RUBBER CRUMB

in 3G pitches - an updated statement

Following discussions between partners and key stakeholders, including the GMA, Sport England, sportscotland, Sport Wales, DCMS, Football Foundation, The FA, RFL, SAPCA and England Rugby, a joint statement has been produced relating to the use of rubber crumb in 3G pitches and the sustainability of artificial grass pitches.

“Artificial grass pitches (AGPs) are recognised as a durable, safe, year-round playing surfaces, able to withstand intensive use and all kinds of weather. The pitches are used for playing multiple sports including football, hockey and rugby and they are an important community resource that mean more people can benefit from the social and health benefits of physical activity.”

“However, concerns have been raised about the environmental impact of these pitches. Most commonly this relates to the fibre loss of microplastics and, in the case of third generation or 3G pitches, the presence of rubber infill, which is also a microplastic. We understand these concerns and are taking them very seriously.”

“We are aware of potential developments in the EU following the European Commission’s statement (released in September 2022) which recommended the introduction of a ban on the future sale of ‘intentionally added microplastics’ onto the European market, which includes rubber infill for 3G AGPs.”

“The Sports Councils and leading sport bodies are working together to understand what the EU ban will mean for the stock of 3G AGPs in the UK and the timings for any legislative decisions.”

To find out more visit the SAPCA website: sapca.org.uk

Among the proposals are for the Peter Taylor Stand to be demolished and rebuilt to double its capacity from 5,000 to 10,000 people. The current stand is expected to be demolished at the end of the current football season in May, with the new stand then set to be completed by summer 2024.

But the club will not be able to commence any work on the stadium until it meets the condition of relocating the nearby Nottingham Britannia Rowing Club’s boathouse in Trentside North. The boathouse has been sitting on the banks of the River Trent since 1869 and is listed as an asset of community value.

BASIS points for magazine subscribers

BASIS awards two CPD points for ‘paid-for’ subscribers to the hard copy version of Pitchcare magazine, due to the diverse range of content that relates to the control, management and use of pesticides.

Subscribers can now obtain a further two valuable CPD points for their Professional register, simply by paying for a subscription to the hard copy version of the magazine.

Anyone wishing to claim their points should email their full name, BASIS membership number, date of birth and postcode to kerry@pitchcare.com