We don’t only supply sports surfaces for schools, colleges, and universities. We’ve supplied resurfacing and installations for a variety of clubs and centres across the UK and overseas. Achieving sports certifications, accreditations and professional sports recognition. How is this achieved? Here’s our summary on how to achieve professional sports certifications in a variety of sports.
Professional Sports Certifications
1. Football Pitches – FIFA Quality Marks
Football pitches are one of the most prolific when it comes to achieving sports accreditations and specific standards. Introduced as a part of the FIFA Quality Programme to determine whether a sports surface has been tested and FIFA certified. They were introduced in 1996 with the FIFA Quality Programme (FQP) which saw footballs certified to be FIFA approved.
FIFA Quality marks were redesigned in 2020 to present the next generation of quality marks, FIFA Basic. Replacing the current IMS (International Match Standard) mark. This was introduced as a new sports accreditation to make football global. Giving the opportunity to explore new technologies to have a wider impact on football. The entry-level certification was developed to identify products, technologies and sports surfaces that are more widely available. As well as more cost-efficient. Without compromising on safety, helping member associations and clubs with smaller budgets.
The quality standard certifications for football pitches differ depending on the level. From grassroots football all the way up to premiership and global competitions. FIFA Basic, FIFA Quality and FIFA Quality Pro are all marked on varying safety, performance and technologies of the surface installed.
At A S Sports, we’ve installed many FIFA certified football pitches for schools and clubs. Our expertise allows us to know exactly what you may be looking for and how to achieve that FIFA accreditation. See examples of our football case studies and whether you’re hoping for the basic quality level or the very highest. We’ll provide the info and know how to get you there.
2. FIH Certified – Professional Hockey Pitches
The FIH Quality Programme ensures products are installed correctly and adhere to certified quality in Hockey. Including the sports certification of hockey turf. At A S Sports, we’ve supplied FIH certified hockey pitches across the UK including for Nottingham Hockey Centre and Beeston Hockey Club.
FIH Quality tests include how the ball interacts with the hockey surface, comfort for the players on the pitch, dimensions, line marking and correct drainage. All are taken seriously by the FIH Quality Programme. Ensuring an accredited hockey pitch installation that is both safe and class-leading. The quality control checks also make sure that manufacturing and installation mistakes don’t go undetected.
There are four different levels of FIH Certifications; Multi-Sport, National, Global & Global Elite. New and existing hockey pitches can be FIH certified after the initial testing. If you’d like to achieve this for your hockey pitch or want to know more about installing a FIH Quality approved hockey surface, get in touch with us at A S Sports.
3. SAPCA
SAPCA provides guidance on how to deliver quality standards and certifications that are in line with governing bodies and relevant standards. SAPCA is the recognised trade association for sports and play construction in the UK. Members are required to go through a strict process to become SAPCA certified.
You can find out requirements for a variety of sports and the certifications available along with guides available to download on the SAPCA site.
4. Other Accreditations
There are many accreditations for various sports; tennis, rugby, netball etc. If you’re interested in achieving these, we can put you in touch with the correct organisations for your sport. Get in touch with us at A S Sports, the likelihood is that we’re installing or resurfacing a sports accredited surface as we speak. We’re no strangers to them and it’s something that we pride ourselves on!
Don’t worry if you’re not quite ready for a sports surface installation or resurfacing, still feel free to have a chat with us. Not only can we advise on sports accreditations and the type of surface that may be best suited for your needs, we get booked up in advance so a chat is always advised. We’ll do our best to advise on when would be a suitable time and get the ball rolling.
