Technical Surfaces, the UK’s largest synthetic surface maintenance specialist, is pleased to announce that in conjunction with The Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) the dates and venues for their popular synthetic surface training course, now in their tenth year, have been confirmed.

Three one-day courses titled ‘The Maintenance & Management of Synthetic Sports Surfaces’ will be held throughout 2010 at the below venues:

Over the last 20 years, the IOG have developed courses that are now endorsed and supported by all the major governing bodies of sport in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This particular course is to ensure that those responsible for synthetic surfaces understand the care and maintenance requirement of the surface and to aid in the provision of a better and safer surface for all non-turf games.

“Our involvement with the IOG takes place fundamentally at client level”, said Sean Colbert, Technical Manager at Technical Surfaces. “We have worked alongside the IOG since 2005 to deliver a series of one-day courses aimed at instructing grounds staff and facility managers on the latest techniques and development in artificial pitch maintenance.”

The main surfaces covered during the course will be sand-based, water-based and rubber filled carpets. However, all other types of surfaces will be included. The course content includes:

*        Background to synthetic surfaces

*        Types of construction and materials.

*        Information required prior to construction and on hand-over of a facility.

*        Annual maintenance programmes.

–       Minimum maintenance per type of surface.

*        Inspection of surfaces and most common problems.

–       Common areas of heavy wear and tear.

–       Conditions that affect the quality of the playing surface.

–       Methods of marking surfaces.

*        Inspection of a facility and risk assessment (surface, equipment & surrounds).

*        Regular maintenance regimes.

–       In-house/contractor.

–       Types of machinery & equipment.

–       Drag brushing/matting.

–       Granular top-up.

–       Line markings.

–       Presentation aspects.

*        Repairs & renovation.

*        Pest, weed * disease control.

*        Environmental concerns (latest water & pesticide regulations) & pollution.

*        Problems from surface surrounds.

*        Specific Health & Safety requirements for synthetic surfaces and relevant sports equipment (e.g. portable goal posts).

Attendance costs £210 for non IOG members and £105 for IOG members, which includes lunch, refreshments, a comprehensive handout pack and certificate.

For further details on prices, venues and dates please contact the IOG on 01908 312511 or visit www.iog.org.  Alternatively you can contact Technical Surfaces’ National office on 08702 400 700 or visit www.technicalsurfaces.co.uk .