Module 6:

6.4 Pitch construction, drainage & carrying capacity

6.4.2 Carrying capacity for categories of pitch type

1  

The core data for the carrying capacity of football pitches in the UK is based on research carried out in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This core data excluded reinforced-hybrid pitches because they had not been developed by then.

One example is that of an undrained, or pipe-drained, pitch might have an expected carrying capacity of maybe 25 to 75 games over a season, with the soil type, soil condition and especially the extent of rainfall being the primary factor in pitch playability and match cancellations. We have already commented earlier on potential carrying capacities for light, medium and heavy soil-based pitches in section 6.3.4 of this module.

2  

Reducing the chance of match cancellations would require the installation of a sand-slit drainage system, with a sand top to help maintain the viability of the slits, and this might also increase the carrying capacity to 75 to 125 games per season (which would typically be for a grade 2 or 3 pitch quality depending on resource inputs).

Newly constructed sand-based pitches might support up to 100 to 175 games per season, subject to adequate ground cover and stability being maintained. This would also typically be for a grade 2 or 3 pitch quality depending on resource inputs.

Reinforced-hybrid type pitches will have a significant range difference for usage depending upon the consistent quality required. For grade 2 or 3 pitch quality this might potentially achieve 400+ games per season, whilst for professional elite sides a grade 5 would be required at all times so maybe this might be restricted to 40 to 60 games to achieve this.

(Adapted from main source: Adams, W.A. & Gibbs, R.J (1994), ‘Natural Turf for Sport and Amenity: Science and Practice’, CAB International, p231)