Magazine - UEFA and Synthetics

12 Nov 2004 by Peter Leroy

Many years ago in the U.S. soon after the introduction of the Monsanto product "Astroturf" (which began life as a bathmat) a legal challenge was brought by the NFL players association. Litigation continued for many years.

On file for that situation will be the many many documents from extremely knowledgeable medico's on the risks associated with playing on un-natural surfaces ie synthetics.

In the modern times, I am sure that the major fields, again in the US, who are taking out their synthetic fields will have researched the reasons why. Doing so is an expensive exercise and so as most NFL teams are professionally managed as a business, the owners do not take spending money lightly.

I would suggest that enquiries be made with both FIFA and UEFA as just who, names are good, researched , funded and approved the use of synthetic surfaces for use at the professional level of any sport.

Blaming or accusing FIFA or UEFA or whoever is simply not good enough. The person or group of individuals as a comittee should be willing to stand by their convictions as much as a professional player is expected to feel some remorse for an "own goal".

Pele was indeed a wonderful player, the comment of how he became so , beach and dirt, is not lost of this reader. But I ask, was he such a great player or was he a great player within a team. Well he didnt take the ball from kick-off and run around scoring goals by himself ..did he ?

I believe tha there is a place for synthetic surface, but only when there is undeniable evidence to support the removal of all natural fields in favour of synthetics.

Little is to be gained in discussing or venting displeasure of this move toward the un-natural surface. Research and documentation and lobbying will do more than venting anger on a web site not seen by the entire world. If one does vent here, think.. you are preaching to the converted and so there is little to be gained, is there ?

Constructive criticism is the preferred option. Photographs, technical reports, medical reports on player injuries directly related to un-natural surfaces, cost of maintenance etc. will all be of use in the campaign.

Just my thoughts

15 Nov 2004 by D.

Yes i totally agree with the comments above. In every area of sportsturf we need to campaign, include all organisations IOG, BIGGA, STRI, etc as a united front to protect the long term future of natural turf usage.