08.07.2024

A view on EURO 2024 soccer pitches: Turf divots a sign of low shear strength

Introduction

At EURO 2024 in Germany, the quality of the pitches was the focus of attention on various occasions during the preliminary round. For example during the matches in the Frankfurt Arena, television viewers were able to observe that some players' stability was not good, as they slipped. When stopping, changing direction or sliding, turf divots often flew around in shreds. The playing surface consists of a natural grass sod, no hybrid type.
This is all the more astonishing given that special test procedures for shear strength were specified by UEFA for the quality check of the pitches in the European Championship stadiums. See the article “Quality testing according to FIFA standard also for training pitches at the EURO 2024 team base camps” (MÜLLER-BECK, 2024).

The Greenkeeping Manual (DFL, 2022) states: "The quality of the turf is determined not only by the color aspect and the density of the turf, but also to a large extent by the shear strength. The shear strength is influenced by the composition, moisture content and water permeability of the turf base layer, the felt formation on its surface, as well as the scar density and root penetration."

Divots of turf grass in the Frankfurt European Championship arena: Snapshot from the European Championship match between Denmark and England on 20.6.2024.
Fig. 1: Divots of turf grass in the Frankfurt European Championship arena: Snapshot from the European Championship match between Denmark and England on 20.6.2024. (Frankfurter Rundschau/ Image © dpa)

Footwear is of great importance

When it comes to stability, choosing the right footwear is always a particular challenge. The nature of the sole of a soccer boot is also of crucial importance, as there are numerous variants of studded or cam shoes available to soccer players. They differ in terms of material, size, length, number and arrangement of the studs and cleats. Studded shoes, for example, are more suitable for slippery pitches (SG sole = soft ground). The right combination is particularly important when using screw-in studs in different materials (rubber, ceramic, aluminum, plastic).

The FG sole = Firm Ground is used on firm ground. The AG sole = Artificial Ground is intended for synthetic turf. An MG sole = Multi Ground, is suitable for different types of surfaces due to the combination of studs, including hybrid turf (SPORTCHECK, 2024).
In the warm-up phase before the game, players are given the final opportunity to choose the right footwear depending on the condition of the turf and ground. (MÜLLER-BECK, 2018). surface, turf density and root penetration."

Pattern for MG sole Nike.
Fig. 2: Pattern for MG sole Nike.
Pattern for MG sole Adidas.
Fig. 3: Pattern for MG sole Adidas. (Photos K.G. Müller-Beck)

Shear strength and rotational resistance

In the recent past, various vane probes and cleat shear devices have been tested and used to measure the shear strength of a sports ground.
To date, there are no clearly defined measuring devices with which series tests have been carried out to assess the forces exerted on the turfgrass when a soccer player is sliding. New designs are being developed at various institutes in order to determine reproducible and evaluable data for comparing different turfgrass systems. Currently, the shear strength of the pitch surface is determined using a vane probe.

In the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 stadiums, the rotational resistance is now determined in addition to the vane probe, analogous to the FIFA NPS test method 06.
In the future, the determination of the rotational resistance should replace the measurement of the shear strength using the vane probe (DFL, 2022).

Application: GEONOR vane probe, type H-60, hand-held vane tester. Geonor AS, NO-1361 Osteras
Fig. 4: Application: GEONOR vane probe, type H-60, hand-held vane tester. Geonor AS, NO-1361 Osteras (DFL, 2022)
Real representation of a lightweight rotational resistance device
Fig. 5: Real representation of a lightweight rotational resistance device (Sources: DFL, 2022; FIFA Quality Program for Natural Playing Surfaces Test Manual, Oliver Schneider)

Conclusion

The determination of suitable data for the evaluation of turfgrass pitches as playing surfaces for soccer is only just beginning. In the future, it would appear important to take into account the plant-growing performance of grasses, particularly in the annual rhythm, so that, for example, the growing conditions are also suitable when turf sods are replaced.
Measurable parameters for turfgrass quality, such as surface hardness or shear and rotational resistance of the ground, should be given greater consideration when selecting suitable maintenance concepts. In this way, the requirements for the turfgrass playing surface can be optimized in terms of preventing player injuries and ensuring that the game is played according to the rules.

 

References:

Divot size depending on grass species and soccer cleats.
Fig. 6: Divot size depending on grass species and soccer cleats. (Photo: K.G. Müller-Beck)

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