Hockey and football both recognize the advantages that synthetic turf fields offer to their respective sports. For hockey, it is the preferred playing surface, while football values its versatility to support various levels of play across diverse weather conditions. Increasingly, synthetic turf sports fields are becoming the favored or sole option for fulfilling the athletic needs of local communities.
At the elite level, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the FIFA Innovation team have established standards that outline the necessary characteristics for fields used in their competitions. These standards are based on specific types of synthetic turf designed primarily or exclusively for each sport.
However, at the grassroots and educational levels, there is often a demand for fields that can accommodate multiple sports. Acknowledging the advantages of multi-sport fields and the potential of new innovative synthetic turf options that address environmental issues, FIH and the FIFA Innovation team are exploring the feasibility of using these surfaces effectively for both hockey and grassroots football on dual-purpose fields.
The outcomes are encouraging, leading to new and improved sporting opportunities for many individuals. By integrating the performance standards of FIFA's Basic category for field certification with the updated FIH Multi-sport category for hockey turf, FIH is pleased to announce the release of their Dualsport Pitches for Football and Hockey - Performance and Construction Guidelines. This guide is accessible in English, French, and Spanish on both the FIH website (Facilities Guidance - Multi-sport Fields | FIH Resources Hub) and the FIFA website (FIFA Standards - Football-turf). It outlines the performance, durability, and construction specifications for pitches designed for dual use by hockey and football. Additionally, it details the performance and quality criteria for these innovative surfaces, along with recommendations for the levels of hockey and football intended to be played on them.
To assist in the design of dual-sport pitches, the guide also includes information on pitch dimensions and layouts, the necessary construction standards, and field certification processes.
FIH President Tayyab Ikram remarked, "It is truly remarkable that the FIFA Innovation team and FIH could collaborate for the benefit of grassroots football and hockey. This guide will be a valuable resource for millions of young football and hockey players around the world. On behalf of the global hockey community, I extend my heartfelt thanks to FIFA, particularly its President, Gianni Infantino, for partnering with us."
Synthetic turf pitches significantly contribute to the growth of both sports globally. They enhance accessibility for broader communities and society, serving as an excellent platform to showcase our commitment to sustainability.
