Abrasion / Friction Testing From indoor halls to outdoor fields, consistency of interaction with a surface is critical for player safety. Sufficient grip is necessary, but too much risks injury. At Sports Labs, we carry out all the necessary tests to protect players. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Agronomy Services Our in-house agronomy services make it possible for us to analyze samples, carry out bridging calculations, diagnose failures and find the best solutions. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Application Development At Sports Labs, we are pioneers in developing mobile applications that capture player feedback and merge it into surface testing data. Our cutting-edge Pitch Rater App and ProPitch System are available on Android and Apple platforms. Some of our top clients include FIFA, UEFA, football leagues and football associations. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Artificial Turf Artificial turf testing is regulated by governing body specifications, and it is typically more regulated than other sport surfaces. We staff world-leading teams in key regions and support them with the best tools, training, skills, and knowledge. We are ready to test, certify, and provide guidance whenever and wherever you need us. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Athletic Tracks An athletic track is built with a scientific mix of components that make it a highly durable and responsive surface for athletes. While these products can be complex, we understand the key variables. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Authoring Specifications Our clients trust us to deliver professional and independent authoring of specifications. Our technical knowledge and market-leading experience enables us to avoid common pitfalls that may impact budgets. Our in-depth knowledge of surface procurement empowers us to provide true and accurate representations of projects. ______________________________ Availability: Email for availability. Email Us
Backboards Ensuring player safety in basketball means testing both the infrastructure and equipment. Backboards need to be designed to support player weight and include shatter-resistant materials. At Sports Labs, we make sure everything is safe. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Balls Sphericity, circumference, loss of pressure, wear, mass, impact resistance, durability, shape retention and water retention are just some of the tests we carry out to ensure ball compliance and performance. In addition to certification, we also offer quality-control and monitoring. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Bespoke Testing Solutions Every site is different and holds its own unique history and characteristics. Our support includes comprehensive testing and investigative works that will define the limitations and opportunities for your site. Our ability to merge sports-functional surface testing with desktop and physical ground works studies make our solutions the best choice. You’ll enjoy our competitive rates helping you stay within a budget. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Budget and Cost Plans Our experience obtaining and analyzing key information early enables us to provide the most accurate cost plans and budgets. We help projects reach a successful conclusion while meeting client expectations. Our knowledge of sport surface design, installation and procurement enables us to value-engineer for the most cost-effective solution. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
CAD Drawings Our in-house CAD technicians bring detail to your project and ready it for planning permission and construction. From running tracks and tennis courts to artificial or natural turf pitches, we support the delivery of fully detailed drawings. The orientation, size, run-offs, and all the technical complexities are covered by us, so you’ll get it right the first time. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Certification by Sport Sports functional requirements for safety and performance are categorized by global and national governing bodies for sports surfaces. Some update more regularly while others are designed to allow multi-use. To begin, it is good to understand what each sport requires. Click here to view certifications by sport. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Climbing Mats UIAA 161 for crash pads determines the critical fall height for bouldering pads. The Head Impact Criteria (HIC) is a severity index, measured with a head form to give a safety rating of impact absorption. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Compliance Testing Compliance and certification are two common things requested on a site prior to completion and handover. Every sports surface has a reference for safety and performance specification, and our team can provide an in-depth assessment and report. Testing can include products in the laboratory and / or onsite. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Contract Supervision Ensuring a project runs to timeline and budget requires careful contract supervision. We are well-versed and experienced in ensuring the best outcome for our clients at handover. As part of our role as your consultant, we work with contractors and key stake holders to support decision-making at every step. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Court Pace Ratings The speed of a tennis court is defined by Court Pace Ratings (CPR). We test samples in the laboratory to official ITF classification or for development purposes. We categorize court pace as slow, medium, or fast by measuring the co-efficient of friction and restitution. It is important to define end-user needs or court type in a tender to ensure a product complies. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Differential Scanning Calorimeter This technique is used for material identification of polymers. At Sports Labs, our tests are related to sports construction material. This is a thermoanalytical technique in which the difference between the amount of heat required to increase the temperature of a sample and specific reference is measured as a function of temperature.
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Electronic Timing Systems Sports can have electronic timing systems triggered by several inputs such as sound, light or vibration. Testing the accuracy of these systems and their consistency is important for regulating play time and overtime. Reliable information is vital to support referees making decisions that can rely on a fraction of a second. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Equipment Design & Build Our research and development team provide support and expertise for troubleshooting and problem-solving a plethora of issues, including anything related to mechanical, electrical, software, hardware, or design. We are at the forefront of development for sports testing equipment and products, from developing prototypes to specifications set by global governing bodies. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Feasibility The feasibility study takes all a project's relevant factors into account, including economic, technical, legal, and timeline considerations. Realizing a project’s feasibility is key to ascertaining the likelihood of completing the project successfully. Looking at all variables will provide a solid foundation for progression, whether it is for funding or planning. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Flammability Safety tests are paramount at sports venues, and none is more important than the flammability of a surface or sports floor. Tender specifications may identify the category required and it may differ depending on many things such as indoor or outdoor settings and the surrounding infrastructure. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Forensic Investigations Sports surface products and base components can be complex, so when problems arise, it is good practice to ask an expert to investigate. Most issues, once identified, can be fixed quite easily. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Geotechnical Interpretations A solid foundation is essential before sports surface construction begins. We start with an examination and interpretation of the soils and an understanding of potential loading. We use civil engineering methods and principles to collect and analyze physical properties of the ground. It is important that this step is done correctly because any errors at this stage can prove costly and time will be lost if you are required to go back and redo work. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
GMax The GMax test is designed to measure shock attenuation, which is the ability of a surface to absorb shock. This information is good to know to ensure safety in the event of an impact. ASTM Procedure A of Test Method F355 is the most common request for sports surface safety testing in North America. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Goal Line Technology (GLT) Sports Labs was among the first laboratories to be globally accredited to carry out Final Installation Tests (FIT). We provide testing services to league bodies and tournaments such as World Cup under the FIFA Quality Program. We certify installed Goal Line Technology (GLT) systems around the world. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Goal Post Testing In addition to considering player welfare and safety, key performance criteria should be met when selecting a goal post. There are national and international standards to follow in addition to governing body tests and certification procedures, including FIFA and FIH. We test both under ISO 17025. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Gumshields (Mouth Guards) Gumshields can be different in shape and size, and molded to user requirements, but safety cannot be compromised. Under governing body testing specifications, we measure impact resistance, retention, water absorption and chemical testing. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Head Injury Criterion (HIC) Player or user safety is paramount and with test methods such as Head Injury Criterion (HIC) we can assess the likelihood of a serious injury from player surface interaction. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Hybrid Turf Hybrid turf and carpets used in natural turf construction have unique properties, such as fiber shape, thickness, tuft numbers, face weight and gauge. These directly affect a turf’s long-term ability to grow and provide stability. ProPitch is our natural turf division staffed with leading consultants and agronomists. Our understanding of artificial components makes us a leading expert in hybrid surfaces. Visit our ProPitch website. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Indoor Floors Indoor floors can be tested to EN 14904 or to sports-specific requirements such as basketball with FIBA. From area elastic and mixed elastic to combined elastic and point elastic, we have the equipment, experience, and facilities to work with you to optimize performance. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Innovation Partnerships Sports Labs has a long history of successfully delivering projects and our clients trust us to provide reliable and independent research. We have built key partnerships with member associations and bodies. Get in touch to explore ways to work with us. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Investigative Reports In sports construction, investigative reports provide decision-makers with the facts required to determine the best course of action for a specific surface or venue. Our reports provide data before, during and after installation activities. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Key Stage Inspections (KSI) Key Stage Inspections are used during installation of sports surfaces to independently test one layer of construction prior to proceeding to the next. Compaction, drainage, stability, evenness, and material identification are some of the tests we run to identify problems early. We make a call for interventions that save both time and money. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) encourage the industry to innovate and grow. We enjoy playing our part for the greater good of sport. Our unique position enables us to bring together governing bodies and academic researchers to combine knowledge and push for positive changes within the sector. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Landscape Turf Landscape turf varies significantly in type, construction, and quality. There are many tests we run to identify durability, safety, and compliance, if applicable. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Lighting in Sport (Floodlights) Illuminance, flicker, spill, and uniformity of floodlighting can have a direct impact on the quality of a sport environment. We regularly check lighting for degradation, and we certify sports lighting under governing body quality programs. We are fully accredited to carry out all assessments and certifications. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Material Identification Each component in a sports surface plays a role in overall performance. Identifying a component clearly for polymer trace, density, shape, size, and color allows it to be analyzed to prove it is the same product or material. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Natural Turf - ProPitch Systems Propitch is a division of Sports Labs dedicated to natural and hybrid turf. Our specialists are ready to assist with fertilizer plans, independent assessments, and ground staff kits. We offer robust remote support and data collection tools to help your team deliver the absolute best. Our global consultants are committed to helping every step of the way. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Nets Nets can wear and tear and are prone to entrapment. It is important that nets are the right size for the ball used for each sport. At Sports Labs we measure aperture, tensile strength performance, quality control and durability. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Player Perception Development In the sporting industry, products on the market evolve at a high speed. When it comes to sport surfaces and equipment, Sports Labs actively works to bring the user or player to the table to discuss assessments and improvements. This step is vital for the industry to continue to grow in the right direction. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Player Tracking Devices Sports Labs was the world’s first laboratory to carry out accredited conformity assessment of Electronic Performance and Tracking Systems (EPTS) in football and Player Monitoring Devices (PMD) in rugby EPTS and PMD devices. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Playground Surfaces Playgrounds are especially important when it comes to protecting our children. We all want to be confident things are done right and no short cuts are taken that might risk safety. We can test everything from slip resistance and entrapment to Head Injury Criterion (HIC) and so much more. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Product & Component Evaluation Sports surfaces require a unique balance of key materials to provide safety and high performance. Each component needs to be uniquely identified to understand its influence, and it is especially important in cases of non-compliance. We have more than 30 years of experience in product and component evaluation. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Product Quality Control Quality control is important for any manufacturer of sports products, surfaces, wearables, or technology. Sports Labs provides clients custom and tailored programs for items to be independently analyzed. This step can sometimes be a part of a governing body quality program requested by a buyer or undertaken voluntarily by a supplier. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Product Research & Development We are experts in sports surfaces and the complex equipment and technology used to test them. At Sports Labs, we know what works and what does not. Equally important, we can also tell you why. Our team provides custom testing solutions and critical analysis to enable you and your team to make decisions with confidence. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Planning Applications Planning applications require detailed paperwork and surveys. We have the experience and leading sport-specific design team to support your project. We adhere to regulations, policies, and design guidance to painlessly take an application from start to finish. We bring all the tools and knowledge required to get plans approved. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Project Management Project management keeps everything moving smoothly on time, and on budget. Our experience means we excel at managing contractors and keeping clients updated while effortlessly overseeing the finer details. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Rebounds and Sideboards Hockey rebound boards and side boards must comply with FIH specifications. Safety hazards, materials, dimensions, impact angle, durability, alignment, and toxicology are some of the tests we perform. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Research Papers As well as providing insight into equipment and testing methodologies development for surfaces, products, and technology, we share our research so the whole industry can benefit. We also welcome your research and encourage you to share. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Scoreboards In some sports, electronic scoreboards are automatically linked to scoring technology. The boards must be clear and accurate to prevent confusion. Some governing bodies have certification systems and test procedures to adhere to. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Seating Comfort, safety, and durability are important when selecting stadium seating. Non-destructive load testing, radii and dimensions, impact resistance and UV testing are all important. At Sports Labs we provide tests to international and governing body standards. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Shelters & Booths Shelters and booths must also meet certain standards. Load, dimensions, material, impact resistance, anchoring, stability, entrapment, and capacity are some of the tests Sports Labs offers. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Site Investigations Site Investigations are an important step for collecting information, assessing data and reporting potential hazards beneath a surface. The design and scope for each investigation depends on a variety of site-specific circumstances. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Slip Resistance A player’s interaction with a surface is primarily through the soles of their shoes. The slip resistance test is critical to ensure a surface meets safety requirements. Results must fall within minimum and maximum tolerances to reduce or prevent injuries. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Specification Writing At Sports Labs, we understand how to create testing protocols with reproducible equipment. We have written many of the recently published specifications. It is important to us that others can develop equipment in line with specifications that protect users and players. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Tender Preparation & Review Tender preparation is vital to delivering a successful project on time, on budget and to the expectations of a client. For a fair tender process, accurate and detailed information is required to make evaluation easier. We provide documents specific to a project and look at the key details applicants need. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Thermogravimetric Analysis Identifying polymerics organic, inorganic and elastomer material is a key set of tests most conducted for sports surfaces using the Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). This is a method of analysis where the mass of a sample is measured over time as the temperature changes. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Toxicology Toxicology tests consider the health of end-users of sports products and any potential environmental impact. These tests are most referenced in DIN 18035-7 for toxicology. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Trackaturf Trackaturf is a GPS-enabled, end-of-life turf-tracking system designed especially for public authorities and recycling or installation companies. It is an ideal software-based solution provided by Sports Labs. This service introduces a much-needed transparency into the growing environmental issue of turf recycling. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
UV Testing A product’s ability to withstand ultraviolet light can be defined in laboratory tests under a controlled environment. Ultraviolet A (UVA) has a longer wavelength and Ultraviolet B (UVB) has a shorter wavelength. Both are used in a chamber with a cyclic function of moisture and UV. This test enables us to categorize wear in an accelerated fashion. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Virtual Offside Line (VOL) and VAR The need for consistency across football equipment is important. Sports Labs developed the Virtual Offside Line (VOL) protocol and provides support for testing systems. The offside line used in VAR must be accurate and on-point to provide confidence and to support the referee tasked with making crucial on-field decisions. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Water Infiltration Outdoor sports surfaces and components must have an ability to manage water vertically or horizontally to prevent ponding. The water infiltration test can be conducted in a controlled laboratory environment to ensure a product design is sufficient for the climatic conditions where it will be installed. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Wear Simulation - Accelerated At Sports Labs we can test products to see how they perform under stress and high usage. These tests should be run prior to a product’s launch, purchase, or installation. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Wheelchairs A wheelchair’s surface interaction is important to get right and at Sports Labs we look at surface friction, impact, and point loading. We can perform both desktop analysis and physical testing. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
Whistles With the amount of background noise in stadium venues, it is vital that a referee can always be heard. Whistle volume, frequency, durability, chemical and batch quality control tests are some of the tests we perform at Sports Labs using our anechoic chamber. ______________________________ Availability: Global Email Us
