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3G - The Pitches of the Future?
Artificial pitches have
come a long way since the sandpaper surfaces of yesteryear. Steve noted the
FA has sanctioned the use of 3G artificial grass pitches for all
competitions except the FA Challenge Cup. In Euro 2008 two of the stadia to
be used have 3G AGPs but these will be grassed over for the tournament.
They are not cheap to
install though, costing up to £450,000 for a brand new installation of a
full-sized pitch. Mind you, I note, given the Old Trafford pitch seems to
get replaced almost as often as a Newcastle manager, for a six-figure sum
each time, it is not so expensive.
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Investing In Grass Roots Football
Compare and contrast: in football 82% of
facilities are owned by the public sector, bodies such as local
authorities and local education authorities; in rugby union 80% of clubs
own their own facilities. Steve showed photos illustrating a range of
problems with changing rooms, including the lack of segregation -
children/adults, players/officials - and the fact too many are all but
unusable they are so dilapidated.
Since 2001 over £400m has been invested in
football facilities in England through such organisations as local
authorities, regional development agencies and the Football Foundation.
Despite this seemingly substantial injection of cash the FA acknowledges
only 15% of the known problems have been tackled. There is much more
work to be done and the FA are committed to doing it as fast as funding
allows.
Clubs and other not-for-profit
organisations can apply to the FA for funding. Steve listed a whole
range of criteria the FA would consider, including:
- The need for a clear vision behind the
application
- That there had been wide consultation
within the club and its community
- The degree of wider community access
- Any grant would deliver a sustainable
legacy
Goal Post Safety
The FA takes goal post safety extremely
seriously; clubs can apply to the Football Foundation for a subsidy to
replace old or dangerous equipment of up to 50%. All involved in football
should be aware that metal cup hooks on goals are now outlawed and anyone
asked to officiate on a game where these are still present should decline
the invitation, noting why and report the offending goal to their county
FA.
The reasons for the ban are well-rehearsed
but if anyone is in doubt about the justification, Steve had the answers.
He showed two shocking photos of what can happen when a finger with a ring
on it meets a metal cup hook. The cup hook wins err hands down every
time. One image was of a referee who was checking the nets before a game
and had the skin of the finger from the second joint pulled off back to
the bone. It was not for the squeamish.
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