Synthetic Pitch Testing

Q: How are pitches tested by FIH?
 
A: FIH does not test hockey pitches. FIH has approved the accreditation of a number of laboratories world-wide to provide this service. These laboratories are listed in the Pitches and Equipment section of this website.
 
Tests are of two types:

• turf carpet (or product) samples – which leads to approval of the turf product
• completed pitch – which leads to the issue of a Certificate of Compliance for that pitch.

All combinations, ie carpet and shockpad, are tested for compliance by FIH Accredited Laboratories. Tests are performance based and geared towards testing the carpet/shockpad combination for playability factors.
 
All tests are conducted in accordance with the FIH Handbook of Performance Requirements for Synthetic Turf Hockey Pitches which is available in the Pitches and Equipment section of this website.