Study On the Level of Use of Athletic Field Surfaces.

There is little information on the usage level of athletic fields in the United States. A study was conducted in 2007 to determine the level of use that an athletic field will sustain before field conditions begin to affect the playability and safety of the field. There were 11 participants from 4 New England states that took part including varsity fields from 9 high schools and 3 university fields. The fields were evaluated at the end of the playing season for overall field conditions from ratings collected for turf density, weed populations, field smoothness, depressions that collect water and stones at the surface. The rating system used code numbers for the purpose of statistical analysis. Separate ratings were taken for the heavily trafficked center of the fields from goal to goal and along the sidelines in the less trafficked areas. Traction, surface hardness and penetration resistance were measured in each of the two sampling areas. Soil samples were taken from each field to determine soil texture, organic matter content and soil available phosphorus and potassium. Intact core samples were collected from the intensively used portion of the fields and 15 feet in from the sidelines to determine bulk density. The participants provided their maintenance practices, which were quantified for statistical purposes. The participants were also asked to provide the total injuries for the field for 2007 and that portion of injuries that were player to surface related. Nine of the participants provided the information. Shoot density was the single most important factor accounting for 39% of field related injuries (p<0.10) with higher density associated with fewer injuries. Shoot density promoted better surface quality and overall field conditions and increased with maintenance.