With the row over synthetic pitches at the 2015 Women’s FIFA World Cup currently blown over, more mutterings are expected when the tournament kicks off.

Montreal’s Olympic Stadium with its 3G pitch will host the 2015 Women’s FIFA World Cup.

Taking advantage of the hiatus, the frustrated synthetic turf industry is looking to have a reasoned debate over the issue as it believes many of the points raised in October were based on dated information.

Bryn Lee is Commercial Director at Bonar Yarns, the synthetic yarn supplier to the field installed by Act Global at the Montreal Olympic Stadium, which was used in last year’s U-20 Women’s World Cup and will be used in 2015 tournament.

He explained: “Opinions on 3G’s inferiority to natural grass are largely emotional rather than logical since many of the objections raised have been robustly disproved. It is so frustrating that the types of playing surfaces have moved on exponentially yet the prejudice against them hasn’t.

“Many of us can remember the awful plastic pitches from our youth – and certainly no one should ever have to play a sport like football on those. However people objecting to synthetic surfaces should be aware that they are often perpetuating ignorance with no regard for the advances that have been made.’”

For the players preparing for the Women’s World Cup, three themes underpinned their opposition, yet all can be dispelled by looking at artificial turf’s inherent benefits and the extensive research into its characteristics. 

1. Synthetic pitches alter how the game is played

No and certainly not in the negative way many believe. The ball travels across the surface naturally and tactics need no adaption from natural grass to 3G. Additionally, the greater stability and weather resistance provided by the turf facilitates improved ball control.    

2. The risk of injury is increased on artificial turf

The biggest concern amongst players is simultaneously the biggest misconception. The yarns used in synthetic surfaces are incredibly soft and industry research, as well as practical application, has shown no link between 3G and increased injury risk.

Today’s turf offers improved shock absorption and must comply with Head Impact Criteria (HIC) guidelines. Rugby giant, Saracens, which installed a synthetic pitch at its Allianz Park stadium over a year ago, has seen no change in its injury record, in a sport with far greater body-to-surface contact.

3. Synthetic pitches are inferior for international competition 

Not only are they good enough for one of European rugby’s biggest teams but they are arguably superior to some of the pitches used in the Champions League today. The durability of the turf ensures the quality is always consistent and it provides a safe, true and fast surface ideal for today’s sport.   

The synthetic turf debate will surface again between now and the tournament’s July start date. However this time the players need only look at facts, rather than believe the hysteria, when they next come to question 3G’s credentials.

With the surface garnering increasing support and industry approval across sport with every passing year, there is strong evidence to convince the naysayers that they need not worry.