May 2023 Getting pitch perfect
Industry bodies release updated statement on 3G pitches Following discussions between partners and key stakeholders, including the GMA, Sport England, sportscotland, Sport Wales, DCMS, Football Foundation, The FA, RFL, SAPCA and England Rugby, a joint statement has been produced relating to the use of rubber crumb in 3G pitches and the sustainability of artificial grass pitches. The statement reads: “Artificial grass pitches (AGPs) are recognised as a durable, safe, year-round playing surfaces, able to withstand intensive use and all kinds of weather. The pitches are used for playing multiple sports including football, hockey and rugby and they are an important community resource that mean more people can benefit from the social and health benefits of physical activity. “However, concerns have been raised about the environmental impact of these pitches. Most commonly this relates to the fibre
loss of microplastics and; in the case of third generation or 3G pitches, the presence of rubber infill, which is also a microplastic. We understand these concerns and are taking them very seriously. “We are aware of potential developments in the EU following the European Commission’s statement (released in September 2022) which recommended the introduction of a ban on the future sale of ‘intentionally added microplastics’ onto the European market, which includes rubber infill for 3G AGPs. The Commission proposed a six-year transition period before the new restriction becomes effective, although the timing for it to become law has not yet been made clear. Following the UK’s exit from the EU, the regulatory framework for these matters now sits at a UK level (except for Northern Ireland, which will continue to follow EU REACH requirements).
“The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) commissioned an evidence project, under the UK REACH 2022/23 Work Programme, to review emissions of intentionally added microplastics. It will consider the risks they pose to human health and the environment and include a socio-economic assessment. The project will include rubber infill and will inform any future regulatory actions in the UK. “The Sports Councils – Sport England, Sport Wales, sportscotland, Sport NI – and leading sport bodies are working together and with respective governments to understand what the EU ban will mean for the stock of 3G AGPs in the UK and the timings for any legislative decisions. “If the EU law on a ban is passed, it will be important to have a transition period because 3G AGPs are in widespread use by
Grass Cutting Machinery The products available to tackle any task communities across Europe, were costly to put in place, and will be to remove. It is also important to note that there are currently no widely available alternative infill products on the market that are as effective, suitable for all weather conditions and deliver the required performance standards.
pitch systems and more sustainable infill products. We will continue to work with partners across the UK and Europe to research and reduce the spread of microplastics into the environment.
“That is why we are also committed to exploring alternative artificial
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“More information will be published as discussions progress.”
BIGGA launches Members’ Choice survey for 2024 The survey offers BIGGA members the opportunity to shape the education that is on offer at the Continue to Learn 2024 education programme, which is due to return in January as part of the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition.
to be relevant and to further enhance the knowledge and professionalism that is demanded by greenkeepers and we can only do this by asking our members what they want to see from the Continue to Learn offering.
Planning for Continue to Learn at BTME 2024 is in full force, but we need the help of our members to shape the programme content. We want the learning
The Members’ Choice survey can be completed by every greenkeeper member of BIGGA. Prospective topics have been gathered through BIGGA’s
annual Proposal to Present system, where individuals and companies can submit their ideas for future programmes. The Members’ Choice survey distinguishes the job role of the respondent, thus enabling BIGGA to create programmes suited to their members, wherever they may be on their career journey. The survey will close on Friday 19 May 2023.
Continue to Learn at BTME is the most comprehensive education programme for greenkeeping professionals outside of the USA and attracts in excess of 3,000 attendees each year. Continue to Learn at BTME 2024 will take place at Harrogate Convention Centre from Sunday 21 to Wednesday 24 January 2024. BIGGA
Battery Power Technology continues to drive the industry forward Page 25-27
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