Pitch Playability

Weather and the current surface conditions affect whether a pitch is playable and the likelihood that a game will need to be postponed or cancelled due to the current pitch ground conditions.

A range of variables will influence playability and a rating scale, a Pitch Playability Rating, could be introduced to determine overall playability.

The variables might include:
• The pitch construction.
• Existing drainage conditions.
• Total ground cover.
• Main root growth.
• Surface evenness.
• Pitch hardness.
• Shade.
• Recent rainfall.
• Surface water.
• Active grass growth.
• Grass height.
• Clarity of line markings.
• Safety and viability of goal posts and nets.
• Presence of surface contaminants / debris.

A detailed example of modelling likely pitch playability is provided in the article titled Model.