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Summary Principles

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1. Match Venue Medical Facilities

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LAW 10 : FOUL PLAY

2006 Women’s World Cup, Edmonton, Alberta

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Introduction

Introduction

Introduction

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Executive Summary

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Audit shows 20% reduction in injury rate

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Biomechanics of the Rugby Scrum

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Purpose

Regulation 22 - Standard Relating to the Use of Artificial Rugby Turf

The International Rugby Board’s

Rugby as a sport was quick to adopt new generation (3G) artificial grass surfaces for the development of the game. IRB Regulation 22 was introduced in 2003 to ensure that 3G surfaces replicate the playing qualities of good quality natural grass. Climatic conditions in many countries where the game is played mean natural grass surfaces become badly worn and unsuitable in winter. In countries where the game is developing these surfaces offer ideal solutions to those parts of the world where climate or resources make good quality natural grass pitches difficult or impossible to achieve. In future it is hoped that the development of multi-use artificial turfs, where rugby and association football can be played, will provide a potential solution to facility operators wishing to maximise the use of their facilities through community use and those struggling with stadium microclimates that make the maintenance and growth of natural grass difficult.

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Regulation 12 - Provisions relating to players’ dress

This document provides outline guidance for the appropriate development of a site suitable for Rugby played on natural turf.

Lack of appropriate planning in the early stages of a development can be costly in the short term and adversely affect the sustainability of a facility over the medium and long term. A poorly considered proposal that results in the development of a mediocre facility will discourage users and often result in increased maintenance costs. It is therefore important that any proposed facility is planned in a logical and conscientious manner.

The information contained within this document does not attempt to give detailed guidance on a site specific basis for the design, construction and maintenance of all facilities and it is strongly recommended that further advice be sought from qualified, experienced, independent professionals who can offer detailed recommendations based on site specific information.

A technical site feasibility study should be completed by a competent consultant in all but the smallest of development projects.

Great care should be exercised when designing any type of pitch. The conditions found on-site and the anticipated levels of use must form the basis for the proposals, but modified by the conditions likely to be encountered during the construction process, the timetable proposed and funding. A one-size-fits-all approach is never cost effective.

The development of a site is usually carried out by contractors, preferably a specialist in pitch construction. A pitch sub-contractor may be hired to undertake the pitch element of any development if it is part of a larger contract.

There are usually two main approaches to pitch procurement and these can be found below.

In many countries, Rugby is played in winter when grass growth is minimal and weather conditions less than ideal. Poor quality surfaces mean that players are unable to experience a satisfactory standard of play which can influence the outcome of a match, a situation that is unacceptable at the highest levels of the Game. Furthermore pitch maintenance can be a challenge when drainage compromises pitch performance.

However, upgrading a poor quality pitch or constructing a new one does not necessarily solve the drainage and usage problems. Proper drainage design is an essential item of quality pitch design, along with the projected intensity of use. Drainage design must take account of local rainfall statistics and defines what eventualities are being catered for so that these may be incorporated in to the final pitch design process.

Poor construction, ineffective maintenance and overuse will eventually lead to deterioration in pitch performance, poor drainage and unacceptable playing conditions.

Unless the existing ground contours are acceptable, some form of grading may be necessary. The extent of the grading works will be confirmed by the detailed topographical survey. In certain circumstances, this may require the removal of the topsoil with adjustment made in the underlying subsoil.

Rock, running sand and peat will all require specialist treatment but these hazards should have been identified during the feasibility stage. Soils should only be moved when ground and weather conditions are sufficiently dry.

Normally final gradients will depend upon local site conditions but a general rule is to achieve a maximum gradient of 1:80 – 1:100 along the length of the pitch and 1:40 – 1:50 across the field of play. Occasionally pitches may be crowned with a central higher spine running between the goals and a fall to either wing.

Pitch design can take many different forms dependent upon site conditions and the client’s requirements for performance. The more common forms of pitch design are discussed in the following section.

It is recommended that all materials are approved for their specific use before any construction work commences.

A successful development or upgrading project will only occur if the project is planned and executed effectively. As part of the procurement and pitch development process there are four key stages. These are design, tendering, contractor appointment and site development. All stages are equally important in the successful delivery of the project.

The overall responsibility for the delivery of the project from concept to completion often falls to a volunteer member or an appointed project manager.

The project manager takes on the responsibility for the delivery and execution of the project and the processes associated with it. These processes can be categorised as follows:

Any natural turf pitch requires maintenance to produce a surface of acceptable quality for the game played upon it. Rugby requires a profile that is adequately drained to allow play in all, but the most extreme, conditions.

The components of a management package for Rugby revolve around the basics of mowing and aeration. Sward growth characteristics will also be dependent upon these elements but also turfgrass nutrition and irrigation management especially, in the drier summer months when sward recovery is required. There are other aspects of maintenance for which the groundsman is responsible, including weed and pest control, overseeding, divoting, returfing and top dressing.

The playing quality of a sports surface is of fundamental importance to player safety as well as influencing the player’s enjoyment of the game. The quality of the surface can be described according to the interaction of the player with the surface and the interaction of the ball with the surface. In Rugby, the former is more important in relation to running, scrummaging, tackling and diving on the surface.

In addition to assessing playing quality, agronomic factors should also be considered such as the grass cover, moisture content and organic matter as these can have a strong bearing on playing quality.

The breeding of grasses has developed significantly in recent years and the industry now has a wide range of grasses available for selection. Grasses are generally made up of families of species with sub species and cultivars. Some species of grass have been significantly modified in order to give particular cultivars certain characteristics. Grass selection at construction and, indeed choosing which grass species you wish to introduce and encourage, will significantly impact upon the type, nature and quality of pitch produced.

In order to select the correct grasses several factors should be considered, including climate, local weather conditions and the length of the growing season. The following section gives guidance in the potential choices available, but it is recommended that the final selection is made in consultation with a qualified agronomist.

• Baker, S. W., Gibbs, R. J., & Adams, W. A. (1992). Case studies of the performance of different designs of winter games pitches. I. Playing quality and usage. J. Sports Turf Res. Inst. 68, 20-32.
• Sport England (2000). In Design Guidance Note, Natural Turf for Sport. Sport England publications, PO Box 255, Wetherby LS23 7LZ.
• Thornton, D.J. (1978). The construction and drainage of some specified sports field playing surfaces. PhD Thesis, University College Wales, Aberstwyth.
• McClements, I. & Baker, S.W. (1994) The playing quality of natural turf Rugby pitches. J. Sports Turf Res. Inst. 70, 29-43.

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