A hockey pitch is a large investment, therefore it is crucial that it will meet the expectations of hockey players, as well as associations and clubs. To ensure that hockey fields are being built to the highest standards and are being installed correctly, the FIH has developed an internationally recognised quality assurance programme, known as the FIH Quality Programme for Hockey Turf.
This programme was launched as part of the FIH’s ten-year hockey strategy, aimed at making the sport a global game which inspires generations to come. This is known as The Hockey Revolution, and was launched at the FIH Congress back in 2014. It sparked a new era for hockey worldwide and had the goal of raising the popularity of hockey globally. The FIH Quality Programme for Hockey Turf was part of this strategy, providing consistent industry standards to help ensure the quality of pitches for all levels of competition. The programme is very beneficial for those planning to invest in a new hockey pitch, reducing the risk of ending up with a poor quality hockey field which does not meet the expectations of players.
Why Be FIH Certified?
There are many benefits to getting your hockey pitch certified, including:
- Quality assurance: You can be confident that your hockey field is of a high quality, providing reassurance to players, associations and clubs.
- Demonstration of best practice: You can showcase that your field meets international standards.
- Increased worldwide promotion: Your presence on the FIH’s website and social media channels is fantastic promotion. You’ll also be able to use the FIH Quality Programme for Hockey Turf logo, and have a FIH Quality Programme Certificate of Registration for your field.
What Types of Hockey Pitch Can Be FIH Certified?
Any 11-a-side or hockey 5s field which either already exists, or is currently being built, and has an Approved Hockey Turf playing surface can apply to get certified. This certification lasts for three years if a field is less than 12 months old, and lasts two years for older fields or fields which are getting retested after their certification expired.
There are four categories of hockey fields which can be certified by the FIH:
- Global Elite: Non-filled water based surfaces which meet the requirements for FIH top-level international competitions.
- Global: Non-filled water based surfaces, primarily used for lower level international and top level national competitions.
- National: Sand dress or sand filled surfaces, used primarily for lower-level national, regional and community hockey.
- Multi-Sport: surfaces used for multiple sports, including basic community level hockey.
How Can You Get Certified?
So, how does the programme work and how can you get your hockey pitch certified?
A FIH Certified Field is independently tested by an FIH Accredited Test Institute, making sure it meets all the requirements of the FIH Quality Programme. These tests include measurements of how the ball is interacting with the surface, and checks to ensure the field has been built to the dimensions, line markings, slope and surface drainage requirements of the FIH, as well as ensuring the well-being and protection of players has been carefully considered.
The certification process has three steps:
- Get in touch with an FIH Accredited Test Institute near you and arrange for them to test your hockey field.
- The institute will test your field and check that the turf used is an FIH approved product. They’ll then send a report to the FIH for review.
- If everything is okay, the report will be approved by the FIH and you’ll receive your certification.
If you’re wanting to impress FIH with your hockey pitch and it’s in need of some improvements, then get in touch with us at AS Sports. We supply hockey pitch installations and resurfacing throughout the year, take a look at some of our case studies. We’ve serviced many hockey clubs across the UK including Nottingham Hockey Centre and other renowned hockey teams.
