2.2 Examples of Performance Standards
2.2.2 Sward / Grass height
We don’t want it short as this will create a thin more easily worn surface, nor do we want it too long as the ball isn’t going to roll very well, and the grass will affect players being able to demonstrate their skill.
Another consideration for sward height is that it can be split into at least three different requirements: match day pitch, in-between match days during the playing season, and outside of the playing season.
Picture of sward height
Consider the following questions:
1. What do you think is the typical final height at which your pitch is cut in preparation for a match?
2. What is the typical maximum height that the grass is typically allowed to grow to on your pitch, in between matches, before it is cut again?
Assessing sward height
The sward height is supposed to be measured prior to a pitch being cut so as to indicate if it needs to be cut and to what height.
Measuring the height after the pitch has been cut does not indicate whether the grass height was within the desired maintenance values in between cuts.
Measuring the height after the pitch has been cut will only confirm the height of cut setting, not if it is being maintained within defined parameters at all times.
For each location take 3 readings in different positions and record each value. If a minimum of 3 pitch locations were being assessed, then this would mean that 9 readings would be taken.