The Synthetic Turf Association (STA) has officially introduced a North American performance standard recommending minimum acceptable performance levels on synthetic turf surfaces used for athletic play. The STA standard was developed using existing guidelines including FIFA, the International Rugby Board, the National Football League, ASTM International, and research conducted at Penn State University.
The STA standard can be found in its entirety at the following link: Synthetic Turf Association Performance Standard
The STA standard defines 6 key tests/actions with specified test apparatus and guidelines required to ensure that a field performs within range or above the minimum defined standards as outlined in the North American STA performance standard. Those tests/actions are as follows:
1 – Impact Hardness (Gmax)
2 – Infill Depth and Evenness
3 – Relative Abrasiveness
4 – Permeability
5 – Visual Inspection
6 – Anti-Bacterial Agents
The STA defined two other tests as ‘Optional’ for soccer-specific fields:
1 – Ball Roll
2 – Ball Rebound
“It is with great pleasure that the Synthetic Turf Association releases the first reputable North American industry-wide quality control measure that is focused around performance.” said STA Chairman Hank Steinbrecher. “This type of performance data that was developed by the synthetic turf industry is truly a customer-focused approach to growing the industry. Promoting an environment in which the superior value of synthetic turf is recognized through high performance and quality workmanship is what we are about and how we will continue to lead”.
The STA performance standard was not developed to be an exhaustive description of all parameters related to the quality or safety of a surface but is intended to offer a suggested minimal standard of playability over the life of the surface.