WORLD RUGBY

Rugby Union has historically been played on natural grass. There is recognition by the World Rugby Board that it is necessary in some parts of the world for rugby to be played on synthetic turf, where climatic conditions often result in natural grass surfaces becoming badly worn and unsuitable in winter.

As a result, World Rugby has produced the ‘Artificial Rugby Turf Performance Specification’. This document sets a minimum standard for synthetic turf playing surfaces which may be used in rugby, offering a solution to those parts of the world where climate or resources make good quality natural grass pitches difficult or impossible to achieve.

Click here to download the full Technical Document for the Specification of Artificial Rugby Turf Performance, click the PDF icon at the top or bottom of the screen.

IRB, 2011. IRB Regulation 22 Performance Specification – Technical Document – Artificial Rugby Turf Performance Specification, http://www.irbplayerwelfare.com, (viewed June 2011)

CA

The AFL/Cricket Australia “Approved Synthetic Turf Product” mark is awarded to those products that have been subject to a series of stringent laboratory tests. These tests include those for durability, joint strength, resistance to weathering, ball roll and bounce, hardness, traction and abrasion.

Testing that occurs on site once the project is completed, synthetic surface laid and infilled to ensure a playing surface will:

• Have similar playing characteristics to excellent natural turf,
• offer quality and durability of the product, and
• maximise playing comfort and safety for players.

Testing is undertaken at a variety of points on the field to ensure compliance across the facility. Once an oval has met all the requirements of the field testing it will be issued with official certification that the oval complies with AFL/Cricket Australia Standards.

The AFL/Cricket Australia Handbook of Testing for Synthetic Turf can be downloaded here.

RFL

The development of synthetic turf surfaces to replicate the playing qualities of excellent natural turf for Rugby League is overseen by this standard.

Introduction of the standard is to allow fields to sustain much higher levels of use and increased participation in the game of Rugby League.

The Rugby Football League Limited has commissioned the development of performance and construction standards for synthetic turf Rugby League pitches.

This governance ensures these new forms of surface provide a satisfactory playing environment that offer durability and will not increase the risk of injury to players. The standards have been prepared by an independent laboratory specialising in the testing of sports surfaces.

To view the full Performance and Constructions Standard for Synthetic Turf Rugby League competition and training pitches, please click here.

AFL

The AFL/Cricket Australia “Approved Synthetic Turf Product” mark is awarded to those products that have been subject to a series of stringent laboratory tests. These tests include those for durability, joint strength, resistance to weathering, ball roll and bounce, hardness, traction and abrasion.

In addition, the AFL award a “Preferred Supplier”status to a select number of companies to maintain quality control. Certified ovals must meet a second stage of testing that occurs on site once the project is complete. Once the synthetic surface is laid and infilled, the final playing surface will:

• Have similar playing characteristics to excellent natural turf,
• Offer quality and durability of the product, and
• Maximise playing comfort and safety for players.

Testing is undertaken on a variety of points on the field to ensure compliance across the facility. Once an oval has met all the requirements of the field testing it will be issued with official certification that the oval complies with AFL/Cricket Australia Standards.

The AFL/Cricket Australia Handbook of Testing for Synthetic Turf can be downloaded here

ITF

ITF recognition is an acknowledgement that a tennis court meets the recommendations provided in the ITF Guide to Test Methods for Tennis Court Surfaces. (http://www.itftennis.com/technical/courts/court-testing/overview.aspx)

ITF is targeted at those venues where the standard of play demands the specification of precise playing characteristics, e.g. at international tournaments as well as national and regional tennis centres.

ITF Recognition is retained until the court is resurfaced or for 10 years, whichever is the sooner, however, the results are only valid for the day of testing. Properties of the court may change, due to factors such as ambient conditions, use and maintenance.

ITF Recognition is not mandatory, nor does it imply any form of ITF approval or endorsement.

ITF Recognition

IAAF

IAAF has established the requirements for synthetic athletic tracks to be measured, tested and certified many years ago. When testing and assessing an athletic facility, the detailed process requires a solid understanding of every project and design element to meet Certification.

In addition to the surface performance, there is a construction compliance across the entire track at different locations to confirm the facility conformance.

IAAF has accredited a network of laboratories around the world with the requisite experience and expertise to interpret and determine the results and observations made on site correctly. This experience and expertise protect the interests of all the parties involved, including the manufacturer of the synthetic surfacing system, the installer, the main contractor, the designer, the owner and the importantly the athletes.

Click here for more info

FIH

FIH PREFERRED SUPPLIER

Our hockey fields are tested and certified according to International Hockey Federation requirements.

FIH aims to ensure the quality of pitches and the safety standard for equipment remains at the highest level worldwide.

The initial handbook was established in March 1999 as the FIH Handbook of Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for Synthetic Hockey Pitches – Outdoor. At that stage, the two categories of turf certification were “Global” and “Standard”.

From April 2008 the requirements were amended in the Handbook of Performance Requirements for Synthetic Turf Hockey Pitches, also known as The Pitch Handbook. In that publication, the “Standard” category was redefined as “National”.

These two categories of “Global” and “National” still stand today with the additional “Multisport” category added in accordance with the latest edition published in May 2013.

Any enquiries about the performance requirements can be addressed to the FIH Sport Coordinator at: info@fih.ch or to download the handbook please click here

FIFA

FIFA QUALITY TURF

FIFA acknowledges the potential of artificial turf for the development of football. In order to ensure the quality of the artificial surfaces used, FIFA established the FIFA Quality Programme for Football Turf, which certifies final installations that have gone through the testing procedure devised in 2001.

The benchmark for testing from the start has been first class natural grass pitches in good condition and artificial surfacing systems must meet the requirements as set out in the Handbook of Requirements to be awarded the FIFA RECOMMENDED mark turf.

For the testing of the surfaces, a stringent two-phase testing procedure, which includes testing the product in the laboratory and testing the completed installation, with attention focussed on:

• Interaction between the player and the surface
• Interaction between the ball and the surface
• Product composition
• Weather resistance
• Seam strength
• Service life

Comparing the results of both tests, the end consumer can be sure that the product on the field of play fulfils exactly the same requirements as set out by the FIFA Quality Programme. If both tests are passed successfully, FIFA awards the final installation either the FIFA 1 Star RECOMMENDED or FIFA 2 Star RECOMMENDED mark.

For further information on the FIFA Quality Standards: https://football-technology.fifa.com/en/standards/football-turf/

ISO 9001

Asia Pacific

All our synthetic surface manufacture complies with the current national and international standards, including all environmental requirements. Consistent high quality is ensured 100% by final inspection and testing according to our ISO 9001 certification.

Add to this our manufacturing facility being inducted into the Victorian Hall of Fame and awards such as Exporter of the Year (All Categories), and you can see how we were successful with Olympic Games involvement.

Lachlan Graham

Project Engineer

Bachelor of Engineering, Civil– Honours
Bachelor of Business (Management)

Having joined the team in 2015 with a background in Civil Engineering & Local Government, Lachlan provides technical support to the Construction team for all major projects with involvement from the initial design and tendering stages through to project completion.

Recent Project Involvement

Michael Isaac

Project Engineer

Bachelor of Civil Engineering

Diploma Engineering Practice (Major Construction)

Michael is responsible for the onsite project management and construction of Polytan projects. Providing expert knowledge and experience that is well supported from an engineering and major construction background, Michael supports the Polytan team through all stages of our projects including tender response preparation, onsite project management, engineering design, civil construction, client liaison, project hand over, maintenance and aerial photography. Having worked on multiple major projects within the Polytan portfolio, Michael is highly skilled across all Polytan synthetic sport surfaces.

Projects

Anthony Kelly

Project Engineer

Bachelor of Engineering, Civil– Honours
Master of Science, Sustainable Design – Distinction

Having joined the team at the beginning of 2013, with a background in Civil Engineering, Anthony provides technical support to the Construction team for all major projects with involvement from the initial design and tendering stages through to project completion.

Recent Project Involvement

Tania Fountain

Sales & Marketing

Bachelor of Business (Sports Management)
Diploma Business Administration
Advanced Diploma of Hospitality & Tourism Management

Tania provides sales and marketing support to the Polytan team, bringing with her a variety of skills from a successful a career within local government, event management and business administration. Whilst supporting the sales team with tender responses and direct sales enquiries, Tania also coordinates all marketing for Polytan including the development and coordination of all promotional and event activities, social media, sponsorship agreements, company webpage and project case studies.

Projects

Monica Reece

Project Administrator

Monica is responsible for various project administration requirements providing support to the Operations Manager and onsite Project Managers across Australia. Monica’s background within the sporting surfaces industry enables her to support the delivery of projects from site establishment through to completion including resource scheduling, extensive travel and accommodation bookings.

Tina Ivanovski

Project Administrator

Diploma Business Administration
Diploma of International Trade

Tina is responsible for all project administration requirements and provides support to the Operations Manager and onsite Project Engineers. Tina’s background within the construction industry enables her to support the delivery of projects from site establishment through to completion including logistic coordination, accounts, cost analysis, budgeting, equipment procurement, purchasing, extensive travel and accommodation bookings, work crew scheduling and invoicing. Since joining the team in 2012, Tina has supported the delivery of multiple major projects across the Asia Pacific region.

Projects

Steve Heaps

Project Manager

10+ Years project management experience
20+ Years synthetic sporting surface and
construction industry experience.

Specialising in the construction and installation of premium athletic facilities, Steve’s combined experience in cival construction, project management, hazard identification and IAAF certification has supported the growth of Polytan’s track and field projects across the Asia Pacific region. Formerly apart of TEAMsports, Steve brings a solid foundation of experience that is highly regarded within the industry.

Recent Project Involvement

Greg Heaps

Operations Manager

20+ Years project management experience
18+ Years synthetic sporting surface and
construction industry experience.

Greg has been involved in the construction of over 50 major sporting field projects since 2005. Expert knowledge and experience within project management, client liaison, building and construction has been developed through his involvement with TEAMsport and Polytan over the last almost 20 years. Greg now supports the delivery of various high profile sports field projects across Australia and New Zealand.

Projects

Brett Davison

Business Development Manager

Brett is directly involved in all hockey projects across the Asia pacific region for Polytan. After 20+ years in the hockey industry, Brett brings a highly developed technical knowledge of the design, construction, installation and servicing of synthetic hockey fields. With over 100 hockey field projects under his belt since 1997. Brett’s hands on approach has been an integral part in the successful delivery of new and resurfaced hockey facilities for clients ranging from local and state government, educational facilities, sporting clubs and associations alike.

Recent Project Involvement

Rob Kirkwood

National Sales Manager, Polytan

Bachelor of Engineering.

20+ Years Synthetic Sports Surfacing Industry Experience.

Rob is directly involved in all Polytan major projects in his role as Sales Manager. His engineering degree ensures he has an understanding of both sales and construction activities and to ensure Polytan is represented in the highest possible standard.

Rob was responsible in his early career for direct Project Management of Polytan’s key projects, providing him an excellent understanding of our client’s expectations.

Cody Linton

General Manager, NZ – Polytan

Diploma of Engineering, Civil

Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Management

3 Years engineering experience as a Civil Site engineer for a construction and asphalt company prior to 4 years experience with STI in the current role directly overseeing major sports facility construction.

Cody’s experience with hands-on project and construction site management has instigated many testimonials for clients expressing their extreme satisfaction with their project handling.

Project Manager for a large number of STI’s key projects, including;

Paul Kamphuis

General Manager

of Engineering, Civil – Honours
Bachelor of Sciences – Earth Science
13+ years project management experience in local and international facilities.

Paul is responsible for all Polytan projects in his role as General Manager. His qualification as a Civil Engineer coupled with over 13 years industry experience in the construction and design of synthetic sporting facilities, offers excellent continuity to Polytan and all international sporting body standards. Paul has delivered effective construction and project management for all of Polytan’s major projects, which most recently includes the Rio 2016 Olympic Games with involvement already starting for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Shaun Goudie

General Manager Asia Region

Certificate of Mechanical and Auto Engineering, 27+ Years Project Management Experience in the Construction of elite Sporing Facilities First Aid and White card certified

Shaun is responsible for all day to day construction operations and project management for Polytan. Former owner of Action Sports NZ, Co-owner and Managing Director of Sports Technology Int NZ Ltd, Shaun provides extensive experience and expert knowledge in the delivery of elite competition and training facilities, including the construction and installation of a wide range of local and international synthetic sporting surface projects including numerous Olympic and Commonwealth Game facilities.

Jim Tritt

Director of Operations, Sport Group Asia Pacific

Jim started his career in 1995 with APT USA as a research chemist. Over the past twenty years, Jim has held a variety of positions including Laboratory Manager, Product Manager, Business Development, Technical Sales, and General Manager. In his current role, Jim is responsible for all operational activities for APT Asia Pacific including production, product development, quality, and sales for Australia/New Zealand.

Throughout his career, Jim has been responsible for the development, manufacture, and distribution of a wide range of products that include polyurethane CASE applications, acrylic coatings, polyurethane intermediates, and synthetic turf for virtually every commercial application.

Jim has degrees in Chemistry and Biology from Ohio Wesleyan University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honour society.

Melissa Edwards

Director of Finance – Sport Group, Asia Pacific

Melissa has been with the company since 2003 and was appointed CFO, Asia Pacific in 2014. She has full responsibility for the finance and administration activities in the Asia Pacific region, covering both the production and construction activities of the group. Melissa was recently involved in the due diligence and subsequent acquisition of the Team Sports business earlier in 2014.

Prior positions within the Group include Finance Director and Financial Controller.

Melissa is a Chartered Accountant, previously with Price Waterhouse (Sydney & Birmingham). After obtaining her qualifications and returning from a secondment in the UK, she left to join National Foods corporate office in Sydney. After 12 months, she took up a position in the newly formed Dairy Foods Division and moved to Melbourne. After returning from maternity leave in 2003, Melissa joined APT Asia Pacific P/L, (at the time known as Balsam Pacific P/L).

Stephen Niven

CEO Sport Group, Asia Pacific

Stephen has been in the sports industry for over 17 years and was appointed CEO of the Asia-Pacific region in July 2014. He has full responsibility for all activities of Sport Group in the Asia-Pacific region. Major achievements of Mr Niven include the integration of Team Sports which was acquired by Sport Group earlier in the same year.

Prior positions of Mr Niven include Managing Director of Sport Group for Asia-pacific and Managing Director of Sports Technology International ( STI) with worldwide and Australia wide responsibility. He Joined STI in 2004 when he sold his own construction business, Service Ace Tennis Courts, to STI. He had been the owner of that business since 1997. Mr Niven Started his professional career at Zupp Group of companies in 1992.

He holds a diploma in business management & tourism from Passmores college of business.