Abstract

Playing quality standard development failed to demonstrate how set targets could be achieved, resulting in Groundsmen being unable to manage pitches to optimize playing quality. This research linked easy-to-measure pitch parameters to the outcome of tests for player-surface interaction quality, to enable this to be monitored in real-time and ensure appropriate pitch management options are selected. 25 pitches were tested three times over an 18-month period. Tests for surface traction and hardness were conducted, along with a range of soil and grass factors; multiple linear regression was used to generate prediction models. R2 values varied with soil type and weather conditions, although increased sand content generally reduced the reliability of the prediction equations. It was concluded that top-dressing may have skewed the data; suggesting more sand-based pitches than actually existed, or that sand-dominated rootzones varied little in playing quality. The production of significant regression equations has demonstrated which easily-influenced pitch factors can be manipulated to alter player-surface interaction quality and ultimately, lower the risk of injury. Verf.-Referat