GLOSSARY
3G Pitch (Third Generation Pitch)
A synthetic turf carpet with sand and rubber infill, used for football and rugby. Approved 3G systems must meet FA or World Rugby testing standards.
The process of designing and building running tracks using specialist materials such as non-porous and porous surfaces.
Athletics Track Surfacing Options
Surface options for athletics tracks include sandwich, solid and pre-fabricated tracks.
The underlying infrastructure is constructed with compacted stone and an engineered (macadam) base layer; if required a shockpad layer is also installed.
A recognised health and safety accreditation confirming compliance with UK construction standards.
A technical guideline developed by SAPCA to ensure sports facilities are built to industry standards. It covers pitch design, drainage, sub-base preparation, and surface types.
Drainage System (Sports Pitches)
Sub-surface systems which remove water from synthetic or hard court surfaces. Proper drainage protects the pitch from waterlogging.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
A process used during planning permission to evaluate the environmental effects of a proposed sports construction project, particularly on greenbelt or protected land.
Fédération Internationale de Hockey (otherwise known as FIH), the official governing body for hockey, is to achieve FIH Field Builder status.
Groundworks (Sports Construction)
The preparatory phase involves site clearance, excavation, levelling, and sub-base installation prior to pitch construction.
Site gradient, soil composition, and water table levels influence the design, timeline, and cost of sports pitch or athletics track construction.
Line Markings (Synthetic Pitches)
Painted or inlaid lines define the playing area for football, hockey, rugby, tennis, lacrosse or multi-sports.
Maintenance Plan (Synthetic Pitches)
A structured routine of brushing, cleaning, infill top-up, and inspections to maintain pitch performance and longevity.
A versatile sports surface designed for activities such as football, hockey, netball, tennis and basketball. Surfaced with macadam, polymeric, or synthetic turf.
Operational & Maintenance (O&M) – Handover Pack
A comprehensive document provided at project completion, containing maintenance guides, test certificates, warranties, and as-built drawings for your new sports facility.
Planning Permission (Sports Facilities)
Required for all new-build sports facilities, or existing facility refurbishments requiring changes to fencing, floodlighting or structural amendments.
A rubberised surface used for MUGAs and tennis courts offers grip and shock absorption.
The complete process of laying artificial grass and infill.
An elite hockey surface which requires water irrigation before play.
