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The new synthetic turf was laid down in February 2011 following ten year's sterling service with the old surface. With funding assistance from Sunshine Coast Regional Council and the Associations resources, the time was right to make the switchover. Most pitches have a shelf life of around seven years, but careful management and good maintenance practices will ensure longevity. This includes cleanliness of footwear, algae & fungicide spraying, minimisation of foreign material entering the surface (such as grass clippings etc) area plus the programmed use of certain areas – ie side nets for warming up etc.
Our new surface, Aquaturf Evolution, is the latest synthetic hockey surface developed by TEAM Sports to achieve Class One - Global Pitch rating when either WET or DRY. Evolving from the successful Aquaturf SL (sand dressed) synthetic hockey surface launched in 2005, Aquaturf Evolution is designed using a polyethylene yarn with its own unique polymer formulation and fibrillation pattern to improve playability and increase durability whilst offering improved ball roll, friction and turf abrasion when played on in a dry state. |
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The old turf is ripped up |
Repairs to the rubber underlay |
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With rising water costs and other environmental issues, the Evolution was the natural choice for Ballinger Park. A surface was required that would drop the water usage dramatically, yet still offer the best playing characteristics when played dry. There are advantages and disadvantages in running the surface both ways.
Following a trial period and discussions with other centres that use the same surface, when wet, the ball runs more smoothly and minimal bounce. The downside is one tends to slip over a little more and likewise carpet burns are more severe because of the coarser surface. When dry, the surface becomes a little ‘sticky', the ball definitely has more bounce, but interestingly, carpet burns are greatly reduced. With this in mind, it was decided that junior games, as well as all training would be run on a dry surface. Senior games are on a wet surface.
Surprisingly, the underlay ‘shock pad' from the old surface was in excellent condition. Repairs were required in a number of areas, but overall it had held up to the rigors of ten years hard work to the point that replacement was not required; combined with the new surface with its 12mm pile, that cushion effect under the feet is very noticeable. However no doubt when the new surface requires replacement, hopefully sometime around 2022, then no doubt a new shock pad will also be required.
Repairs to the rubber is by cutting out the affected area, then trowelling in a rubber glue mixture. Drying time is around 24 hours. |
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Glue lines for the carpet |
And the carpet rolled out... |
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Weather permitting, a new surface can be laid down in 10-12 working days. However the surface at Ballinger took around six weeks due to the wet weather we have experienced all year. With rubber underlay exposed, it must be completely dry before the glue will take for the carpet to adhere to. Of course, soon as it dried, down would come another shower, effectively stopping work for another two days. It was a very real possibility at the time that the season would start off on the grass such was the frustration with the ‘big wet' but a brief spell of sunny days and some very long hours by the Team Sports crew saw the carpet laid in time for the season start. Spare a thought for the club in Tasmania – it took 4 months for their turf to be laid because of the wet weather!
The glue itself would bond by temperature. On a really hot day, it could set off in just 15 minutes – a cold day as long as 24 hours. The seams between the rolls also use a different super high strength glue as they are no longer stitched. It takes two forklifts to pull these seams apart so I have been told.
Many players and observers would have noticed the ‘tufts' on the surface. These are simply the punched through remnants of the holes in the carpet, necessary for the water retention when playing on a wet surface. This carpet also has more holes than the previous version, so the amount of fluff was very noticeable. However it does not make any difference to the playing conditions. All the same, we had the opportunity to vacuum the carpet before the Masters State titles which removed a very good proportion and the remainder will eventually work its way into the gutters where it is washed away.
The line markings are actually cut into the surface and not ‘painted' on. Any players who notice lifting around these areas should advise SCHA as soon as possible – it doesn't take much for a small rent to become a large tear. The same applies to any seam lines. We are well equipped with both the correct glue and spare turf should any major dramas occur.
In saying that, it is tough material. Already we have had an ambulance drive onto the field – then do a U-turn! (not without SCHA staff having a mild heart attack to say the least). But at least we know. |
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Cutting in the 'D' |
Final job is the side lines |
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To ensure longevity of the turf, and twelve years is the target, some rules have been implemented as SCHA Policy.
- All shoes must be thoroughly clean before entering the player area.
- Players must use the foot baths.
- No food or drinks (besides water bottles) allowed downstairs
- No jewellery or chewing gum allowed
- Training and pre-game warm ups must use the side nets only
Failure to comply by these rules will be regarded as a breach of ROP and players and/or officials will be asked to leave the playing area and normal judicial processes will apply.
I hope the above information is helpful. If there is anything else you would like to know, just drop me an email and I shall add to this page. |
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