Synthetic sports surfaces have found a prominent place in many sports facilities in recent times. A wide variety of sports, including football, field hockey, tennis, athletics, netball, basketball, and many more are played on these surfaces. The immense popularity of artificial sports surfaces is the result of their numerous advantages. For instance, an artificial soccer turf requires minimal maintenance when compared to a natural grass sports field. An artificial soccer turf offers the same playing characteristics as that of a natural grass soccer field. However, unlike the latter, it can be used all year round, in all weather conditions. These surfaces have an excellent drainage system, which makes them ideal for all weather conditions: frozen winters or heavy rainfall. Made of polyethylene or polypropylene fibres lubricated with silicone, a soccer turf features a 'shock pad†underneath the top layer. It offers cushioning to players against injuries when they slide or fall on the surface. The synthetic fibres of an artificial soccer turf 'carpet' are tufted into a canvas and a layer of latex is applied on its back. This 'backing' is so strong that moles cannot dig through it. Sometimes, an impermeable root canvas or foil is applied between the base and the artificial turf carpet. The synthetic soccer turf is in-filled with sand and rubber granules. However, the turf height can vary between a range of 30mm to 60mm depending on the requirements and specifications of a sports facility. Natural appearance, skin and joint friendliness, high shock absorption, optimal grip, and limited heat development of the surface are some of the features of an artificial sports turf designed for football. The numerous benefits of an artificial soccer turf have compelled both FIFA and UEFA to endorse these synthetic sports surfaces. This is the reason why UEFA, the European Football League has approved playing the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Cup, the qualification matches for the World Cup, and the European Championships on artificial soccer turf. However, this approval has come after FIFA introduced an extensive test programme in 2001 to develop an international standard for artificial turf to ensure the safety of the players whilst retaining the playing characteristics similar to those present on natural grass surfaces. The test included parameters like ball rolling, bouncing, sliding characteristics, heat development, shock absorption, wear and tear, and many more. The artificial soccer turf passed this test with flying colours, and consequently, became widely accepted amongst different sports facilities of the world.
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