ECB Non Turf Cricket Wicket PDF

Performance Standards for Non-Turf Cricket
Pitches Intended for Outdoor Use

[TS6]
Revised November 2007
ecb.co.uk
01 Introduction and Scope
This Standard describes the requirements for non-turf cricket pitch systems intended for outdoor
use. It sets requirements for match pitches and practice areas. It does not set requirements for
outfields for which there are currently no standards.
The Standard has four sections: Material Requirements
Performance Requirements These define the quality of the synthetic

material used to construct non-turf pitches
These define the ball/surface and player/ to ensure they will last for a realistic period
surface interactions considered necessary to of time.
allow a satisfactory game of cricket to take
place. Identification tests
Construction Requirements Once a surfacing system has been shown

to satisfy the performance and material
These define the dimensions, tolerances and requirements a series of tests are undertaken
gradients for match pitches and practice to characterise the materials used in the
areas to ensure they provide a satisfactory surface’s construction so that they cannot be
playing environment. replaced by inferior or different materials.
This Standard should be read in conjunction

with the ECB’s Code of Practice and
Technical Requirements for the Design and
Installation of Non-turf Cricket Facilities,
which defines the design and workmanship
standards the ECB consider appropriate for
non-turf pitches.
ECB Facility Briefs and Guidance Notes on Performance Standards for Non-Turf Cricket Pitches Intended for Outdoor Use ECB_v1_04.12.07 © 2007 ECB
Page 02
02 Normative References
Test methods from other publications are incorporates into this Standard by dated or undated
reference. Where dated references are used, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of
these publications will apply to this Standard only when incorporated into it by amendment or
revision. For undated references, the latest edition of the publication referred to applies.
Page 03
03 Definitions
03.1 Match pitch
An area of non-turf (synthetic) surfacing together with its supporting

layers, that is used for competitive play and comprises the principal
playing area, which is the area between the wickets, and the two
bowler’s run-ups which extend beyond the wickets. Bowler’s run-up Ball Performance Area Bowler’s run-up
(Player Performance Base) (Player Performance Base)
03.2 Practice pitches and areas
An area of non-turf (synthetic) surfacing, together with its supporting Synthetic surrounds Cage
layers, that is used for practice and training activities. The area
comprises two sections, a batting end and a bowling end with a
central area in between.
The central area may be surfaced with the same synthetic surface as
the batting and bowling ends (a continuous surface), an alternative
form of synthetic surface or natural grass (not usually recommended
due to increased maintenance).
Batting end Central Area Bowler’s run-up

(Ball Performance Base) (Player Performance Base)
Page 04
03 Definitions
03.3 Wicket
The stumps and bails at each end of the match pitch or practice area.
03.4 Playing surface
All elements of the match pitch or practice area that influence the
sports performance or biomechanical response of the surface including
the non-turf surface, performance base and aggregate sub-base.
03.5 Non-turf surface
The upper layer of the playing surface on which the game is played;
it may be formed from a synthetic turf, textile or synthetic material.
03.6 Ball performance base
Synthetic or particulate materials laid beneath the non-turf surface that

are designed, in conjunction with the non-turf surface, to provide the
ball performance (bounce, spin, pace etc.) of the playing surface.
03.7 Player performance base
Synthetic or particulate materials laid beneath the non-turf surface

that are designed, in conjunction with the non-turf surface, to provide
the dynamic performance of the playing surface as experienced by
the player.
03.8 Synthetic surrounds
Synthetic surfacing that is used to surround the non-turf playing surface.
Page 05
04 Classification
Surfaces are classified by their intended use and performance characteristics and
not by materials or construction. There are three principal categories:
1. Junior (Under 12)
2. Club/Recreational
3. First Class Cricket & Centres of Excellence
All of which may be used for match play,

practice, coaching and general training.
Page 06
05 Test Conditions
05.1 Site tests 05.2 Wet tests
ECB approval tests shall be undertaken on facilities that have been Wet test areas shall be prepared by evenly applying to the test piece a
subjected to at least 200 man hours of use by adults or 600 man hours volume of water that thoroughly soaks the specimen (if in doubt this is
of use by juniors on both batting and bowling ends. should be equal to the volume of the test specimen). Following wetting
the test specimen shall be allowed to drain for 15 minutes and the test
Tests shall only be made during the cricket playing season under the carried out immediately thereafter.
prevailing meteorological conditions, but with the surface temperature in
the range of +5°C to +40°C. The surface and ambient temperatures and 05.3 Laboratory tests
the ambient relative humidity at the time of test shall be recorded and
reported. Laboratory tests shall be made at an ambient laboratory temperature of
23 ± 2ºC.
When ECB approval tests are being undertaken rotational resistance
tests shall be made under dry and wet conditions. Wet tests shall be Test specimens shall be conditioned for a minimum of 3 hours at the
made in the test positions (see appendix A) that gave the highest and laboratory temperature prior to test.
lowest mean values under dry conditions.
When tests are being undertaken for facility assessment purposes they
shall be made under the prevailing site conditions unless performance
under a particular condition is of concern.
Before the commencement of tests the match pitch or practice area

should be prepared and maintained in accordance with the supplier’s
instructions to the satisfaction of the supplier and facility owner.
06 Test Laboratories
Tests for ECB approval shall only be made by ECB approved test laboratories.
Page 07
07 Performance Requirements
07.1 Ball rebound 07.2 Surface hardness – pitch of the ball area
Ball rebound shall be measured from a drop height of 2000mm + 10mm When tested using the test procedure detailed in Appendix B the mean
in general accordance with BS EN 12235 using a cricket ball complying result for each test position shall be greater than 100 gravities.
with BS 5993 and having a rebound on a rigid concrete floor of 640mm Match pitches and practice areas shall be tested in the positions shown
+ 30mm. The results of the test shall be expressed as the absolute in Appendix A.
rebound in mm.
Note: a Reader Grade 1 County Ball has been found to satisfy these 07.3 Surface hardness – bowler’s run-ups
requirements.
When tested using the test procedure detailed in Appendix B the mean
Match pitches and practice areas shall be tested in the positions shown result for each test position shall be less than 300 gravities.
in Appendix A. Match pitches and practice areas shall be tested in the positions shown
in Appendix A.
The ball rebound of match pitches and the batting ends of practice
areas shall satisfy the requirements detailed in Table1. 07.4 Rotational Resistance (traction)
Table 1 - Ball rebound requirements When tested under dry and wet conditions in accordance with BS EN
15301 Part 1 using the dimpled rubber test sole the rotational resistance
Type of match pitch or practice net of the playing surface, including any synthetic surrounds, shall be
Junior Club / Recreational Centre of Excellence & between 25Nm and 50Nm. Synthetic surrounds shall have values within
First Class Cricket + 5 Nm of the mean value of the playing surface.
240mm – 480mm 240mm – 520mm 320mm – 560mm Match pitches and practice areas shall be tested in the positions
shown in Appendix A. Synthetic surrounds shall be tested in at least
All test positions shall fall within the specified range. five positions selected at random. All test positions shall fall within the
specified range.
The maximum individual result at any test position shall be no more than
1.5 times the minimum individual result at the test position.
The overall mean for all test positions shall be calculated. The variation
from the overall mean of any test position shall be no greater than +
50mm of the overall mean.
Page 08
08 Construction Requirements
08.1 Dimensions
The minimum dimensions of non-turf cricket pitches and practice areas

shall be as detailed in the Table 2. The area of the ball performance base
shall be constructed from continuous rolls of material with no seams or
joints in the non-turf surface or ball performance base.
Table 2a – minimum dimensions of match pitches

Overall area Area containing performance bases
Length Width Ball Performance Base Player Performance Base
Length Width Length* Width
Match Pitches
Club/Recreational 30.0m 2.74m 16.12m 2.0m 6.94m 2.5m
Junior (Under 12) 24.0m 2.74m 15.22m 2.0m 4.40m 2.5m
Centres of excellence 32.0m 3.00m 16.12m 2.5m 7.94m 2.5m
* to include 0.6m in front of popping crease at either end.
Table 2b – minimum dimensions for club/recreational practice areas

Ball Performance Base Player Performance Base
Length Width Length Width
Batting end 11.0m 2.74m 11.0m 2.0m - -
Bowling end in front of 4.0m 2.74m - - 4.0m 2.5m

delivery crease
Bowling end behind 4.0m 2.74m - - 3.9m 2.5m
delivery crease
Central area The distance between the batting and bowling wickets shall 20.12m (22yds).
Page 09
Table 2c – minimum dimensions for junior practice areas

Batting end Bowler’s run-up
Batting ends 10.0m 2.74m 10.0m 2.0m - -

delivery crease
delivery crease
Table 2d – minimum dimensions for practice areas at centres of excellence


delivery crease
delivery crease
Page 10
Table 2c – minimum dimensions for junior practice areas


delivery crease
delivery crease
Table 2e – minimum dimension of practice area surrounds

Club / Recreational and Junior Distance from stumps to netting at 1.50m
batting end
Distance outside cage frame 0.17m
Centres of Excellence Distance from stumps to netting at 3.00m
batting end
Distance outside cage frame 0.17m
08.2 Surface regularity
08.2.1 Match Pitches
When tested in accordance with BS 7370: Part 3, Appendix 4 the

maximum undulation shall be in accordance with Table 3.
Page 11
08.2.2 Practice areas
When tested in accordance with BS 7370: Part 3, Appendix 4 the

maximum undulation shall be in accordance with Table 3.
Table 3 – Surface regularity

Playing surface
Straightedge length Maximum undulation
2.0m 6 mm
0.3m 4 mm
Transition from playing surface to surrounds (Match Pitches and Practice Areas)
2.0m 10 mm
0.3m 4 mm
Synthetic surrounds and central areas
2.0m 6 mm
08.3 Slope
08.3.1 Match Pitches
When match pitches are constructed on existing cricket squares they

shall follow the general gradient of the square and where possible
comply with Table 4.
Match pitches not located on existing cricket squares shall be

constructed in a single plane with a slope not exceeding the
requirements of Table 4 unless the existing topography makes this cost
prohibitive in which case the client shall agree in advance to a deviation
from this requirement.
Page 12
08.3.2 Practice Areas
Practice areas shall be constructed in a single plane with a slope not

exceeding the requirements of Table 4. Where separate batting and
bowling ends are used they, along with the central area, shall be built on
the same plane and level.
Table 4 – maximum gradients

Along line of play 1.25%
Across line of play 2.0%
08.4 Surface water drainage/run-off
The design of match pitches and practice areas shall ensure that water
does not pond on the playing surface for more than 15 minutes after rain
fall stops.
08.5 Markings
Match pitches and practice areas shall be marked out in accordance

with the laws of the game. At hand over and for at least the following
100 man hours use the markings shall be clearly visible from a distance
of 20m.
Markings are considered to be part of the playing surface and as such

shall not affect the performance of the playing surface outside the
requirements of this standard.
Page 13
09 Material Requirements
Synthetic turf and textile surfaces used to form the playing surface,
central areas and synthetic surrounds shall satisfy the following
requirements:
09.1.1 Abrasion Resistance of non-filled surfaces
When tested in accordance with BS EN 13672 the percentage mass

loss after 2000 cycles shall be equal to or less than 5%.
09.1.2 Tuft withdrawal
When tested in accordance with ISO 4919 the tuft withdrawal force of
tufted carpets shall be greater than 30N.
09.1.3 Tensile properties of carpet
When tested in accordance with BS EN ISO 13934 Part 1 the maximum

force shall be greater than 15N.
09.1.4 Resistance to artificial weathering
Following artificial weathering in accordance with BS EN 14836 the

synthetic turf or pile yarn(s), as appropriate, shall satisfy the relevant
requirements of Table 5.
Table 5 – Resistance to Artificial Weathering

Property Test Method Requirement
Colourfastness ISO 105 – AO2 > Grey Scale 3
Tensile strength of yarn BS EN 13864 or BS ISO EN 5079 50% of the tensile strength of
as appropriate the unaged yarn
Page 14
09.1.5 Joint strength
Where synthetic turf materials are designed to be bonded or stitched

together they shall be tested for joint strength in accordance with BS EN
12228 following hot water ageing in accordance with BS EN 13744.
The joint strength shall satisfy the requirements of Table 6.
Table 6 – Joint strength

Type of joint Test Method Requirement
Stitched or welded BS EN 12228 Method A > 1000N/100mm
Bonded joints BS EN 12228 Method B > 25N/100mm
09.1.6 Surface Gloss
The surface shall be sufficiently matt to avoid glare.
09.2 Synthetic surfaces
Synthetic surfaces shall satisfy the following requirements:
09.2.1 Abrasion resistance
When tested in accordance with BS EN 13672 the weight loss after

1000 cycles shall be no greater than 3.0g.
09.2.2 Tensile Strength
When tested in accordance with BS EN 12330 the tensile strength of the

surface shall be equal to or greater than 0.4Mpa.
Page 15
09.2.3 Joint Strength
When tested in accordance with BS EN 12228 the strength of welded or

stitched joints shall be equal to or greater than 1500N/100mm.
09.2.4 Surface Gloss
The surface shall be sufficiently matt to avoid glare.
09.2.5 Resistance to artificial weathering
Following artificial weathering in accordance with BS EN 14836 the

synthetic surface shall satisfy the relevant requirements of Table 7.
Table 7 – Resistance to Artificial Weathering

Property Test Method Requirement
Colourfastness ISO 105 – AO2 > Grey Scale 3
Tensile strength BS EN 12330 > 0.4Mpa
Abrasion resistance BS EN 13672 <3.0g
Page 16
10 Product Identification
Each element of an ECB approved non-turf cricket surface shall be

identified using the test methods detailed in Table 8. Materials used
to subsequently construct non-turf pitches for which the supplier is
claiming or implying ECB Approval shall not differ from the approved
materials by more than the tolerances stated in Table 8.
Table 8 – Product identification and consistency

Component Characteristic Test method Max variation
Artificial turf and pile yarn(s) Mass per unit area ISO 8543 < ± 10%
Tufts per unit area ISO 1763 < ± 10%
Tuft withdrawal force ISO 4919 < ± 10%
Pile length ISO 2549 < ± 5%
Pile weight ISO 8543 < ± 10%
Pile yarn characterisation DSC Same polymer
Under layers Mass per unit area ISO 8543 < ± 10%
Thickness BS EN 1969 No less than 90%
Polymer composition DSC or Thermo-gravimetric Same polymer
analysis
Synthetic surfaces Mass per unit area ISO 8543 < ± 10%
Thickness BS EN 1969 No less than 90%
Polymer composition DSC or Thermo-gravimetric Same polymer
analysis
Aggregate used in Particle size EN 933 - Part 1 Similar grading
performance bases Particle shape prEN 14955 Similar shape
and infills
Bulk density EN 1097-3 + 15%
Page 17
Appendix A Site Tests
Tests shall be carried out in the positions detailed in Table A1 or in the

case of a dispute in the area of concern.
Table A1 - Test positions

Property Match pitch Practice net
Ball rebound Five individual tests across the pitch Five individual tests across the pitch
in each test segment a to j as shown in each test segment a to e as shown
on Figure 1 on Figure 2
Surface hardness Five individual tests across the pitch Five individual tests across the pitch
in segments a, c, e, g, and i as shown in segments a, c and e as shown on
on Figure 1 Figure 2
Rotational Resistance Five individual tests in the positions Five individual tests across each
shown in Figure 2 and test segments position shown in Figure 2 and
d and g shown on Figure 1 individual tests in each position
shown in Figure 3
Surface hardness (bowler’s run-up) Five individual tests in the each Five individual tests in the each
position shown in Figure 3 position shown in Figure 3
The surface regularity of the non-turf surface and synthetic surrounds natural turf surround, as shown in Figure 4. The position and magnitude
shall be measured over the entire area; both along the length and across of any undulations found that exceed the specified maximums shall be
the width. The position and magnitude of any undulations found that recorded and detailed in the test report.
exceed the specified maximums shall be recorded and detailed in the
test report. Test reports shall detail the orientation of the pitch/practice net so test
positions can be subsequently identified.
The surface regularity of the transition from the non-turf surface or
synthetic surrounds to the surrounding natural turf shall be measured
along each boundary by placing the 2m straightedge across the
transition, with a 0.5m length of the straightedge on the non-turf surface
or synthetic surrounds and a 1.5m length of the straightedge on the
Page 18
Figure 1 – tests positions
Page 19
1.5m
a b c d e
Page 20
1 2 3
1m 0.6m
4 5 6
7 8 9
Page 21
Figure 4 – assessment of regularity at transition between natural turf and synthetic surfacing
Natural turf
Page 22
Appendix B Method of test for determination of surface hardness
1 Principle
A cylindrical mass is released from a standard height and its peak

deceleration during impact with the surface is recorded.
2 Apparatus
A Clegg Impact Soil Tester shall be used. The apparatus consists of a

cylindrical compaction hammer with a mass of 2.25kg and a diameter of
50mm attached to a piezoelectric accelerometer which feeds into a peak
level digital meter. The peak deceleration of the hammer on impact with
the ground shall be displayed in units of gravities.
3 Procedure
Ensure that the guide tube is held vertically and drop the compaction
hammer down the tube from a height of 450+10mm. After the impact
of the hammer on the surface record the peak deceleration in units of
gravities.
Repeat the procedure fives times in each test position moving the guide
tube by at least 100mm so that the compaction hammer does not
impact with the surface on the same spot twice.
4 Expression of Results
Calculate the mean hardness value of the five individual impacts for each
test position.
Page 23

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Performance Standards for Non-Turf Cricket

Pitches Intended for Outdoor Use

The Standard has four sections: Material Requirements

Performance Requirements These define the quality of the synthetic

Construction Requirements Once a surfacing system has been shown

This Standard should be read in conjunction

03.1 Match pitch

An area of non-turf (synthetic) surfacing together with its supporting

03.2 Practice pitches and areas

Batting end Central Area Bowler’s run-up

03.4 Playing surface

03.5 Non-turf surface

03.6 Ball performance base

Synthetic or particulate materials laid beneath the non-turf surface that

03.7 Player performance base

Synthetic or particulate materials laid beneath the non-turf surface

03.8 Synthetic surrounds

Synthetic surfacing that is used to surround the non-turf playing surface.

1. Junior (Under 12)

3. First Class Cricket & Centres of Excellence

All of which may be used for match play,

05.1 Site tests 05.2 Wet tests

Before the commencement of tests the match pitch or practice area

The minimum dimensions of non-turf cricket pitches and practice areas

Table 2a – minimum dimensions of match pitches

Table 2b – minimum dimensions for club/recreational practice areas

Bowling end in front of 4.0m 2.74m - - 4.0m 2.5m

Table 2c – minimum dimensions for junior practice areas

Bowling end in front of 4.0m 2.74m - - 4.0m 2.5m

Table 2d – minimum dimensions for practice areas at centres of excellence

Bowling end in front of 10.0m 3.0m - - 9.9m 2.5m

Table 2c – minimum dimensions for junior practice areas

Bowling end in front of 4.0m 2.74m - - 4.0m 2.5m

Table 2e – minimum dimension of practice area surrounds

08.2 Surface regularity

08.2.1 Match Pitches

When tested in accordance with BS 7370: Part 3, Appendix 4 the

08.2.2 Practice areas

When tested in accordance with BS 7370: Part 3, Appendix 4 the

Table 3 – Surface regularity

08.3.1 Match Pitches

When match pitches are constructed on existing cricket squares they

Match pitches not located on existing cricket squares shall be

08.3.2 Practice Areas

Practice areas shall be constructed in a single plane with a slope not

Table 4 – maximum gradients

08.4 Surface water drainage/run-off

Match pitches and practice areas shall be marked out in accordance

Markings are considered to be part of the playing surface and as such

09.1.1 Abrasion Resistance of non-filled surfaces

When tested in accordance with BS EN 13672 the percentage mass

09.1.2 Tuft withdrawal

09.1.3 Tensile properties of carpet

When tested in accordance with BS EN ISO 13934 Part 1 the maximum

09.1.4 Resistance to artificial weathering

Following artificial weathering in accordance with BS EN 14836 the

Table 5 – Resistance to Artificial Weathering

09.1.5 Joint strength

Where synthetic turf materials are designed to be bonded or stitched