Football Fields and Facilities: Safety Guideline Concerns Available to Purchase

Football fields, known to most people as the pro/college stadium or the local field at the park or school grounds, are used at many levels of proficiency by players of all ages. Little attention is given to the differences imposed by variations in skill, size, training, equipment, and other human factors. Studies are being undertaken by the National and American Football Leagues, universities, the medical profession, and Players Association, as well as the National Federation of State High School Athletics Association, the National Athletic Trainers Association, and others. These organizations are studying factors such as physical conditioning, developmental and physical characteristics of players, types of training and scrimmaging, types of plays, defensive and offensive motions, blocks, tackles, interceptions, other techniques, protective devices, and other aspects of the game. There is no question that there is a cause-and-effect relationship between the players' performance, equipment, the facilities, and the injuries. It must be acknowledged that regardless of the surface, facility, or equipment, football has inherent risks. This paper addresses those aspects of the football field surface and other appurtenances that may be the cause of injury.