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The National Sports and Physical Activity Convention (NSC) has partnered with the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS) to focus on how synthetic technology can help meet the growing demand for community sports fields.

With community and environmental groups highlighting concerns about potential exposures and health effects due to the use of rubber from recycled car tyres being used as infill on many synthetic sports surfaces, a statement from IAKS and the NSC notes “the majority of sports clubs and players are grateful for fields that can cope with over 50 hours of use weekly.”

In addition, the NSC and IAKS reference the newly released ‘Federal Research Action Plan on Recycled Tire Crumb Used on Playing Fields and Playgrounds’ report from the USA Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Research and Development (ORD) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) have completed research on synthetic turf playing fields under the Federal Research Action Plan on Recycled Tire Crumb Used on Playing Fields and Playgrounds which, in summary, states “although chemicals are present (as expected) in the tyre rubber crumb and exposures can occur they are likely to be limited.”

Martin Sheppard, NSC founder, Managing Director of Smart Connection Consultancy and the technical consultant for Hockey Australia, NRL, Rugby Australia, stated “this global recognition supports the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineers Report from last year which states ‘Overall, literature review and expert advice did not identify major health risks associated with synthetic turf’.*

“We have been advising for the last 12 months that the industry should now be embracing organic infills, shockpads and investment in maintenance to ensure that children have the opportunity to play sport.”

The NSC this year is exploring the latest global trends in synthetic, natural and hybrid turf so that as an industry we are confident in the safety of the technology and we can focus on ‘Changing the Narrative’ by focusing on how we embrace the technology to ensure more children and adults become more active, addressing the growing health problems due to a sedentary lifestyle.

In March this year, IAKS launched its Future Trends for Outdoor Surfaces guide, a report exploring the changing needs and demands of sport and active recreation, from traditional sports club provided games through to less formal and shorter form games.

The guide explores key issues facing sport and recreation and the continued growth in population, increased demands, changing participation patterns and the impacts on the environmental footprint.

Click here for more information on the National Sports and Physical Activity Convention in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

* Synthetic Turf in Public Spaces - Independent Review into the design, use and impacts of synthetic turf in public spaces.

Related Articles

22nd April 2024 - Report from USA’s EPA and CDC says recycled rubber used in playing fields does not elevate chemical exposure risk

19th April 2024 - IAKS ANZ announces new partnership with Australian College of Physical Education

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27th March 2024 - IAKS to stage post National Sports Convention study tour

27th March 2024 - Entries open for 2024 Australian Sport Recreation and Play Innovation Awards

23rd March 2024 - IAKS launches report on key trends for outdoor sports surfaces

17th March 2024 - NSW Government looks for community feedback on new sport field synthetic turf guidelines

27th February 2024 - National Sports and Physical Activity Convention in collaboration with IAKS releases 2024 program

23rd January 2024 - AFL releases new guidelines on community sport facilities

8th December 2023 - Australia’s first Synthetic Turf Recycling Hub on track for April 2024 opening

29th November 2023 - Inspire Innovation theme announced for 2024 National Sports and Physical Activity Convention

4th November 2023 - FSB and IAKS present global lessons in sustainable and inclusive aquatic and recreation facilities

7th October 2023 - European Commission confirms restrictions on uses of microplastics

23rd June 2023 - NSW Chief Scientist calls for more research into synthetic sports fields

25th March 2022 - New study claims flaws in processes used to justify artificial turf sports fields

21st September 2021 - ASF report says community sports clubs facing uncertain future and financial strife

15th April 2021 - NSW Planning Minister to investigate alternatives to synthetic grass

9th December 2016 - ASTM International standard for artificial turf infill

5th May 2010 - First Installations for Organic Synthetic Turf Infill

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