Important Information Regarding Our Synthetic Turf Field @
Weston High School
August 15, 2008
The installation of and play on synthetic turf fields has become more and more
popular for today’s youth. In the past few years, communities such as Sudbury,
Wayland, Waltham, Concord, Holliston and Hopkinton have installed “artificial turf”
fields as a way to prolong the playing season, pursue play in poor weather conditions
and enable a greater number of athletes to utilize town and school fields. Our own
Field #14 at the High School has already been put to great use by our High School
and Weston’s youth lacrosse and soccer teams.
With the growing popularity of these fields, however, there is also more attention
directed at the safety issues regarding their use. Specifically, we are aware of three
(3) primary concerns that have been linked to these synthetic fields including a) field
temperature, b) infections & bacteria and c) allergies. Independent testing across
the country is currently being done to address these concerns and it could be years
before all the facts are known. Therefore, we would like to provide a synopsis of what
we know now and, more importantly, how we are pro-actively addressing these
possible concerns.
1.
a.
b.
2.
Temperature –
Issues
i.
Heat Exhaustion – Studies have shown that when the air
temperature is above 80 degrees with a strong sun that the temperature
on the field can elevate significantly (10% or more) above the ambient
temperature. Use of these synthetic turf fields when the field
temperature is high can lead to heat exhaustion without proper
hydration.
ii.
Gas Venting – The concern is that extreme heat on the field
(e.g. over 140 degrees) can effectively “cook” the rubber particles on the
field and thereby may release toxic chemical gases. There has been very
limited testing of this “out-gassing” effect and all of it has been
performed under laboratory conditions using solvents rather than the
outdoor fields.
Actions
i.
Measure and document both ambient and field temperature
over the course of the year.
ii.
Players are expected to come to practices/games with proper
hydration as they should for any physical exercise.
iii.
As with any other playing surface during extremely high (hot)
temperatures, discretion will be used regarding use of the synthetic turf
field.
Infections & Bacteria –
a.
Issue – Are bacterial or staph infections more likely to occur on
synthetic turf fields than on other playing surfaces?
b.
Actions
i.
Studies we’ve reviewed to-date show no increase in infection.
Protocols are in place with WHS Nurse, WHS Athletic Trainer
and the Presidents of Weston Youth Lacrosse(WYL) and Weston Soccer
Club (WSC) to monitor any and all cuts/abrasions and infections that
occur on this field, as well as other athletic fields and facilities.
Allergies –
a.
Issue – Are individuals with allergies or asthma more prone to reactions
as a result of playing on synthetic turf fields?
b.
Actions
i.
Studies we’ve reviewed to-date show no higher incidents of
allergic reactions while playing on synthetic turf fields.
ii.
Protocols are in place with WHS Nurse, WHS Athletic Trainer,
and the Presidents of WYL and WSC to monitor any and all asthma
attacks and/or allergic reactions during play on this field, as well as other
athletic fields and facilities.
ii.
3.
If you have any additional questions or wish to review the research articles in more
detail, we have placed a copy of the comprehensive Synthetic Turf Research
notebook with the Weston Recreation Department. This notebook was compiled by
the Weston Field Steering Committee and is constantly being updated with the
results of new research as it becomes available. You may also contact the Weston
High School Director of Athletics with any questions.