Sports Technology

The growth in installations of synthetic sports fields to address the growing demand for more recreational and elite sports fields has also seen opponents and some communities express concern over the possible risks associated with the use of recycled rubber and other infills with media programs.

While the extended use potential of synthetic surfaces offsets the overuse of natural grass fields in many metropolitan areas, potential risks associated with recycled rubber infills are sometimes presented as reason not to have the synthetic fields.

With the aim of informing all with an interest in synthetic sports fields, Martin Sheppard, Managing Director of Smart Connection Consultancy, one of Australia’s leading specialist advisors on synthetic sports turf, has completed a review of the latest global research on the safety of rubber infills.

The free-to-download Smart Guide to Synthetic Sports Fields Rubber Infill provides explainations of the different type of infills (sometimes known as 'crumb rubber') while also answering frequently-asked-questions.

Referencing dozens of independent studies and research from the past decade, the publication informs decision makers in government, sport, education and community groups with necessary information from which they can make informed decisions.

In addition, it suggests approaches for alternative rubbers, plastics and organic infill that should also be considered and the regulations that Sheppard (pictured below) feels should be adopted in Australia when considering synthetic sports fields and the infills being used.

Smart Connection Consultancy is a leading independent Australian sport and recreation consultancy working with State/Territory and local governments, sport and the education sector in the planning, management and procurement of synthetic fields.

Smart Connection Consultancy has established itself as a primary source of information on synthetic sports turf with Sheppard writing the award winning Smart Guide to Synthetic Sport Surfaces (3rd Edition - 2014).

Sheppard is the Technical Consultant for the Australian Rugby Union, the National Rugby League, Football Federation Australia, Football NSW and AFL NSW/ACT and provides advice to various Football Federations and over 100 Councils.  Smart Connection Consultancy has been responsible for providing advice to the majority of successful synthetic fields in Australia and has procured over $100 million of synthetic sports fields in Australia. 

Click here to download Smart Guide to Synthetic Sports Fields Rubber Infill. 

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