Assessments by regional pitch advisors have shown real improvements
RUGBY PITCH PILOT IS ON THE RIGHT COURSE A pilot rugby pitch renovation and maintenance project between the Rugby Football League and Sport England under the guidance of the GaNTIP is showing real benefits
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mateur rugby clubs have some of the most inadequate playing facilities across all sports, yet the year-round demand on those pitches gives clubs little opportunity to renovate and improve their playing surfaces. In an attempt to address the problem, in 2016 under guidance of the Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme (GaNTIP), the Rugby Football League in partnership with Sport England developed a pilot project that would include the renovation of the pitches of three amateur clubs. In return for each club committing to the project (for 10 years) the project would provide them with the appropriate equipment and an ongoing maintenance programme.
If successful, the pilot could pave the way for future investment and development of grassroots facilities. In September 2016, following consultation with TGMS Ltd (sports surface consultants) and using an agreed schedule of work with a qualified contractor, work commenced to renovate the training pitches (second match pitches) at Normanton Knights ARLFC in West Yorkshire, Lancashire-based Thatto Heath Crusaders ARLFC in St Helens and Cadishead Rhinos ARLFC in Manchester. The maintenance of the sites was facilitated via the Sport England procurement process that saw each club take delivery of a 23hp compact tractor with cutting deck and threepoint linkage, as well as a Terra Slit, Terra Rake, Terra Groom and a fertiliser spreader.
PROOF OF PROGRESS The new equipment has been a huge help to the clubs
50 THE GROUNDSMAN April 2019
GaNTIP regional pitch advisors would assess the programme using the Performance Quality Standards (PQS) system. PQS readings would be taken across three areas – the 10m line, pitch centre and at one wing area – before work commenced and then every subsequent autumn. In each case, the players kept off the renovated areas as much as possible while
By Ian Powell Regional pitch advisor
the sward developed and now, two years on, the readings are showing how much progress has been made: Grass height is consistent at 30-35mm Ground cover is around 75 per cent and increasing Root depth is 100-150mm There is no evidence of weed infestation (indications of red thread were identified and addressed). The machinery has made a big difference not just to the renovated pitches but also to the clubs’ other pitches, especially alleviating compaction which had been a major concern. As Paul Elliott, secretary of Cadishead Rhinos ARLFC, says: “The project has allowed us to lease the pitch from the local council and we are now responsible for maintaining it. As such, pitch quality is much better due to the frequency of cuts and the extra maintenance, which has led to a much-improved matchday experience for the players. In addition, we have been able to hire out the pitch to other community and representative sides for training and matches.”
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For more details of GaNTIP, visit www.iog.org