CSF Decides In Favor of Hybrid Systems for Competition Pitches

After years of indecision, the Canada Soccer Federation gives natural and artificial hybrid grass systems the green light — some restrictions may apply

The Canada Soccer Federation is now adopting hybrid systems for pitches that would host FIFA member-affiliated associations or international club competitions.

Emphasis is being placed on the “wholly” strategy, meaning the pitches cannot be patchwork of natural and artificial turf — the two must be wholly integrated together.

Previous editions of FIFA’s Laws of the Game have stated that if artificial surfaces are used in “competition matches…or international club competition matches,” the surface must meet the requirements of the FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf or the International Artificial Turf Standard, unless special dispensation is given by FIFA. The latest edition of the Laws adds the following:

“The field of play must be wholly natural or, if competition rules permit, a wholly artificial playing surface, except where competition rules permit an integrated combination of artificial and natural materials” (otherwise referred to as a hybrid system).

If the previously installed turf doesn’t satisfy these requirements, its use should be restricted to recreational competitions in order to keep playing surfaces as consistent and high-quality as possible.

A contractor in Quebec has purchased an order of Xtreme Grass and will provide installations in 2017. Act Global’s Xtreme Grass hybrid reinforces natural grass’ playing properties combined with the durability of synthetic turf. The synthetic turf fibres help stabilize and protect the natural grass to reduce damage, wear and tear, and divots. The premium system is easy to install and maintain for full field installations or to reinforce target areas with high wear.

About Act Global
Act Global is a world leader in synthetic turf technology, with manufacturing facilities on three continents and sales in more than 70 countries. The company carries a full range of products for sports (Xtreme Turf and Xtreme Grass), landscaping (Xtreme Lawn), aviation (AvTurf) and land reclamation (LiteEarth). Act Global is a FIFA Preferred Producer for Football Turf, a Synthetic Turf Council Certified Manufacturer, a World Rugby Preferred Turf Producer, FIH Preferred Supplier, and holds ISO 9001 Certification. Its products have undergone hundreds of independent laboratory tests for quality, durability, safety, environmental soundness and performance. For more information, visit http://www.actglobal.com