Table of Contents

» Introduction
» 01. Hydration for Health & Performance
» 02. Water Bottle Safety
» 03. Head Protection
» 04. Grass Field Hazards
» 05. Turf Field Hazards
» 06. Shin Pads and Boot Selection
» 07. Hot Weather Conditions
» 08. Cold Weather Conditions
» 09. Soccer Goal Safety
» 10. Stretching: When, Why, How
» 11. Soccer Injuries
» 12. Miscellaneous Soccer Safety Tips

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5. Turf Field Hazards

“There may be more to turf field installation than meets the eye”

 Injuries
In 2006 the British Medical Journal looked at the incidence of injury with third generation turf fields (the new ones or third generation fields) versus grass fields. They studied 290 players under 1000 hours of training and 1000 hours of match time. They found no evidence of a greater risk of injury playing on turf fields over grass fields although the risk of ankle sprains was higher during match play (4.83 vs. 2.66 ankle sprains/1000 hours match time).  Turf fields are faster and have more grip on the soccer cleat. This increases the amount of force required for the foot to “twist out” of the turf and may account for some of the ankle sprains seen in the clinic. The FA (Football Association) has set strict standards for turf fields and has created a Guide to Artificial Grass Pitches, found on their website www.thefa.com

The University of Missouri tested the twist out on their newest generation of turf field and compared it to three grass fields. They found that the average force required for a planted foot to twist out was between 81-85 foot pounds (110 – 115 newton meters). The force for a fully planted foot on the turf field was 110 foot pounds (149 newton meters). Note that foot pounds are simply units of force used when the force is applied as a twist as opposed to a straight line.

One of my physiotherapy colleagues, Rick Celebrini, also a former Canadian national and professional soccer player, has some advice regarding training on turf fields:

• Risk of injury is greater when the blades and rubber pack down and the field is wet. Players use cleats for grip but the increased grip into the packed turf can cause sprains. Rick recommends using multi studs on turf and feels that blade style cleats are the worst as it is better to slip than to stick.
• During training and warm-up use a three step deceleration when stopping versus a sudden stop. This will train quick feet and prevent injury.
• Defibrillation of a field reverses the packing effect – monitor how often your field is defibrillated.

At the clubs we played and trained at in Europe, turf was sometimes used as a playing surface but mostly was utilized in heavy wear areas in the team warm-up areas, the tunnel leading onto the field and even around the sidelines and technical areas. The fields though were mostly natural grass. Many teams had a turf field as well for foul weather training.

Manchester United, of the English Premier League, banned blades for turf fields because of player injuries.

Bacteria
We were shocked to discover the levels of contaminants found in turf fields.  The recycled rubber pellets contain several dangerous chemicals, absorb huge amounts of heat, and were also home to levels of bacteria found near sewage outfalls.

Chemicals – a look at the rubber pellets in turf fields
A small study in New York looked at the rubber pellets used in turf fields. They looked specifically for substances called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH’s) and toxic heavy metals. This report is summarized below. Please note that all 6 of the PAH’s mentioned below are considered to have a high likelihood of being carcinogenic (cancer causing) to humans. The Department of Conservation (DEC) has given specific limits to these chemicals so that anything found above these limits would be considered hazardous to health and require removal. The results are given below:

Concentrations of PAH’s (in parts per million)

The researchers also found evidence of zinc, lead and arsenic above tolerable levels. This study prompted another study released in April of 2007 that looked at other types of turf fields. These results are given below:

Concentrations of PAH’s (in parts per million)

The chemical that exceeded the Soil Contamination Limits on all three samples was dibenzo (a,h) anthracene. The International Agency for Research on Cancer reports this chemical to be one of the worst PAH’s and a probable human carcinogen.

Ask any player who spends time on turf fields and that player will tell you that they find these little rubber pellets in their soccer shoes, their socks, kit bags etc. The researchers want the next study to look at the likelihood that these chemicals are absorbed into the bodies of children. Until then we cannot read too much into these findings. For example, the Turf manufacturers state that they are aware of these reports but that the material used in the infill is extremely stable and does not break down.

My own conclusion is that there may be more to turf field installation than meets the eye. I will wait to see what conclusions are drawn from further research. In the meantime stay aware of potential health risks, especially preventable ones.

Temperature of Turf Fields
A university of Missouri turfgrass expert took temperature readings on a third generation FieldTurf field on a 98 degree day. He found the surface temperature to be 173 degrees and the head level height temperature to be 138 degrees. On very hot days athletes are practically playing in an oven. Chapter 1 dealt with the importance of hydration. Chapter 7 deals with specifics of hot weather conditions. Please reread these chapters if playing or training on these surfaces on hot days.

Conclusions
Players and coaches should be aware of potential dangers associated with turf fields and take the following actions:

• Turf fields have increased grip on the soccer cleat, especially when the blades and pellets are packed. Use boots with many small cleats rather than long cleats or blade style cleats.
  
  
• Disinfect all wounds and scrapes received on turf (and grass) fields to prevent infections.
  
• Do not leave water or drink bottles lying on the turf.
  
  
• Be aware of significant temperature increases on turf fields when it is hot out. Hydrate and train accordingly.
  
  
• Be aware that contact with the rubber pellets in turf fields may pose a risk to players. Limit the exposure by cleaning the player’s equipment and removing pellets that accumulate in kit bags and soccer boots.