This specification covers a test method and the corresponding performance requirement for the maximum impact attenuation in all types of turf playing systems installed for North American football fields that is intended to establish a method for identifying and reporting areas within an existing playing system where shock-absorbing properties exceed recommended threshold values. The turf playing system typically includes field areas within and outside the inbound lines extending to the sport specific limit lines as defined by the appropriate regulating body or appropriate standard, or both. All of these areas are regions where an athlete should expect compliant impact attenuation characteristics, but, it does not imply that an injury cannot be incurred if the surface system complies with this specification. The test method, aptly called the free-fall drop test, shall be performed at eight different test point locations for four specific types of surface systems, namely: synthetic turf systems with resilient padding; natural turf systems; combination turf systems; and infill synthetic turf systems.

1.1 This specification covers a test method and maximum impact attenuation for all types of installed turf playing systems for North American football. The turf playing system typically includes field areas within the inbounds lines and areas outside the inbounds lines extending to the sport specific limit lines as defined by the appropriate regulating body or appropriate standard, or both. All of these areas are areas where an athlete should expect compliant impact attenuation characteristics.

1.2 This specification is intended to establish a method to identify and report areas within an existing playing system where shock-absorbing properties exceed recommended threshold values. Shock-absorbing values for new installations should be less than the maximum thresholds set herein.

1.3 Site specific conditions may exist in which changes in surface type such as track surfacing or covers over subsurface structures, or both, are located within the extent of the limit lines which impact characteristics in a manner that place these conditions outside the scope of this standard.

1.4 It is recognized that laboratory testing results often reflect optimum conditions which may not correspond to the actual site conditions. Therefore, a method of testing along with a maximum for impact attenuation of installed synthetic turf playing systems is addressed herein.

1.5 This specification does not imply that an injury cannot be incurred if the surface system complies with this specification.

1.6 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

The following precautionary statement pertains only to the test procedure portion, Section 9, of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.