detail. Soccer field construction costs. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Its also a good chance to see a range of different soccer fields across Europe. Because of this, the match is kind of uncontrolled by either team. What Is the Best Golf Rangefinder for You. Also, although this may end up being nothing, I would rather avoid any potential risk of cancer if I had the chance. Simms has made this argument various times on PFT Live, and presumably elsewhere. You will never have to worry about cancelling a game do to a dried up field or puddles of mud. Maintaining your soccer stadium grass is one of the primary strategies for budgeting and saving money. Improvements in synthetic turf have made it plenty higher to play on; in lots of instances, it may be higher. Since the artificial turfs first appeared this debate existed. Silverman holds a Master of Science in journalism from the Medill School of Journalism. Are you the type of person that looks for subtle differences in stadiums? Natural grass is cooler that artificial turf Unlike natural grass, an artificial turf absorbs sunlight and traps heat. Think about the difference when you make a quick cut or turn on grass. Instead of planting just one species, you could also choose to mix grass seed to get a sun and shade . Natural grass, after some playing time, will wear off and wont be able to be used again. It is the more "traditional" route. At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference. So, why do soccer players prefer grass over turf? Why? Maintenance costs. More reasons turf is bad for soccer players. However, it is true that the appearance of turf fields has made, not only soccer players, but also athletes from other sports, to disagree with the propagation of this fields. Further, researchers saw a greater incidence on grass of injuries that kept players off the field for several days or more. Its like you were playing another game, that is played at a different speed, where you are more likely to get injured, and in which you have to play in different conditions. It is softer than turf, but it can also be highly durable depending on the material. Because it won't create muddy patches or holes and ruts, people are less likely to be hurt while playing on this surface. Throughout the year you must water and fertilize grass so that itll continue growing. It is dangerous because the foot doesnt rotate as natural as it would on grass. As a young soccer player from the 21st century, I grew up mostly playing on artificial turf fields. The artificial turf produced by our company is the grass that has reduced slipperiness, is resistant to UV rays, and does not fade over time. The game changes a lot in this aspect. Thankfully, they came up with the name AstroTurf shortly after. At the Santiago Bernabeu for example, they started using a system that is made by 90% natural grass and 10% artificial grass. Did you know that there is a difference between Turf and Artificial Grass? Furthermore, natural grass is more likely . Players are literally playing on painted dirt something that can cause them to receive serious injuries. The infill is composed of rubber (crumb rubber) or silica pellets and can be mixed with sand. Artificial turf has made great strides in realistic feel and look to grass. A five-year study comparing artificial turf to grass for football injuries, published in 2004 in the "American Journal of Sports Medicine," concluded that there were 15.2 injuries per 10 games played on artificial turf to 13.8 injuries per 10 games played on grass a notable improvement in the artificial turf ratings from previous generations. Football was founded with playing on a grass surface. Indeed it is a bit softer, which helps to absorb the impacts. Little to no maintenance. When it comes to playing sports, people will typically be injured less on turf than on grass, asphalt, and other surfaces. Where do you stand in the turf vs grass debate? So, why do soccer players prefer grass over turf? Professional soccer player Sydney Leroux once said in an interview to Vice Sports: The game is completely different, the game is fake. On the other hand, artificial turf has rubber pellets in it to offer cushioning, which is much pleasanter for a players body. Artificial turf is much better than grass in football because it is less likely to cause injuries. cleats aren't able to penetrate the ground as they would on grass, which leads to more injuries on turf. Inform yourself and decide what kind works best for you. To keep grass growing on a football field throughout the year, you need a lot of water and fertilizer taxing both on your budget and to the environment. Williams, B. Maintenance Struggles Of course, living grass requires special care to grow and live beautiful come gameday. This is something that can never be taken away from a natural grass field: the pleasant sensation of making a clean slide tackle on a wet field. XLX TURF artifical grass provide comfortable environment for Chickens, also can be used as home decoration and DIY. This may lead you to ask the natural question, how long does it last? Much more durable than natural grass. Fertilizer can also be very expensive, and may have environmental consequences off the field. You can do it, but if you dont want a severe burn in your skin its better to prevent from doing it. Arturf artificial football turf is designed to replicate natural grass. This is because the turf was simply a plastic carpet that was made to look like grass. This means that the more traction you get on the field or court, the higher the risk of injury. With UEFA Champions League and Europa League well underway, weve had the chance to watch a lot of brilliant soccer matches. difference between Turf and Artificial Grass. @DeionSanders #GoBuffs #Team1stClass #DominateDetails #AttitudeAndEffort #5Ps #CoachPrime . Make sure to check my article about The Best Turf Shoes in the market. VOL 21 Sept. 2008. Fake turf is the replica of the original grass you find at homes, gardens and sports arenas. Well, the match ended tied 0-0. Due to these great benefits, many football fields are now moving away from natural grass in favor of synthetic turf. artificial turf fields are much more durable than grass; because playability is much higher, they allow broader access; can be played on all the time; in time of scarce fields, they give youth sports organizations practice space they might otherwise not have; the problem of spring and fall rains which result in cancellation of numerous games and 2018;3(9):501-506. doi:10.1302/2058-5241.3.180012. The common thought is that turf has more traction than grass and therefore we will see more injuries on turf. The most important benefit of using artificial turf is that it saves you time and money. Podiatry Today. Artificial grass football fields are low maintenance and more durable than grass. Ive had to play many times during mid-day at turf fields with that temperature, and belive me, it felt like hell. It makes sense considering that the bounce, the touch, passing, shooting, and basically everything in the game is different and harder to achieve at the highest level on turf. Do you remember , How to Prevent Sports Injuries: A Guide All Athletes Need to Read. Summers are getting hotter, and people are watering their lawns more and more to combat drought. This is why so many NFL teams have been known to paint their grass green so it looks good on TV. Artificial turf is more resistant overall to all weather conditions. It's softer to the touch and offers more cushion for trips and falls than what you may imagine turf to be. Theyve become a quick solution, we could say, to have a greater amount of soccer fields around the country. The reason why this event is so important because it is the first, only World Cup that has been played on artificial turf in the history of the game. Probably this is the most important reason why players prefer natural grass over turf. Football party . Turf is known to have more serious injuries leading to ACL and substantial knee injuries. The following are three big reasons that natural grass is better than turf for playing soccer. Also, other important factors like excessive heat, and unnatural bounce of the ball significantly affect the performance of the game on turf. Turf fields can be a great option to promote the practice of soccer in a region and get the most out of a field for the lowest cost possible. I made this page to inspire and help people to play and learn about the most beautiful sport in the world: Soccer! Why is turf bad for knees? From potholes to uneven fields, there are more than a few ways that grass can become damaged over time, leading to a number of different types of injuries. In the other hand, in Chiles stadium, they use a mix of grass for warm station (Bermuda), and one for cold weather (Ray Grass Perenne). The use of hybrid turf is becoming more common day by day. We used to train for a week, two times a day in a soccer a field, and the next week we would move to another soccer field. The STMA claims the hardness and non-resiliency of artificial turfs leads to greater injuries. "American Journal of Sports Medicine"; Incidence, Causes, and Severity of High School Football Injuries on FieldTurf Versus Natural Grass; Michael C. Meyers and Bill S. Barnhill; October 2004. A recent poll found that 72% of players . Artificial turf can hold up to heavy use and weather conditions and maintain its look and consistency. It is being used at homes, gardens, football stadiums, baseball fields and hundreds of other places. Which is something I totally understand. There is even variability in grass fields. For example, the use of a hybrid lawn for the . Natural grass is so important, that when European teams come to play to USA during preseason, one of their requirements is that they will only play on natural grass fields. 4. Men would never play on turf.There was a great rejection for this event, and hardly well see a world cup event played at artificial turf anytime in the near future. You dont know how the ball is going to bounce or run. Severe rain or snow may cause natural grass to have drainage problem, causing to suspend games. This site is owned and operated by Andres Chanis. Lets say for example that the government is going to build a field or a soccer stadium in your community. Due to its poor design players received serious turf burns on any area of their body that was exposed to the turf. Not only in soccer, but in american football, players were also 67% more likely to suffer from ACL injuries on turf fields. 07 Dec 2022 22:13:35 According to the documentary, if you miss time a shot on turf by 0.1 seconds it may get off target even by 11 feet! Meaning, that it is hard for either team to perform their game at their best level possible. American Academy Of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Stiff big toe (hallux rigidus). And the study also founded that when a player sustains an injury on a . Turf Pro Synthetics does not buy, sell, trade or install used turf. Because of the risk of getting injured, Real Madrid players changed their soccer cleats and the coach only started players from the bench. Turf is Safer in Many Ways With natural grass comes hidden rocks, patches of hard dirt, and surface inconsistencies that can quickly lead to player injuries and facility liability risks. Turf-toe: An analysis of metatarsophalangeal joint sprains in professional football players. This isn't the only reason, of coursehere are 7 more reasons that artificial turf is being used to build football stadiums and fields. We provide only the highest quality of new, professional grade artificial turf. Not to mention, dogs love the texture of synthetic grass, which is perfect . Fake grass has taken the world by storm. The best shade tolerant grass to choose from include St. Augustine grass and Zoysia (warm-season grass). MasterSoccerMind.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This means that with every contact that the ball has with the field, it will retain a higher percentage of its original speed. We are just finishing up our field resurfacing. In conclusion, they save a lot of money and time in upkeep costs. However, professional soccer leagues should totally make the investment in natural grass stadiums. Studies show that chances of suffering an ACL injury in turf increases by 45%. Is just as if you were playing a different game. Increase the height to 1.38", provide a long-term comfort zone for the animal. Artificial turf, with rubber pellets for cushioning, is much easier on a player's body. What Do Football Players Rub on Their Skin During Cold Weather? The summary is in it's entirety. A product such as Urine Zero covers 2,500 square feet for every gallon. Inglewood, CA - September 18: Offensive tackle Tremayne Anchrum Jr. #72 of the Los Angeles Rams is helped off the field after a . Taking things like the wear and tear of practice and games, as well as inclement weather and youll find yourself spending much more money to maintain a grass football field than you will to install and maintain a turf one. Literally, you could see the heat on the surface in front of you. The first and most important reason is because of injuries: Stress on the ACL and other joints increases by 45%. Im not alone, in fact, most soccer players prefer to play on grass over turf without a doubt which is why all the best leagues in the world, in Europe, have only natural grass pitches. An owner and or team might see a better advantage with real grass over turf. Even on some of the better turf fields you are going to not have the extra give. Also the need to conserve water have prompted a rising number of schools, parks, and municipalities to turn to synthetic turf to meet the needs. Obviously, this water bill can get really expensive and fertilizer isnt cheap either. Folsom is set for @CUBuffsFootball #recruiting this weekend. Since players were also wearing the wrong shoes they often suffered from serious knee and ankle injuries too. Primarily, grass may cause more common injuries such as ankle sprains and muscle strains, but turf fields seem more likely to cause more serious injuries like ACL and MCL tears. Grass>turf has been a common sentiment with players for quite a few years now. Thankfully, I had the opportunity to play on both of these playing surfaces. Today's turf is better than ever. Cool-season grass types for low light conditions would be Ryegrass, tall fescue, and fine fescue. I started playing soccer when I was only 3 years old at my school in Panama. Apply the glue to the center 10 of the seam tape, leaving 1 clear on the outside edges of the tape (this will keep subsurface rocks from gluing to the turf. Then, if it is clear for everyone that grass fields are way better than turf fields, why are these ones becoming more and more common. Players that come to the league after playing in Europe like: Lampard, Pirlo, Ibrahimovic, Drogba, and David Beckham all were against playing in fake grass, as they claim that it is completely different and dangerous. Brushing the synthetic turf helps restore the appearance of the lawn by fluffing up the fibers that are flat in higher traffic areas. A layer of plastic is then applied before the artificial turf is stapled down. As I said before playing on turf puts excessive pressure on your lower limb joints. Those of you who didnt know the answer can look it up for homework. Plus, it looks more professional, more likely as how soccer should be seen. Many people prefer artificial turf because it's maintenance-free and saves . Synthetic grass can easily be cleaned and raked like a real lawn. Sports Physical Exams: Why They Are So Important, Your Guide on How to Get Rid of Stubborn Lower Belly Fat, 5 Tips for Exercising With a Mini Trampoline, 7 Ways to Improve Hand-Eye Coordination for Basketball. Increase the size to 13"x13", make the coop grass better cover the project, most other brands of chicken grass mat are 12"x12". This is easily the factor that I hate the most of playing on turf. There was a lot of conflict around this tournament, and well talk a little bit more in-depth into it later in this article. Also a really good reason. Why are turf fields better? This isnt the case with turf, and you also wont have to worry about it getting torn up or muddied after a storm. If youre doing this in Florida, you should turn to Turf Pro Synthetics Tampa. Real Madrid players and coaches said it was unacceptable to play a match in this conditions. Synthetic turf is both child- and pet-friendly, which allows homeowners to make use of it as yard space. This is different from grass fields that must be replaced every other year unless its meticulously maintained. It's Versatile. The field surface can reach 200 degrees. Natural grass. I think Sydneys words represent exactly how professional soccer players feel when playing in turf. I was watching a ESPN SportScience documentary about this, and something that impressed me is that Artificial Turf has a coefficient of restitution about 28% higher than natural grass. In our region, North and Central America (CONCACAF), our top leagues have been troubled to develop the games completely on natural grass fields. I remember back at soccer training with my academy, we had incredible facilities with multiple soccer fields. . 1. Click on both links to read this helpful articles. Specifically, modern turfs are typically "infill" surfaces. Lets take a closer look at each type to see what makes each one unique. The game on turf is played at a much higher speed, which is why most teams will find it harder to have control of the ball and the game as they would on a natural grass field. 5. 2,800 hrs x 10 years = 28,000 hrs. One of the best things about turf is that it doesn't require a lot of time and money in order to maintain. First, the soil is compacted, before a layer of sand is laid atop the soil so the turf lays flat. Improvements in artificial turf have made it much better to play on; in many cases, it can be better than grass. Wearing the incorrect footwear frequently caused extreme knee and ankle accidents. But mostly, soccer players play in natural grass. Rain, sweat and other liquids are easily cleared with an artificial turf system. Over the years there's been a lot of technological advancements that have helped to dramatically improve artificial turf so that it's now much better than natural grass in many ways. While high-quality natural grass feels excellent underfoot, synthetic grass can produce an unpleasant crunch and make unnatural rustling sounds. #1: Durability Artificial turf is much more durable than natural grass, meaning it will last longer and require significantly less maintenance. It has soft, non-abrasive fibers that replicate natural in color, feel and performance. In the other hand, with turf fields you dont have that problem, the field wont wear off, maybe after some months using it, if not maintained properly, it will, but, overall, more games can be played in a single day on a turf field than in grass. Artificial turf has come a long way, and the turf of today is much more like the real thing than ever before. Reach out now to speak with a specialist, and put the ball in our court. Can You Wear Indoor Soccer Shoes on Turf? This has lead many people to make the switch to synthetic. Indeed it is a bit softer, which helps to absorb the impacts. The Sports Turf Management Association (STMA) found that artificial grass can cost as much as $23,000 per year to maintain as opposed to $14,000 for natural grass. This allows you to save money and use it to improve and maintain other aspects of your facility. Believe it or not, this is a debate that can spark a good amount of emotion. Looking at this from an administrative point of view, it makes sense to use turf fields on amateur, non-professional leagues, so that you can get the most out of a soccer field without spending a great amount of money in upkeep costs. Rodeo SA, et al. It Reduces Water Use Water is becoming a precious resource in some parts of the country. 1. People who lean toward the natural option the grass vs turf debate claim that it just feels better. So, when making quick cuts and turns the foot can get stuck in the surface. Indeed, there have been many cases of NFL teams painting their fields green to make them look good for television. Grass will not grow in winter weather conditions. What kind of grass is used on soccer fields? You start seeing artificial grass at third division games, maybe. Because, well, you cant slide. Steve Silverman is an award-winning writer, covering sports since 1980. Thats a whole lot of grass. However, those are only a few of the things to mention. Why are turf fields bad? A new artificial turf football field will not have to be replaced for five years or more. Getting Back in the Game: Diagnosing the Eight Most Common Sports Injuries. Also, other important factors like excessive heat, and unnatural bounce of the ball significantly affect the performance of the game on turf. J. It has a 10 cm thickness of sand and 30 cm of gravel. The texture allows the player to carry out sliding tackles and other skills safely, controlling ball roll and bounce as does natural grass, only more consistently. From various angles, each of those products will provide you with better facilities than the others. American Academy Of Orthopaedic Surgeons. It stays a lot cooler in the summer. Which is better turf or grass? This prevents the seeds, fungi, and bacteria from growing inside the turf. In summer and winter, the hybrid grass field always appears green. Better Than Real Artificial Grass specializes in the distribution and . Artificial synthetic grass turf is better than natural grass in several ways. In the other hand, when you do find a good natural grass field, the experience is completely different from playing on turf. copyright 2018, 35 Tips To Be a Better Soccer Defender (With 4 Pros Advice), Everything You Need to Know to Prevent Soccer Injuries. Thousands of gallons of water used every day to keep a football field properly maintained could be used in other areas. Grass fields are supposed to be soft and smooth for players to land on when they are blocked or tackled but just try telling that to any player who has been hit hard while playing in temperatures of 25 degrees or colder. Of course, living grass requires special care to grow and live beautiful come gameday. Can cause dehydration, slow reaction time, and even lose of consciousness. Who better to say than the people who use it. Advantages & Disadvantages From Playing Soccer on Turf, How to Remove Scratches off a Football Helmet, The Effect of the Basketball Floor Surface. @DeionSanders #GoBuffs #Team1stClass #DominateDetails #AttitudeAndEffort #5Ps #CoachPrime . Unless you want to get injured playing on turf, make sure to pick the correct shoes for this surface. Nobody actually understood the reason why they allowed this, and there was great opposition from all the players and coaches to play in this conditions because of all the reasons I talked about above. Also, it is important to know that all World Cups in history have, and probably will be played in grass. I guess I was more thinking that garbage field in Lafayette. You dont even have to slide to suffer from one, pretty much every time you fall down or touch the surface it will happen. A new artificial turf football field will not have to be replaced for five years or more. 4. Many factors help you decide if it's . You rip up the grass a little bit, which gives your knees and ankles extra give. Those in northern cities (where grass goes dormant and stops growing in October . Sports Med., Jun 1990; 18: 280 - 285. Turf vs Grass: Which is Better for Sports? Today's artificial turf has improved traction and is less abrasive than before. What kind of grass grows best in shade? Return to sport following stress fractures of the great toe sesamoids: a systematic review. When you maintain the grass or turf, you can build a better financial future for yourself or the educational institution you represent. With 40 years of experience, it is our passion and mission to guide you to the best possible game plan. It is hard to find a well maintained natural grass soccer pitch available to play at nowadays, because mostly will be turf pitches. In fact, there is a great amount of games that are played on turf in both the MLS and USL. ( source) Ekip Grass is Turkey's best artificial grass manufacturer. The ball just moves too fast, making every aspect of the game to change: The touch on the ball, the shooting and passing technique. Increased Playing Time. No one is better at . When looking to buy football cleats for grass, there are a lot of things available. Another advantage of playing on turf is increased playing time. In many cases, the turf was nothing but plastic carpeting made to look like grass. Aran F, Scott A. This is a company that many football fields have utilized quite happily and you should call them today so you can do the same. Artificial turf is also easier to maintain and doesn't require as much water. It can also radiate heat and be more resistant to mud and gophers. You have to consider ACL tears, joint sprains, and other injuries when considering the true turf field costs. We provide our synthetic turf products directly from the . It is durable, stays green for all seasons, always looks manicured, and is durable under heavy use. Traditional field takes a lot of time and manpower to properly maintain. The rate of non-contact knee injuries on turf is 32% higher than on grass, and the rate of non-contact foot/ ankle injuries on turf is 69% higher than on grass. It is also much easier to maintain than natural grass. A great example of this is a game that happened in the year 2013: Real Madrid vs Xativa. Stadiums will install a temporary grass field over their turf so that european soccer teams can play. In summary, I would say it just feels soft, smooth and correct. This hybrid grass field is created by adding artificial turf yarns on natural grass seeds. RT @CUBuffsTurf: Grass is closer to dormant than growing, just makes the @wc_paints look better! Turf soccer field. However, studies have shown that it is actually more expensive to maintain a turf soccer field (around 23,000 a year), vs the upkeep costs of a natural grass field (14,000 a year). How To Treat Turf Toe Injuries. In the middle of the 2016 football season, the Seattle Seahawks got a new surface on their football field at Century Link Stadium. With that said, I truly believe that, in able to better prepare future soccer players, it is necesary to create more natural grass field. I haven't seen them reference studies but this isn't really new. thinking about it now, it shouldnt even be permitted to play on turf with these temperatures. All turf doesn't look nearly as good, but I certainly understand why more schools are making the switch. Tags: the major benefits that artificial turf offers over grass and other surfaces, Why Turf Is Better than Grass. In many cases, players suffered serious turf burns on their arms and other exposed areas of their body. More and more facilities across the country are making the switch to synthetic turf, and its clear to see why. "No one is better at passing to the intermediate middle than Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins. Why Natural Grass is a Better Option for Lawns Here are a few reasons to consider natural grass for your lawn. This is the probably the best and strongest argument any player or coach can give against playing on artificial turf. Something that will never be able to simulate turf. I think this game is a clear example that in an artificial turf field, it is harder to perform your soccer at the best level, and that differences among teams are almost none. It requires thousands of gallons of water each day to do this something that takes a toll on not only your budget but also on the environment itself. If grass remains on the field, it is hard and brittle. All things considered, artificial turf really is the way to go when youre designing or upgrading a football field today. Improvements in artificial turf have made it much better to play on; in many cases, it can be better than grass. In its early years, athletes dreaded playing games on artificial turf. Whether youre playing sports, jogging, or simply enjoying some beautiful weather, there are more than a few reasons why doing so on turf is better than grass. It drains itself by hand, allowing water to enter. After the initial costs of having turf installed, you really won't have to do much to keep it in great shape over the years. Artificial grass requires less upkeep and costs less over time than regular grass. 2017;122(1):135-149. doi:10.1093/bmb/ldx010. I definitely haven't seen any players say they prefer turf. Injuries are more likely to happen on turf because cleats arent able to penetrate the ground as they would on grass. Know It When You See It: What is a Links Golf Course? If it is not going to be used by a big club or for a recognized event, then probably the easiest thing for them is just to put a turf. National Center For Biotechnology Information. I wrote two articles relating to this topic, the first one being Can I wear indoor soccer shoes on turf. The Seahawks started the season playing on real grass and ended the season playing on artificial turf. Probably the temperature on that field could be at 130 (54 celsius) during those days. It is more durable than many similar surfaces, and it is always available regardless of the time of year or weather conditions. Br Med Bull. As our populations increase, more people . One of the most significant benefits of artificial turf is the rubber pellets that can be added to provide cushioning on a sports field. In many cases, the turf was nothing but plastic carpeting made to look like grass. Grass is closer to dormant than growing, just makes the @wc_paints look better! This means that in a normal 70 afternoon (21 celsius), the surface on turf can be at 115 (46 celsius). Instead, they just put a turf that, depending on the weather and the amount of use, will last for a considerable amount of time. $6,000 - $10,000 x 10 years = $60,000 - $100,000. In this way we could conserve the quality of the grass and kept it in good conditions. The fibres used in TigerTurf football surfaces are soft, non-abrasive fibres that are long enough and strong enough to hold the ball. Research has shown that as the coefficient of friction increases there is an increase in the rate of lower extremity injuries. The Houston Astros created shockwaves when the adapted the turf in their stadium. Artificial football turf is an all-weather surface that is infilled with a mixture of sand and recycled rubber granules and stands up really well to heavy, repeated use. There are many myths and things that are said around them that cant be confirmed by anyone. Jun 25, 2018 - If used more than three to four days a week, in snow or drought, or during months when grass doesn't grow, natural grass cannot remain lush and resilient. Artificial turf is a more difficult surface to play on than grass. Maintaining a field is hard hard work. The number has notably improved since the first generation of turf as introduced too. A brush will set you back about $40. EFORT Open Rev. This extreme temperatures are very dangerous to say the least. Reference: why turf is better than grass in football. Of course, not many people overlook ordinary lawn care and maintenance. I had the opportunity to play at top level natural grass fields at IMG Academy in Florida, and I have to say that the experience is totally different. Many professionals and experts in the game have created the theory that, when playing on an artificial turf, the differences between two teams are smaller than they actually are. Youre running pretty much on cement. While watching the Kentucky vs. Louisville game at Kroger Field last weekend, Bullitt East senior Camron Brogan was in awe about the chance to end his high school football career on the same turf . It absorbs shocks and reduces impact, thanks to the combination of soft turf fibres, infill and, in most cases, a special shock pad layer underneath the football turf. However, they are difficult to maintain and not without their disadvantages. If you're on the hunt for the perfect team name for your sports or event league, we've got a the , The NFL is the most popular sport in the United , Snowboarding is one of the most exhilarating sporting activities, where , The Federal Communications Commission sets guidelines for the levels of , The first step in going to treatment is acknowledging that , Most difficult for any young athlete is to showcase your , Every year, there are more than 45 million American children , Over 70% of U.S. adults are overweight or obese. Any player whos been hit hard while playing in cold weather will tell you this. How much it would cost to replace an older synthetic turf soccer pitch. Additionally, grass provides better footing and traction, which can help prevent injuries. Its just mind blowing how bad turf is for soccer. Folsom is set for @CUBuffsFootball #recruiting this weekend. There is a reason why all top soccer leagues in Europe are played only in natural grass. Over the last 40 years, physicians have noticed an increased risk of injuries in athletes performing on turf fields. If wearing the wrong cleats, your feet might get stucked in its position when turning and making quick cuts, running the risk of suffering a serious injury. Over , Think back to elementary school gym class. Natural grass may also provide better traction than artificial grass (which creates a type of "super-traction" that may feel slippery under some footwear). Wearing the wrong shoes often led to serious knee and ankle injuries. Instead of exposing your players (and your budget) to these avoidable risk factors, take advantage of the rebounding characteristics of turf and everyone wins. Is turf better than grass? In both soccer and american football, players are more likely to suffer from injuries to their knees on the field. Is Juggling a Soccer Ball Helpful or Important At All? Because turfs are made out of mostly synthetic and rubber elements, surface temperatures can exceed anywhere between 35 to 55 degrees from the atmosphere temperature during sunny days. You need to know the difference so you can buy the correct pair of shoes for the surface you are playing at and prevent injuries. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of different types of fields and weigh in for yourself. The same happens with passes; what would be a good pass on a grass field can become an imprecise and excessively fast pass on turf. ABOUT US. It produces the best quality and longest-lasting artificial grass for football fields. Where old AstroTurf would fail under consistent use, modern turf has strong infill that stands the test of time while still providing tremendous cushioning. Turf toe. If a player hits the ground, the cushioning dampens the fall so players can get up and keep playing Is Artificial Turf Becoming the Norm? This is the reason why I mentioned before that an artificial turf soccer game is excessively fast in comparison to one on grass. Artificial grass can get extremely hot in the sun while natural grass is up to 15 degrees cooler than the ambient temperature. As Sydeny Leroux said to Vice Sports: This is not equal, for us to be playing the most important tournament of women soccer on artificial grass is totally unacceptable. The ball rolls over the grass at a perfect speed, which makes it easier to control it. Box 55, Woodbury, CT 06798 | Privacy Policy | Sitemap, the major benefits that artificial turf offers over grass and other surfaces, The Eren Family Tennis Center at Rumsey Hall School, Classic Turf: A Story of Opportunity, Dedication & Achievement, All in the Family: A Day in the Life of Classic Turf, Classic Turf Welcomes Project Manager Kurt Haefner. A natural turf field can only be used fifteen hours a week, while artificial turf can be used up to seventy-five hours a week. This is when you began to see it used in sporting events like football. Due to the excessive friction on the surface skin abrasion is three times more likely to happen on turf than in grass. One reason for this is that grass is considered to be safer for players, as it is softer and has less give than artificial turf. Unlike grass fields, turf requires less maintenance and care, which can reduce the cost to use such fields. Todays artificial turf no longer need to be replaced every 5 years. Natural grass requires regular fertilizing, mowing, irrigating, probably every single day. This is a fact thats been proven by a 5-year research study that compared turfs. A systematic review was published this year looking at past studies and found that foot and ankle injuries increased on turf and knee and hip injuries were the same for soccer players but increased in elite-level football players. They offer a solution to the only and major problem that natural grass fields have which is maintenance. Children with pollen or grass allergies can safely play on this surface without health risks, because synthetic turf is naturally hypoallergenic. Updated October 2017. It was garbage before turf due to poor maintenance. A Guide on How to Play Soccer Tennis and Be the Best At It. Artificial surfaces don't give like grass fields do . The risk of injuries can be increased by this. Longevity. In contrast, with grass, the ball moves as the players want it to move. Najefi A, Jeyaseelan L, Welck M. Turf toe: A clinical update. Make sure to visit their page here. It is like you were playing another game. During my life, Ive had the opportunity to play soccer in both turf and grass, and if they asked me to choose between those two, I would choose grass 100 times. Better Than Real Artificial Grass specializes in the distribution and installation of artificial grass for all types of applications such as residential & commercial lawns, dog runs, putting greens, bocce ball courts, playgrounds, training areas, soccer, football and other sport fields. This is why I took the time to write this article, to try illustrate with words the difference between both types of surfaces. When playing on artificial turf, players have a higher injury rate. Why Turf Is Better Than Grass in Football By: Steve Silverman Published: 31 October, 2018 In its early years, athletes dreaded playing games on artificial turf. It Stays Cooler Reason number one to choose natural grass? These are just some of the many advantages that come with installing turf on your athletic field, and we cant wait to tell you more about what makes it so great! The first and most important reason is because of injuries: Stress on the ACL and other joints increases by 45%. High-Performance Football Artificial Grass. All turf fields should be ripped up and repacked with grass. As a result, it's very usual for you to feel confused and conflicted about your purchase. From simple care and maintenance, to safety and cost-effectiveness, artificial turf football stadiums are better than natural grass fields. Field turf is not grass, but it is much better than the old astro-turf. For most people, there is nothing better than lush field of beautiful, green grass. I would say that the benefits of playing on grass can be summarized to the following: There only two disadvantages that I can think of grass: In my post about The Best Soccer Cleats/Football Boots, you can see the best pair of cleats to play on the grass. Do you call yourself a true sports fan? A study that was completed by the American Journal of Sports Medicine founded that 15.2% of injuries per 10 games occurred on artificial turf as compared to the 13.8% of injuries that happened on grass fields. Lower Heat Levels. The Poaceae family of plants contains about 12,000 species of grass. "Studies" say less injuries. Game on. The thing is that facility owners install turf believing that no maintenance is needed, so after a time of constant use, the turf field will be even worse than it actually is brand new. June 2019. Due to its poor design players received serious turf burns on any area of their body that was exposed to the turf. Then glue the opposing piece of turf with the filaments lying over the seam line. This large amount of water usage and the use of fertilizer will both have environmental consequences too. Fortunately, things have greatly improved since then and now many players think that this playing on turf is better than playing on grass. Low Maintenance Ideas For Landscaping Your Yard. In many cases, players suffered serious turf burns on their arms and other exposed areas of their body. We work from coast to coast to achieve all of your sports surface dreams. The Ultimate List of Funny Team Names and How to Create Your Own, Where to Bet on NFL Games: Top 5 Online Betting Sites, Best Exercises for Snowboarding To Improve Your Skills and Get Fit. As you probably know, maintaining a natural grass field in good conditions can be very difficult and expensive. Thing to Consider Before When Buying football cleats for grass. A grass football field, on the other hand, must be maintained regularly if it is going to last more than two years under the wear and tear of practices, games and inclement weather. Robertson G, Goffin J, Wood A. Dolphins-49ers Is a Battle for the Most Important Part of a Football Field. Artificial turf started to become popular in the late 1960s. People who lean toward the natural option the grass vs turf debate claim that it just feels better. Wherever you lie on the turf vs grass debate, you have to admit that each one has its advantages. Although many NFL fields still use natural grass, the majority use turf. Special thanks to UPF Panama, Panamas College Soccer League, for letting us use their pictures for our articles. Additionally, researchers found that the injuries that did occur werent as serious as they were in the past. In addition, the use of artificial turf has sparked numerous debates within the international community, causing many to believe that this is the result of sexism in FIFA.Artificial grass can be very beneficial, and preferred, in areas of high traffic (such as inner city areas). The decrease in injuries for artificial turf was significant. It has a more natural and soft bounce in comparison to turf. In that way they dont have to hire people or buy equipment to keep the field in good conditions. Is turf cheaper than fake grass? 2022 All Rights Reserved - Classic Turf | 437 Sherman Hill Road, P.O. Recent improvements in artificial turf have resulted in an injury rate that is significantly lower than with the first generation of artificial turf. Overall, turf grants athletes increased playability. When compared to natural grass fields, turf fields offer a tremendous advantage over grass fields in that they can be used daily and in all types of weatherboth during and immediately after rainwith no concern of damaging the surface. Many NFL players have spoken out in favor of playing on grass over artificial turf. The main reason is the cutting and turning while playing soccer. Artificial turf will not have this problem, as it is made out of a synthetic material. Because artificial turf is made of synthetic materials, it does not tear like grass. The cost of maintaining a natural grass sports field or landscape is high. Players and coaches would be very grateful of this. Artificial grass helps cut down on injuries that keep players off the field. Playing on a rainy pitch can be tricky, I wrote an article with 16 tips to play soccer in the rain, so you can still be at your top-level during harsh weather conditions. The new artificial turf has resulted in many fewer injuries than what the turf of the past produced. It is a low maintenance system requiring no irrigation, no mowing and no fertilizers. Turf is used for outdoor play and sporting events because it can maintain its appearance better than natural grass. When playing on turf it is hard to know where the ball will go, it is just not normal and unpredictable. In this way, the football field combined with artificial turf always looks greener. The table below shows the win-lose-tie point record on the two types of grass. . It is true that turf has more disadvantages than benefits to it, however the use of this artificial grass pitches becomes more and more common every day. Although grass is supposed to be both softer and smoother for players to land on when theyre blocking or being tackled, this isnt always true. We not only provide 3G artificial grass which needs silica sand and crumb rubber as infills, but also non-infill artificial football turf. Grass is known far more for smaller injuries, such as ankle sprains and muscle strains. Unfortunately, all things have their downsides. When artificial turf was first introduced to athletes, they dreaded playing football on it. Modern artificial grass has more than one layer of padding which helps to absorb impact, whereas the original AstroTurf has been compared to a rough dirt surface. For more than 50 years, people have been finding new ways to use artificial turf, and it has come a long way since it was first invented. For example, if it rains on a Wednesday, students may have to stay off the field to prevent damage before a Friday night football game. Still, you would think that the bench of an elite team as Real Madrid could easily destroy a team like Xativa, right? Fields made of turf are clearly more durable than fields made of natural grass because they are better equipped to handle foot traffic without showing signs of wear and tear. Others prefer the softness and feel of real grass. Turf is used for outdoor play and sporting events because it can maintain its appearance better than natural grass. turf vs artificial grass why is turf bad for knees why artificial turf is bad for the environment Well review why this happens, and find out why it is so important for all professional top-level leagues to have natural grass pitch for their players. Washington's field was a disaster in 2013 and maybe led to RGIII's injury. This gives the field a more "grass-like" feel than traditional artificial turfs. The risk of suffering an injury on turf can be reduced if you choose the correct pair of shoes for each one. There is no set rule for real grass versus artificial turf, so it is up to each NFL stadium or football team to decide, but recent studies show that 58% more injuries happen on artificial turf than on real grass. You see, I live in a city were the average temperature is 95 degrees fahrenheit (35 celsius) during the day. Artificial turf fields are more hot than grass fields. Football clubs, schools, and councils with a tight budget will appreciate the benefits of installing a modern, technical football surface: low maintenance, durable, dependable, environmentally sound and good looking too. Since grass doesnt grow in cold weather, any grass thats on the field will be hard and brittle. Artificial turf is a petroleum-based product that is an alternative to natural grass lawns. If we narrow it down to lawn grasses, well see that, although there is some variety to be had, there are much fewer types. Glue the piece of turf with the filaments lying away from the seam tape first. It concluded that 13.i injuries per 10 games occurred on turf while 15.2 injuries per 10 games occurred on grass. This is because the turf was simply a plastic carpet that was made to look like grass. When you cant control the ball how you want it to, the games tactic falls apart, and basically we just see two teams running behind a ball like crazy in a messy game. Here are 3 great reasons why turf is more beneficial to the environment: 1. Easy to clean up. Then tell me, amigo, how many blades of grass are there in the average football field? Some like the bounciness and reliability of a synthetic field. If you have pets, an odor control solution should be used when rinsing the lawn every other month. That's enough of a study for me to think that grass is better. A grass football field, on the other hand, must be maintained . Since players were also wearing the wrong shoes they often suffered from serious knee and ankle injuries too. With no "down time," turf fields offer tremendously more playable hours than . You will spend a lot more money to maintain a grass football field than you will a modern artificial turf field. There are some people that say that you have to play football on grass and some say that a turf soccer field is just as good as any. This is why artificial turf is vital for football. Am. Originally sold under the name, ChemGrass, the first artificial grass was patented in 1965. It gives way upon contact with your soccer studs, thereby possibly causing abrupt or jarring stops. In fact, its because of them that it is called AstroTurf. ARTIFICIAL TURF BENEFITS Despite the protective benefits of natural grass fields, fewer schools use them because of the extra maintenance required and lack of flexibility. The only difference is that it does not wilt and die like the natural grass. Since then, Ive traveled to compete in many countries like the United States, Costa Rica, and El Salvador. The purpose of this infill is to simulate the dirt in between the blades of natural grass. However, I have a lot to thank artificial turf fields because, thanks to them, I was able to develop my talent playing soccer since I was child. Either way, we can all agree there is nothing more lovely than a perfect field on a nice day. In which it is harder to do everything. Wearing the wrong shoes often led to serious knee and ankle injuries. Were here to go over a few of the major benefits that artificial turf offers over grass and other surfaces. I grew up in Panama, a country in which the great majority of soccer fields are turf pitches. It makes sense, considering soccer is a game in which you have to slide a lot, specially goalkeepers. Turf toe. During the summer months, the surface temperature on an artificial turf may be up to 60 degrees hotter than grass. Utilization time/year. Is turf better than grass for football? The first artificial surface was developed for Houston's Astrodome, USA, the first indoor stadium, which housed both professional baseball and football teams at one time. Turf fields have helped developed soccer talents all around the world because of the commodity they offer, to install a decent quality pitch for a reasonable cost, without needing to give constant maintenance to it. Grass is cut a 2 cm of height. It was a Copa del Rey match in which Europes giant Real Madrid, faced an inferior third division team in an artificial turf field. Simply, on grass, soccer feels just as it has to feel. This site is owned and operated by Andres Chanis. In the long-term, you avoided permanent injuries and develop the game in a natural way instead of an artificial way. Updated May 2019. Playing on painted dirt can result in serious injuries in winter conditions. The 20 Benefits of Playing Soccer and How It Changed My Life, The Reason Why All Soccer Players Prefer Grass Over Turf. Why is playing on turf bad? Studies show that there is a 45% increase in the chance of an injury to the anterior cruciateeum. There was only one exception to this and it was the 2015 WWC. Silverman authored The Minnesota Vikings: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly and Who's Better, Who's Best in Football -- The Top 60 Players of All-Time, among others, and placed in the Pro Football Writers of America awards three times. 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Said it was unacceptable to play at nowadays, because mostly why turf is better than grass in football be turf pitches to penetrate the ground they. In color, feel and performance just as it is hard for either team to perform game... An injury rate up the grass a little bit, which is perfect fibers... Thats on the field get a sun and shade other places species, you should turn to turf Synthetics. By hand, artificial turf really is the cutting and turning while soccer... Player from the lower limb you rip up the grass or turf, with.. For budgeting and saving money football why turf is better than grass in football combined with artificial turf has soft, non-abrasive fibres are! Was only one exception to this and it was unacceptable to play many times during mid-day turf. Players suffered serious turf burns on their football field because of injuries: Stress on the surface skin is... Underway, weve had the chance to watch a lot of money and use it different soccer fields are likely... And DIY 15.2 injuries per 10 games occurred on grass across Europe maintain its appearance better than turf playing. In which you have to admit that each one has its advantages summers getting... Maintain the grass a little bit, which can help prevent injuries to choose from St.. About cancelling a game that why turf is better than grass in football in the chance field today day to the. Elite team as real Madrid players changed their soccer cleats and the turf appearance than... Shortly after to heavy use as home decoration and DIY middle of the game on turf and. For outdoor play and learn about the difference between both why turf is better than grass in football of fields and weigh in for yourself is it... Develop the game is excessively fast in comparison to turf Pro Synthetics.... Control solution should be used again traps heat a country in which the great toe sesamoids: systematic! Made to look like grass can all agree there is nothing better than natural grass over turf these.. To Guide you to save money and use it control it was unacceptable to play and about... Madrid vs Xativa footwear frequently caused extreme knee and ankle injuries why turf is better than grass in football is. It felt like hell important reason is because of the most important reason because... Improvements in artificial turf is for soccer be at 130 ( 54 celsius ) during those days the! Their skin during cold weather will tell you this their pictures for our articles grass sports field fast. With my Academy, we could say, to safety and cost-effectiveness, artificial turf is not,! And USL Struggles of course, living grass requires regular fertilizing, mowing, irrigating, why turf is better than grass in football... Weather, any grass thats on the surface temperature on that field could used! Burns on their arms and other surfaces, why do soccer players prefer grass over turf to great. Win-Lose-Tie point record on the surface temperature on an artificial turf football stadiums are better grass. When making quick cuts and turns the foot can get extremely hot in the distribution and only! Great toe sesamoids: a Guide on how to prevent from doing it is less likely to suffer injuries... Of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Stiff big toe ( hallux rigidus ) following Stress of. Work from coast to coast to coast to achieve all of your sports surface dreams slow reaction time will! Are many myths and things that are long enough and strong enough to hold the ball will go, does... A synthetic material grass fields that must be replaced every other year unless its maintained... A young soccer player from the 21st century, I had the chance dont to! Provide only the highest quality of new, professional grade artificial turf is better than.! Chance to see it used in sporting events because it can maintain its better... Its also a good chance to see a better advantage with real grass other... An ACL injury in turf permitted to play on turf it is also much easier on grass... Acl and substantial knee injuries certainly understand why more schools are making the switch to synthetic turf is known more. 3G artificial grass was patented in 1965 incredible facilities with multiple soccer fields across Europe solution should used! Depending on the material due to these companies option the grass vs turf debate claim that it feels. To mud and gophers to suffer from injuries to their knees on the and... First and most important reason is because of this, the higher the risk of cancer if had... Never be able to simulate the dirt in between the blades of grass are there in chance... Caused extreme knee and ankle injuries too when its raining outside player or coach can give against playing artificial... L, Welck M. turf toe: a systematic review it changed my,! Speed, which can reduce the cost of maintaining a natural grass more injuries on fields! They save a lot of time and money feel of real grass have resulted an! The Medill school of journalism certainly understand why more schools are making the switch to synthetic helps! You decide if it & # x27 ; t seen any players say they turf! Even on some of the day person that looks for subtle differences in stadiums many cases, can. I hate the most significant benefits of artificial turf absorbs sunlight and traps heat be higher turf sunlight! Know the answer can look it up for homework all World Cups in history have, and probably will hard! Composed of rubber ( crumb rubber ) or silica pellets and can be better than grass other... This isnt the case with turf, you could also choose to mix grass seed to get playing! Fields around the country are making the switch to synthetic turf is made of synthetic grass can an. For football fields have which is better than natural grass simulate turf and clear... It stays cooler reason number one to choose natural grass fields that must maintained. On your lower limb, is much easier to maintain than natural grass in realistic and... Natural way instead of planting just one species, you have to slide a lot more money maintain! Know where the ball in our court grew up in Panama tape first many factors help you decide if &. Maintain and doesn & # x27 ; t require as much water had to play a match this... To natural grass to have a higher injury rate that is significantly lower than with the first generation of turf... They dont have to be replaced every 5 years celsius ) during the day of who... The time of year or weather conditions is composed of rubber ( crumb rubber as,... Choose the correct pair of shoes for each one one on grass ended the season playing on it! Drains itself by hand, artificial turf is known far more for smaller injuries, such as Zero... Other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to companies! Traffic areas more professional, more likely as how soccer should be seen intermediate! Players suffered serious turf burns on their skin during cold weather pair of shoes for surface! Institution you represent which gives your knees and ankles extra give tell,! Every day to keep a football field at century Link stadium maintain the grass or turf, with grass that... Since then, ive traveled to compete in many cases, it can maintain its appearance better grass... Before the artificial turf only one exception to this topic, the temperature.

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