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FIELD SCIENCE and third drops are used to calculate an average Gmax for that test 'Hot spots- on the field can be identified and corrected. For the location. This procedure is repeated for the other five test locations field owner,routine hardness testing can insure that the field is per Figure 3 illustrates the procedure. If for some reason there is a need forming up to the manufacturer's claims.(The manufacturer's warran- for an additional drop at any test location then the test instrument ty for Gmax may be considerably lower than 200). For the manufac- should be moved to a new spot within 36 inches of the required test turer,testing can insure that the owner is maintaining the field in an location. One additional test location is permitted on each field if an appropriate and responsible manner. area is found to differ from the overall general condition of the field. Finally,while hardness-testing does not address all the safety con- Any location with an average Gmax>200 must be repaired or replaced cerns of an athletic field, nor guarantee that an injury won't occur. it Table 2. Required Information in ASTM F 1936-98 and F 1702-96 Reports. F 1936-98 F 1702-96 Issue Date of Report. Assumed to be reported.1 Name of lab,company or individual issuing report. Assumed to be reported.1 Name and location of test site. Name and Location of test site./ Dates)of site test. Date(s)of site test. Range of surface and air temperatures during test. Ermnorit ital conditions at the time of test hchdmg temperatures and Mnmidity. General weather conditions and overall weather influenced field conditions. Full and complete description of the surface system including all layers. Type and density of vegetation,and depth of thatch if present.Soil texture date of installation,and person providing this information. and moisture should be given. Name and method of test version and procedure. Type and model of instrumentation. Drop height and velocity. Total missile mass. Location of each test point. Location and type of surface(turf or soil). List of the average Gmax by test point and location. Average Gmax at each test location and average Gmax values for similar surface characteristics(optional). List surface temperature.%turf cover,and soil moisture at each test location. Description of any site abnormalities that lead to an imprecise test point location or deviation from locator, com- parable to data obtained using a different missile mass or geometry,a Note on report: 'Numerical data with this test method will not be com- Condusion:All test points met the requirement of<200 average Gmax different drop height,or using a different method,for example,Test or all test points met this requirement except for the test points listed. Method F 355' Note on report: 'Test results reported herein reflect the conditions of the \ested field at the time testing and at the temperature(s)reported.- l /Not specifically stated in procedure. is a very practical way to assess the impact injury risk of the field. Reporting results Hardness testing will provide you with very important information Table 2 shows the required field and environment information for about your investment.Written documentation concerning your fields' ASTM F 193698 and F 1702-96 reports. Optional information may hardness and your monitoring program could be very valuable in the include HIC. SI, rebound velocity, time to Gmax, as well as other event of injury related litigation. No documentation could place you in impact characteristics. a -No-Win' situation. The measurement of the shock absorbing properties of an athlet- Dr.Charles F Mancini)is manager of Synthetic Turf Testing Services is field should be an integral part of any maintenance program, and a consulting turfgrass agronomist with CLC LABS,Westerville,OH. regardless of whether or not the field is synthetic or natural. Dr.Charles H.Darrah is president and owner of CLC LABS.Deborah D. Procedures have now been developed that simplify the procedure by Holdren is sports and golf turfgrass research associate in the standardizing how the testing is to be performed. Routine testing can Horticulture and Crop Science Department at The Ohio State University help the field manager track changes in hardness and modify their and Pamela 1.Sherratt is sports turf extension specialist for Ohio State, maintenance plan accordingly and a member of this magazine's editorial advisory board. • 16 May 2006 www.greenmediaonline.com