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 establishes an in situ test method and maximum impact attenuation value for all types of turf playing systems and for a number of sport-specific field layouts. It also includes a protocol for determining test point locations on fields that are lined for multiple sports.

1.1.1 Turf playing systems may be located outdoors or indoors, and typically include field areas within the in-bounds lines and areas outside the in-bounds lines extending to sport-specific limit lines; areas where an athlete should expect to encounter impact attenuation performance that complies with this specification.

1.1.2 Site-specific conditions may exist wherein non-turf surface materials, such as track surfacing and/or covers over subsurface structures, are found within the boundaries of the limit lines. These alternate surface materials are not included in the scope of this specification.

1.2 This specification establishes a method for reporting test results and identifying areas within an existing turf playing system where impact attenuation measurements exceed required threshold values.

1.3 Nothing in this specification is intended to impose limitations on what fields can be tested, or how a particular field can be used. Test providers can adapt the procedures and guidelines contained herein to tests performed on any turf playing system.

1.4 This specification does not imply that an impact-related injury cannot be incurred if a turf playing system complies with its g-max performance requirement.

1.5 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.

1.6 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.