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Quality scheme for tracks and pitches

Published in Sports Management 2012 issue 2
South Bristol Leisure Centre / PIC: © ABACUS LIGHTING
South Bristol Leisure Centre/ PIC: © ABACUS LIGHTING

In a move to raise the quality of sports facilities in the UK, the Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA) has launched a scheme that will see all synthetic sports pitches and athletics tracks, built by its approved contractors, registered on a quality assurance scheme.

All synthetic sports pitches and athletics tracks over 3,000sq m will be registered onto the Pitch and Track Registration Scheme by members of SAPCA’s Pitch and Track Divisions.

On a selection of these projects, SAPCA will undertake random site inspections to ensure that projects are being constructed to the standards required by the Association’s Codes of Practice. Post-project feedback will also be requested from clients to establish satisfaction levels with contractors’ performance and, in the unlikely event of any issues regarding technical quality, SAPCA can act as a mediator if required.

Chris Trickey, chief executive of SAPCA, says: “New, refurbished or resurfaced synthetic turf pitches and athletics tracks represent a significant investment by facility owners and we want to help to protect that investment. The Pitch and Track Registration Scheme will help to ensure that any scheme delivered by a specialist SAPCA-registered contractor is built to a high standard.

“The scheme will ensure that standards of sports and play facilities continue to be raised and we would urge any facility designer, buyer or operator to use only SAPCA members for the design, construction or maintenance of their projects.”

SAPCA is the recognised trade association for the sports and play construction industry in the UK. Its role is to foster excellence, professional-alism and continuous improvement throughout the industry, in order to provide high-quality facilities for sport, physical activity, recreation and play.

- More details about the new scheme are available at www.sapca.org.uk

SAPCA releases fact sheet on 3G synthetic turf

With synthetic turf pitches possibly making a comeback in the Football League, SAPCA has produced a useful leaflet entitled: ‘3G – The Facts’ to offer more information to interested parties.

The leaflet explains what 3G synthetic turf is and separates the truth from the myths.

• Details include:
• How the playing performance of synthetic turf has changed since the 1980s
• The relevant pros and cons of synthetic turf versus natural grass for sport use
• Insight into injuries linked to playing on
• synthetic grass pitches
• The maintenance requirements for
• synthetic turf pitches.

• For a free copy of the 3G – The Facts leaflet contact SAPCA on: +44 (0)24 7641 6316 or email: [email protected].

SAPCA continues to grow

With more than 240 organisations now members, SAPCA is continuing to demonstrate that fostering excellence, professionalism and continuous improvement reaps benefits – not only for sports and play construction companies but, more importantly, for the specifier, buyer and user of sports and play facilities

The latest new SAPCA members are:

Horticon – hard and soft landscaping and associated works, throughout the North West, North Midlands and Yorkshire.

Central Flooring Services – provides high- performance indoor sports flooring systems.

Cardinal Sports – sports and leisure equipment and solutions.
ABG – manufactures and supplies geosynthetics

ACT Global Sports BV – international manufacturers of artificial turf

Ecosse Sports – specialists in sports surfacing installation  

Genan A/S – manufacturers of high-quality rubber granulate

Gewiss UK – lighting manufacturer   

Global Maintenance – specialists in sports surface maintenance

R&J Hill Engineering – manufacturers of sports equipment

Reflex Sports Ltd – design, testing and supplier of timber/hardwood and PU sports flooring

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