Replacing your 3G pitch
So, your 3G pitch is showing its age and could be ready for replacing. Replacing a 3G pitch is a substantial project that requires careful planning and execution to ensure a highquality, safe, and durable playing surface. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Assess the Condition of the Current Pitch
• How long should a pitch last: This depends on a few variables, but most notably how much it is used and the quality of the maintenance regime. The rule of thumb has traditionally been ten years, but we see more and more continuing to pass The FA pitch test and remain on the 3G Pitch Register at year 10 and beyond So, a wellmaintained pitch can reach 12 or 13 years before replacement.
• Inspect the surface: Look for signs of wear such as flat fibres, fading colour, seam separation, an uneven surface and drainage issues. The fibres should stand upright, if they are lying flat and not returning to an upright position after brushing then it’s a sign the pitch is reaching the end of its life. Employing a specialist to carry out surface testing against the relevant sport’s governing body requirements will confirm whether it’s time to replace it. The maintenance company you employ to keep your pitch in top condition should be able to carry this out for you.
• Evaluate the base: There are different base systems; some have the turf laid directly on a stone base (Dynamic System), some on to a macadam layer (Engineered System) and some have shock pads directly below the carpet Professional surveys by a sports pitch specialist can assess the condition of the sub-base, shock pad and drainage system to ensure they’re still suitable for use or if they need repair or replacement. This is a significant consideration as costs to repair or improve the base can be high.
Flattened
Vertical
Step 2: Plan and Design the Replacement
• Define performance requirements: Consider the sports and level of play (e.g. football, rugby, multipurpose use) and ensure your new pitch will meet relevant certifications (e.g. FIFA Quality, World Rugby Regulation 22).
• Appoint a professional: Specialist sports pitch consultants can guide you through the design process and advise on the best course of action. They can also manage the tender and construction phases of the project ensuring your needs and interests are satisfied. This is a role that should not be excluded from your project.
• Planning Permission: A consultant can also advise the likely need for planning permission. The chances are if your project is a straight lift and replace then it won’t but if you’re changing fencing or floodlighting then it may well need this step Now might be a good time to consider whether your floodlights and fencing are safe and still fit for purpose
• Shock Pads: If your pitch doesn’t currently have a shock pad under the surface then consider whether to include one for your new pitch. Obviously, there is a budget consideration here, however shock-pads can play an important role in the performance and longevity of your new system. A shock pad is essentially an underlay that provides a cushioned layer to aid performance and player protection. Since January 2023 all Football Foundation funded 3G pitches incorporate a shock pad.
Shock pads aren’t essential for all 3G pitches as systems can be designed to meet FIFA standards for football without the need for one, such as a typical 55/60mm high pile surface with rubber crumb infill However, they do allow for shorter pile systems which means less rubber crumb is required. For sports like Rugby, shock pads are essential to meet Head Injury Criterion (HIC), and they are also essential for surfaces with alternative types of infill material that don’t have the elastic or performance qualities of rubber crumb.
• Infill selection: Decide whether to reuse existing infill or source new materials. Typically, rubber crumb has been used in 3G pitches across the world as the preferred performance infill. It is recycled end of life tyres and can be recycled over and over once cleaned and treated. However, recently many alternative materials (vegetal and mineral), or non-fill 4G systems have come on to the market. The choice of infill needs careful consideration, as there are a number of potential impacts to the future of your pitch. Visit our Future of 3G Pitches webpage and 3G Pitches FAQs webpage for more information on this topic.
• Surface technology: Modern 3G surfaces offer a variety of pile heights and materials, so choose one that aligns with the usage requirements. All manufacturers will have several offerings, and a sports pitch specialist can help guide you as to the most suitable product for your needs. For football, a system that has been certified to the FIFA Quality standard will be suitable for high use community level football and will typically comprise of 40-50mm surface. However, for rugby a higher pile will be required.
Step 4: Construction
• Fencing and security: The contractor will take responsibility for your site and fence off the area and follow all health and safety guidelines.
• Environmental considerations: Plan for the proper disposal or recycling of materials like the old turf, infill, and shock pads. Make sure YOU know where your old pitch is going and how it is being treated Most components of your old system are relatively easy to recycle. Sand and rubber can be cleaned and returned to 3G pitches. However, at this current time there is a limited number of properly licenced operators able to take end-of-life 3G turf. Please seek advice from the Football Foundation regarding your options.
• Removal of Existing Turf: The surface should be stripped, cut it into sections for easier disposal, rolled and bagged. A contractor may use specialised equipment to remove the infill on site, which can potentially be recycled or reused. After turf removal, the shock pad can be inspected and if it's in good condition, it can be reused; otherwise, it may need replacement. A good shock pad should last at least two carpet cycles. Many have warranties for 20+ years.
• Base Preparation and Repair: Until the surface is removed, the full extent of work required to the base will be unknown and is likely to have been covered through a “Provisional Sum” within your tender price. The contractor will check for depressions, drainage issues, or signs of shifting, and repair or level the surface and drainage system as needed.
• Lay and Secure New Turf (& Shock Pad): If a shock pad is included, then this will be laid prior to the 3G turf, which will sit on top and be jointed using adhesive tapes or other bonding methods to create a smooth, seamless surface.
• Apply Infill: Using a spreader the contractor will evenly distribute infill material, starting with a layer of sand (for stability) and followed by rubber or another specified infill. The surface will be brushed using specialist equipment to ensure the infill settles between the fibres and to achieve a consistent surface height.
Step 5: Quality Control and Testing
• Conduct performance testing: At this point you will need to appoint a United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accredited testing consultant to carry out tests for traction, ball roll, shock absorption, and other metrics required for your pitch’s certification level. This will allow your pitch to be certified by the relevant governing body. Once tested your pitch can be added to the 3G Pitch Register to allow FA affiliated football matches to be played. Current UKAS Accredited testing consultants are:
o Sports Labs UK
o Labo Sport
o Surface Performance
Step 6: Maintenance and Handover
• Establish a maintenance plan: The contractor/manufacturer will provide you with an operations manual on completion. This will include how to maintain your pitch correctly and to ensure longevity of your pitch and to maintain the warranty requirements.
• Provide maintenance training: You should ensure that your grounds staff are t rained on the maintenance requirements, including best practices for keeping infill levels consistent. Low infill levels will damage your pitch and ultimately lead to early replacement of the surface. The Grounds Management Association offer suitable online training courses on their website.
• Help educate the players: Make sure they understand that the ideal footwear for 3G pitches is designed to provide both traction and comfort while ensuring their safety and the longevity of the surface. It’s recommended that Artificial Grass (AG)
Boots, specifically designed for 3G pitches are worn if possible. These have short, hollow studs that distribute weight evenly, reduce wear on the pitch, and prevent injury as well as providing excellent grip and comfort. Moulded plastic s tud boots are also acceptable, often referred to as Firm Ground (FG) boots.
Avoid use of flat-soled or dimpled trainers as they lack the grip of AG boots and can damage the fibres of the turf Also avoid Metal Stud Boots and bladed studs as these can also damage the 3G pitch and can cause injury.
Now you have your new replacement surface it is vitally important you have the right approach to maintenance. Regular and correct use of suitable equipment will prolong the lifespan of your 3G pitch, ensuring it remains safe, comfortable, and in top playing condition.
Maintenance Equipment
• Ride on tractor: You should have a small tractor with drag brush attachment. These brushes are used to redistribute the infill and keep the fibres upright, ensuring the pitch remains level and prevent compaction
• Handheld brushes: These are useful for smaller areas, like corners and lines, that may require more precise attention.
• Leaf Blowers: Essential for removing leaves, twigs, and small debris without disturbing the infill material.
• Litter Picker: A manual or mechanical picker helps collect litter, such as plastic bottles and other waste that may be left on the field.
• Magnetic Sweepers: These are useful for picking up any metallic objects like nails, pins, or small metal debris that could harm players or damage the turf. These sweepers are attached to some of the ride on brushing units
The AGP Framework
The Football Foundation operates an Alliance Framework of consultants and contractors to deliver its funded pitches. The Framework runs for four years with the current iteration commencing on 1 April 2024.
Whilst is the use of the AGP Framework is only a requirement for those seeking Football Foundation funding, any organisation seeking to replace a 3G pitch can utilise the Framework to secure a professionally managed project with a high-quality product delivered with a Framework standard warranty.
The Framework comprises the following organisations:
Design Consultants
• Labosport
• Surfacing Standards Ltd
Framework Managing Consultant (Contract Administrators)
• MGAC
Specialist Testing Consultant
• Sports Labs
Suppliers
• Field Turf
• Domo
• Lano
• Saltex Oy
• Tiger Turf
• SIS
To access the Framework, please get in touch with us here at the Foundation and we can connect you into the Framework and outline the associated costs.