New FIFA Handbook of Requirements

In January, FIFA published a new version of its Handbook of Requirements. The amended content becomes applicable as from 31 July 2012. ISA Sport has detailed insight into all of the changes and is able to advise producers and contractors on the Handbook’s correct application.

FIFA certifies artificial turf pitches for football on the basis of the FIFA Quality Concept. The FIFA Handbook of Requirements contains details of all the quality requirements that pitches have to meet and how these are tested. This is important for producers and suppliers as well as for test institutes.

Important changes for producers and contractors:

- FIFA** field tests no longer include angled ball bounce and linear resistance. It is no longer permitted to apply logos on the pitch.

- FIFA* and FIFA** field tests will include more measuring points for vertical deformation and shock absorption. 2A measuring equipment is to be replaced by 3A measuring equipment.

- For laboratory tests, only the TGA analysis for infill rubber has been added. If a construction has been tested by ISA Sport in the past, the TGA value will already have been measured and reported on.

The content of the Handbook of Requirements 2012 comes into effect as per 31 July 2012. Up until then, the 2009 handbook can still be applied.


FIFA Handbook of Requirements 2012 (PDF)

For more information, please contact gert-jan.kieft@isa-sport.com, +31 (0)26-4834633.