SOCCERPRO THIRD GENERATION ARTIFICIAL TURF Limonta Sport is constantly investing considerable resources while seeking to reach their ambitious objectives of satisfying the specific needs of sports facilities and anticipating market demands. SoccerPro is the artificial grass developed exclusively for soccer. The secret is a system of antiabrasive, UV resistant fibres between 40 and 80 mm pile height, infilled with a calibrated combination of sand and rubber granules. ARTIFICIAL TURF RUBBER GRANULES SAND There are various technical-performance motivations that result in the choice of SoccerPro artificial grass: from no risk of abrasion and injury for athletes, to the possibility of modifying the system's performance characteristics according to the specific requests of technicians and athletes. These surfaces have allowed us to obtain a playability very similar to pitches in natural grass with a series of obvious advantages: 11
1) The possibility of modulating the performance characteristics of the system according to the specific requests of players by varying the composition and typology of infill materials. 10 2) Consistent ball rebound. 3) Ball rolling speed similar to that of natural grass. 4) No risk of abrasion when a player falls. 5) Traditional soccer shoes can be worn. 6) Excellent rotational resistance. 7) Elimination of joint problems. 8) Consistent performance on all of the playing surface, under any geographic and climatic conditions (rain, freezing,...). 9) Miminal maintenance. In order to ensure that the performance characteristics of the surfaces are maintained over time fewer maintenance interventions are necessary, resulting in a lowering of costs by as much as 90% over the costs of maintaing natural pitches. 10) No usage limitations. Artificial grass pitches can be used all day, 7 days per week, 12 months per year. This aspect, combined with the reduced maintenance costs, make the management of artificial grass pitches more economical, amortizing the initial installation costs in just a few years. The most important national and international Federations have supported the use of artificial grass surfaces from the beginning. With the publication of the official FIFA regulations, both UEFA and FIGC-LND defined the basic parameters for the certification of artificial grass systems in order to make them usable for high level official competitions. Today several SoccerPro systems are certified by the leading federations that confirm the high quality and performance of Limonta Sport products. 12
SOCCERPRO : THE SYSTEMS Limonta Sport collaborates closely with a task force selected from among players, trainers, and sports doctors to carry out batteries of laboratory tests and on site trials to guarantee the optimization of the SoccerPro system. The SoccerPro line consists of six different types of systems in order to satisfy all our customers' needs: SOCCERPRO - SOCCERPRO 100 Yarn characteristics Dtex....... 8.800-11.000 Composition....100% poliethylene Thickness......100 micron Structure......Straight fibrillated System characteristics The systems consists of a filament that guarantees high elasticity, softness, and perfect coverage of the in-fill material. The main part of FIFA Recommended pitches installed by Limonta Sport are made with this special product. Caratteristiche del sistema 13 13
SOCCERPRO MF - SOCCERPRO MF/80 Yarn characteristics Dtex...... 8.800-11.000 Composition......100% poliethylene Thikness.........120-150 micron Structure......Straight monofilament System characteristics Constructed with an individually extruded, 100% polyethylene filament. This non-abrasive and highly resilient filament is also UV resistant and not susceptible to eventual contamination by chemical components from the in-fill material. Even in areas where play is more intense, the physical-mechanical characteristics of the filament remain unaltered in the long term. Caratteristiche del sistema 13 13 Campo di Cologno al Serio - BG 14
SOCCERPRO MF DIAMOND Yarn characteristics Dtex..... 12.200 Composition.....100% poliethylene Thickness..... 220 micron Structure......Straight monofilament System characteristics SoccerPro MF diamond is the new generation of extruded monofilament yarn 100% poliethylene. The product combines yarns of two different green colours for an appearance similar to natural grass fields. The original diamond shape and the 220 micron thickness of the yarn upgrades all its characteristics. Caratteristiche del sistema 13 13 15
SOCCERPRO TOP/6 Yarn characteristics Dtex.... 13.250 Composition....100% poliethylene Thickness....100/150 micron Structure... Mix Fibrillated/Straight monofilament System characteristics An exclusive combination of individually extruded monofilament twisted around a fibrillated fibre core. This variety of filament makes SoccerPro TOP/6 the true alternative to upper-end natural grass in term of both appearance and performance. The slightly friseé monofilaments are particularly resilient, allowing them to maintain their natural appearance. Caratteristiche del sistema 13 13 16
SOCCERPRO NX-TREME Yarn characteristics Dtex.... 13.800 Composition.....Poliethylene XTREME Thickness....125/240 micron Structure...Mix Fibrillated/Straight monofilament System characteristics It s an exclusive combination of extruded monofilament twisted around a central, fibrillated fibre.both yarns are made of the innovative Xtreme polimer, representing the evolution of fibres for soccer. This specially-shaped monofilament has a thickness of 240 micron, while the fibrillated fibre is made with an innovative laser technology that enhances performances features. Caratteristiche del sistema 13 13 17
RUGBYPRO XTREME/S Yarn characteristics Dtex.... 13.800 Composition.....Poliethylene XTREME Thickness....100/110 micron Structure..... CLMT Cross Link Monofilament Technology System characteristics Constructed with an innovative polymer that represents the evolution of traditional poliethylene fibres, this yarn offers a number of advantages: increased softness that eliminates all risk of abrasion, all the fields are attractive when newly installed, but mainteinance must be guaranteed over time. Caratteristiche del sistema RugbyPro Xtreme is made with a triangular-shaped yarn to ensure that the fibre springs back to its straight position following impact by ball or shoes; excellent reilience; two tone colour combination for a more natural look; regular and clear laser fibrillation; easy mainteinance. RugbyPro Xtreme requires less mainteinance as do all artificial turf, but in this case periodic brushing is facilitated by the type of yarn used. It is very simple to clean the surface of leaves without disturbing the infill. The yarns, the primary backings, the pile height and the right combination of sand and rubber has allowed to obtain the certification from International Rugby Federation (IRB). 13 13 18
The main characteristics and comparative differences of the SoccerPro systems produced by Limonta Sport are summarised in the table below. CHARACTERISTICS SYSTEMS SoccerPro SoccerPro 100 SoccerPro MF SoccerPro MF/80 SoccerPro MF Diamond SoccerPro TOP/6 SoccerPro NX - Treme RugbyPro Xtreme/S Cost/performance Resistance to wear Natural Appearance Sports Performance 19
INFILLPRO ELASTIC INFILL GRANULES InfillPro is the Limonta Sport s elastic granule line exclusively used for infilling of third generation artificial grass sports fields. Limonta Sport elastic granules offer high resistance to wear, which also means high UV resistance, excellent resistance to aging and trampling, with no dust formation on the playing field. InfillPro conforms to DIN 18035/7 parameters that specifically regulate the characteristics of infill materials used in the production of artificial grass fields. The playing fields infilled with InfillPro offers various advantages, including a reduction of abrasion risk for players, excellent drainage, reduced compaction over time, and excellent energy restitution. Limonta Sport offers the following versions: 1) INFILLPRO P Origin: Colour: Granulometry: Purtity: Worn tyres (post-consumer) Black 0.8-2.0 mm. The production cycle guarantees 98% purity, intended as the absence of foreign substances like fibres or metals. 2) INFILLPRO NB Origin : faced and encapsulated worn tyres (postconsumer). Colour : Green and/or brown Granulometry : 0.5-2.5 mm. Purity : The raw materials in the production cycle guarantee the product s conformity and inalterability to estabilished specifications. 3) INFILLPRO E Origin: EPDM Rubber, produced exclusively for infilling artificial grass surfaces. Colour: Green Granulometry: 0.8-2.0 mm. Purity: The production cycle guarantees 100% purity, intended as the absence of foreign substances like fibres or metals. 20
4) INFILLPRO GEO Origin : Organic material of vegetable orign Colour : Brown Granulometry : 1.0-2.0 mm. Purity: The raw materials in the production cycle guarantee the product s full conformity and inalterability to established specifications. Due to the fact that it s natural material checked and certified according to last LND regulation dated 05.06.06, it s 100% environment friendly and atoxic. 5) INFILLPRO TP Origin : Thermoplastic granules with a special phisical shape Colour : Green/Brown Granulometry : 1.4-2.5 mm. Purity : The raw materials in the production cycle guarantee the product s full conformity and inalterability to established specifications. Due to the fact that recycled materials are not used, these conditions are met and guaranteed for every production lot. Total conformity to ecologic-environmental regulations. 21
LIMONTA EL THE ELASTIC SHOCK PAD Limonta EL is Limonta Sport s prefabricated or made in situ elastic pad particularly indicated for soccer pitches. This elastic mat is often used in systems with artificial grass of less than 55 mm thickness which require a support that contributes to maintaining system performance with rubber granules. Limonta Sport mats are: 1) SHOCK PAD MADE IN SITU Description: SBR rubber granules, granulometry from 2 mm to 7 mm, united with a proportionate percentage of polyurethane binders; no toxic components. The mat is draining, porous, and results in an excellent surface flatness. Thickness: 20 (also available in 15-25 - 30 mm.) Weight: 14.76 Kg/mq 2) PREFABRICATED SHOCK PAD IN ROLLS Description: prefabricated rolls, realized with selected rubber and foam, linked with polyurethane. Thikness: 10 mm. Weight: 5 Kg/mq Dimension: rolls of different lenght and 1.25 mt. wide 3)iiPREFABBRICATED POLYETHYLENE SHOCK PAD IN TILES Description: Tiles made of chipboard, agglomerate, pressed and broken polyethylene foam, with closed cells. The connections are on the four sides. Thikness: 15 mm Weight: 5 Kg/mq Dimension: Rectangular tiles in different formats. 22
ADHESIVPRO POLYURETHANE BICOMPONENT ADHESIVE Limonta Sport has recently started a coopertaion with Mapei, a company leader in the productionazien of glue and additive for bulding industry which has developed two different matters: 1) AdhesivPro is an innovative bicomponent adhesive studied exclusively for third-generation artificial turf fields. Its facility of use and excellent hold make AdesivPro the best adhesive available on the market. Limonta Sport aims at this important collaboration in order to offer our clients a final product that is always more advanced and responsive to the players' needs. 2) A program is now underway with the Mapei Sport clinic with the aim of : reducing traumas caused by the player s interaction with the artificial grass surface; increase of surface performance; Defining specific methods for training on artificial grass to allow each athlete to do his best on the latest generation surfaces. Test of Mapei Sport s technicians 23
INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS International federations, having witnessed the considerable developments in artificial grass surfaces for soccer, have decided to establish specific regulations for the certification of these innovative systems. The drafting of specific regulations has been refined over the years and gone through different phases: 1) 2001 First version of FIFA regulations As the game s worldwide governing body, we have the responsibility to support any move to improve football equipment, says Joseph S. Blatter, President of FIFA. In keeping with this commitment, regulations have been developed in order to standardise the quality of artificial grass and ensure the safety of the players together with the development of sports products industries. Initially, the FIFA Quality Concept was a strict testing program for artificial surfaces by which producers who passed the tests would be eligible for a licensing program for the prestigious FIFA Recommended seal of approval. 2) 2004 Second version of FIFA regulations Integrating the artificial turf surface into the Laws of the Game is another milestone in the history of football. Millions of players around the world will benefit from this decision, as it will allow them to play their favourite sport on a more regular basis and, above all, in difficult climatic conditions that would make it impossible on natural turf pitches, said FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter. International Football Association Board, the custodian of the Laws of the Game in football, decided that a reference to Field Surface, including artificial turf, would be added to the Laws of the Game. This historic decision allows international clubs to play competitive matches on artificial surfaces that meet recognised FIFA standards. 3) 2004 First version of FIFA regulations In the same year, the UEFA officially approved a regulation for the certification of artificial surfaces. Studies were carried out on the biomechanical and medical aspects with a view to guaranteeing player safety during the games. Many grass products were approved by the UEFA, which affirms that artificial grass playing surfaces must meet the highest possible standards. The performance parameters fixed by this federation are very high in order to encourage producers of synthetic playing surfaces to raise their parameters to benefit the future of the game. 4) 2005 Merging of FIFA and UEFA regulations Both leading international federations have united their know-how to draft a single, unified regulation for artificial grass surfaces. 24
In March 2005, a single manual with detailed laboratory and field testing procedures was published. The FIFA-UEFA collaboration succeeded in unifying testing methods used, in defining accredited laboratories to carry out tests, and in evaluating biomechanical and dermatological effects during play. The most important innovation is, however, the creation of a double classification of certified artificial surfaces: FIFA 1 star and FIFA 2 stars. The new procedure for the certification of products in laboratories and on the field is outlined below: ARTIFICIAL GRASS MANUFACTURERS Product to be tested REQUEST FOR LABORATORY TEST LABORATORY TEST LABORATORY TEST REPORT Product successfully tested INSTALLATION OF A PITCH Pitch installed and completed REQUEST FOR FIELD TEST FIELD TEST FIFA RECOMMENDED Pitch successfully tested 25 25
FIFA : THE TESTS FIFA has defined performance standards that must be met for a system to obtain laboratory certification or for a soccer pitch to be officially approved. It is important to briefly describe how these tests are carried out in terms of equipment and conditions. 1) Lisport test The laboratory test samples must be previously subjected to 50 cycles of Lisport, which simulates surface wear caused by usage. To simulate these conditions a roller with spikes similar to those on soccer shoes is passed over the samples for 50 full cycles (50 forwards and 50 back). The Lisport test does not end here. In fact, system performance tests are carried out both before and after 5,200 cycles of Lisport. This allows the evaluation of the system by simulating two situations: before and after use. The procedure to be followed when carrying out Equipment for the Lisport tests 5,200 cycles of Lisport does not allow for the passage of both rolls on the sample surface all at one time. They must be carried out a few at a time. First 1,000, then 2,000, then another 2,000; in this way, when the machine stops, the infilling material that may have come loose (other material must not be added) may be reset and the crushed nap can be brushed lightly. Following the last 200 cycles, it is no longer possible to reset the infilling material. At this time, the laboratory takes photographs to document the effects of simulated use. Vertical ball rebound machine 2) Vertical ball rebound test A ball is dropped from 2 metres above the surface and the time lapse between the first and second bounce is recorded. The laboratory test is carried out in 5 positions under both dry and wet conditions. The test is also carried out following 5,200 Lisport cycles, but only under dry conditions and in 3 different positions. Field tests consist of calculating the average of the 5 recorded measurements. The test may be carried out on both dry and wet surfaces, depending on the weather conditions at the time of testing. 26
3) Angle ball rebound test A ball is launched at a speed of 50 km/h and at a 15 angle with respect to the surface. The value is calculated by comparing the speed of the ball before and after impact. The test is carried out 5 times in each direction. The laboratory test is carried out in 5 positions under both dry and wet conditions. The average of the recorded values is calculated. The field test may be carried out under both dry and wet conditions, depending on the weather conditions at the time of testing. The average of the recorded values is calculated. Pneumatic tube 4) Ball roll A ball is rolled down a ramp and allowed to roll across the surface until it comes to the rest. The distance the ball roll has travelled across the surface is recorded. The laboratory test is carried out under both dry and wet conditions. The ball is rolled 5 times in both with and against the pile direction in order to evaluate the turf pile friction. The final value is calculated by taking the average of the 5 measurements in both directions and then calculating the average of these two values. The field test may be carried out under both dry and wet conditions, depending on the weather conditions at the time of testing. The measurements are carried out in 4 directions in order to evaluate if factors 27
like slope and the pile direction influence the test. The final value is calculated by taking the average of the 5 measurements in all four directions and then calculating the average of these four values. The importance of this test is linked to the trajectory and the speed that the ball gains in the case of long launches. If these two values differ significantly from the values established by FIFA, it means that control of the ball will be difficult and the surface characteristics are not so good. 5) Shock absorption and force reduction The capacity of a surface to absorb the impact of an athlete who is running on it is called shock absorption. When it comes into contact with the surface, the human body acts like a spring that is compressed and then releases energy. The primary objective of this test is to ensure that a playing surface is neither to hard (to prevent problems with joints and articulations) nor too soft (to avoid fatigue). The laboratory test is carried out at 3 different temperatures. a) 23 C : the test is carried out under both dry and wet conditions. Three series of measurements are taken for each of the three positions. b) 5 C : the test is carried out only under dry conditions. The sample is immersed for a specific time in water and then kept in an environment with a temperature of less than -8 C. After 4 hours, the sample is taken, the sample is filled and, when the temperature reaches -5 C, three measurements are taken for force reduction. c) 40 C : the test is carried out only under dry conditions. The sample is placed for a specific amount of time in an oven. After 4 hours, the sample is removed and three measurements of force reduction are taken. The test is repeated after 5,200 cycles of Lisport. Three measurements are taken for each of the three conditions. The final value is calculated by finding the average of the second and third impact for each of the three positions. The field test may be carried out under both dry and wet conditions, depending on the weather conditions at the time of testing. The average of the recorded values of each position is calculated. Berlin Athlete 28
6) Vertical deformation During play, the player needs to run on suitably stable ground. It is important that the vertical deformation measured be neither too high (surface too soft) nor too low (surface too hard). The equipment used is very similar to the Berlin athlete used for measuring shock absorption and force reduction, but the difference lies in the weight and the spring as well as in the fact that a deformation in millimetres is being measured instead of a force. The laboratory test is carried out under both dry and wet conditions in 3 different positions. Athlete of Stoccarda The test is repeated after 5,200 cycles of Lisport. Three measurements are taken for each of the three positions. The final value is calculated by finding the average of the second and third impact for each of the three positions. The field test may be carried out under both dry and wet conditions, depending on the weather conditions at the time of testing. The average of the recorded values of each position is calculated. 7) Traction During a match the player needs to repeatedly change direction. It is therefore vital that there be adequate shoe-surface interaction. In particular, if the value measured is too low, the player risks losing his balance, while if the value is to high, he puts excessive strain on his muscles. The equipment includes a dynamometer to measure torque momentum to create interaction between the player s shoe spikes and the surface. The laboratory test is carried out under both dry and wet conditions. Five values from 5 different positions are recorded. The test is repeated after 5,200 cycles of Lisport; the test must be done under dry conditions and 3 values from 3 different positions are recorded. The field test may be carried out under both dry and wet conditions, depending on the weather conditions. Equipment to test the rotational resistance 29
at the time of testing. Five values are recorded in 5 different positions of the field. 8) Linear Friction: stud deceleration and stud slide value A studded disk attached to a pendulum arm is swung over a surface. The resistance and the deceleration between the studs and the surface are measured and recorded. A trial must be carried out to verify that the contact between the studs on the plate and the surface is correct. The laboratory test is carried out under both dry and wet conditions. Seven measurements are taken. The final value is calculated by Equipment to test the Linear friction eliminating the highest and the lowest values and then finding the average of the 5 remaining values. The field test may be carried out on both dry and wet surfaces, depending on the weather conditions at the time of testing. Five values from 5 different positions of the field are recorded for both deceleration and for stud slide (total of 10). 9) Skin/surface friction A silicon leather is assembles onto an apparatus that moves in a circular motion over the artificial grass surface. The friction coefficient of the synthetic leather and the surface is calculated. The test is carried out only in the laboratory and is repeated three times. The silicon skin must be changed and the infill of the artificial grass surface must be replaced. The final value is calculated by finding the average of the friction coefficient from the three tests. Equipment to test the skin/surface friction 10) Skin abrasion This test is carried out before and after the skin/surface friction test. The value measured is the loss in the consistency of sample of synthetic skin assembled onto a metal plate. Ten values are recorded and, according to precise calculations, three are selected. E necessario effettuare una prova per Equipment to test the skin abrasion 30
FIFA : THE LABORATORY TEST FIFA and UEFA have unified their regulations, resulting in a single, new handbook for the certification of artificial grass coverings. The new regulation was issued by FIFA, but was the result of joint studies by both federations. There are two performance standards: 1) FIFA 1 star : Fields approved according to these requirements may be used for amateur competitions and municipal soccer pitches; 2) FIFA 2 star : Fields approved according to these requirements may be used for all competitions, including those of the highest level; The procedure to follow for certification is officially the same as the previous one: the initial phase consists of laboratory test of the system, followed by a second series of field tests to obtain approval of the installation. A system that has not been previously approved in the laboratory may not be certified on the field. The new regulations establish that before carrying out testing, either in the laboratory or on the field must be declared according which standards (1 star or 2 star) the tests have to be made. The laboratory tests must be carried out: 1) on all system components that influence athletic performance or may cause a biomechanical response of the surface; 2) on samples installed and tested on a hard, level surface, unless the system does not require a sub-base that contributes to the dynamic performance of the artificial grass. In this case the vertical ball rebound, the angle ball rebound, the shock absorption, and the vertical deformation tests will be measured on a system made of artificial grass and specified sub-base; 3) for the ball roll, traction, stud slide, and abrasion test, on a system composed by all the elements that may influence the test results, usually the sub-base is not included. The laboratory requirements called for in current regulations can be summarised in the following table. TEST CONDITION FIFA RECOMMENDED FIFA RECOMMENDED Vertical ball rebound BALL/SURFACE INTERACTION Dry 0.6 mt. 0.85 mt. 0.6 mt. 1.0 mt. Wet 0.6 mt. 0.85 mt. - Angle ball rebound test Dry 45% - 60% 45% - 70% Wet 45% - 80% 45% - 80% Ball roll Dry Wet 4 mt. 8 mt. 4 mt. 10 mt. Mean 2 and 3 Shock absorption impact 60% - 70% 55% - 70% 1 iimpact 60% - 70% - Vertical deformation Mean 2 and 3 impact 4 mm - 8 mm 4 mm - 9 mm Rotation resistance - 30 Nm - 45 Nm 25 Nm - 50 Nm Linear friction stud deceleration value - 3.0 g - 5.5 g 3.0 g - 6.0 g Linear friction stud slide value - 130-210 120-220 Skin/surface friction - 0.35-0.75 - Skin abrasion - +/- 30% - 31
TEST CONDITION FIFA RECOMMENDED FIFA RECOMMENDED SIMULATED WEAR Artificial grass Colour change - >= grey scale 3 >= grey scale 3 Pile yarns Tensile strength - Percentage change no > than 50% Percentage change no > than 50% Polymeric infill Colour change - >= grey scale 3 >= grey scale 3 TEST CONDITION FIFA RECOMMENDED FIFA RECOMMENDED OTHER PROPERTIES Unaged 1500 N/1000 mm 1500 N/1000 mm Joint strength Stitched seams Immersion in hot 1500 N/1000 mm 1500 N/1000 mm water Unaged 25 N/1000 mm 25 N/1000 mm Joint strength Bonded seams Immersion in hot 25 N/1000 mm 25 N/1000 mm water Water permeability Unaged > 180 mm/h > 180 mm/h Shockpad and e-layer Tensile strength Unaged 0.15 Mpa - TEST CONDITION FIFA RECOMMENDED FIFA RECOMMENDED PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND QUALITY CONTROL REQUIREMENTS Artificial turf and pile yarns Weight: < +/- 100 gm2 < +/- 100 gm2 Tufts < +/- 10% < +/- 10% Withdrawal force < +/- 10% < +/- 10% Pile length < +/- 5% < +/- 5% Pile weight < +/- 10% < +/- 10% Pile yarn characterisation - - Infill Depth < +/- 15% < +/- 15% Individual elements of infill materials Shockpad and e-layer (if supplied as part of system) Sub-base (if supplied as part of system) Particle size < +/- 20% < +/- 20% Particle shape < +/- 20% < +/- 20% Bulk density < +/- 10% < +/- 10% % organic % inorganic Residual compression and change of appearance - - - - Weight < +/- 100 gm2 < +/- 100 gm2 Compressive modulus < +/- 10% < +/- 10% Tensile strength < +/- 10% < +/- 10% Thickness < +/- 15% < +/- 15% Particle size < +/- 20% < +/- 20% Particle shape < +/- 20% < +/- 20% 32
FIFA : LIMONTA SPORT CERTIFIED SYSTEMS Limonta Sport has certified several systems in accordance with both FIFA 2 stars and FIFA 1 star standards. The passage from the old to the new regulations has not invalidated the value of the approval certificates obtained with the old method, but has confirmed that those systems approved according to old regulations have maintained a FIFA 1 star approval rating. At this time, there are various products undergoing certification; below there is a detailed list of the certifications we now possess. FIFA 2 STAR SoccerPro MF 45 InfillPro P 12 Kg/Sq.Mt. Quarz sand 9 Kg/Sq.Mt. Alveo 9 mm SoccerPro MF 50 mm InfillPro P 8 Kg/Sq.Mt. Quarz sand 22 Kg/Sq.Mt. Limonta EL 29 mm 33
SoccerPro TOP/6 55 mm InfillPro TPU 18 Kg/Sq.Mt. Quarz sand 16 Kg/Sq.Mt. Limonta EL 15 mm 34 34 SoccerPro 50 mm InfillPro P 5 Kg/Sq.Mt. Quarz sand 25 Kg/Sq.Mt. Limonta EL 25 mm FIFA 1 STAR SoccerPro TOP 60 mm InfillPro P 16 Kg/Sq.Mt. Quarz sand 18 Kg/Sq.Mt. 34
SoccerPro 100 45 mm InfillPro P 11 Kg/Sq.Mt. Quarz sand 12 Kg/Sq.Mt. Limonta EL 15 mm 34 SoccerPro 100 55 mm InfillPro P 14 Kg/Sq.Mt. Quarz sand 18 Kg/Sq.Mt. 34 SoccerPro 100 60 mm 34 InfillPro P 16 Kg/Sq.Mt. Quarz sand 18 Kg/Sq.Mt. 35
SoccerPro 100 Mix 55 mm InfillPro P 14 Kg/Sq.Mt. Quarz sand 15 Kg/Sq.Mt. SoccerPro MF 60 mm InfillPro P 16 Kg/Sq.Mt. Quarz sand 18 Kg/Sq.Mt. SoccerPro MF/L 60 mm InfillPro P 16 Kg/Sq.Mt. Quarz sand 18 Kg/Sq.Mt. SoccerPro Xtreme/S 60 mm InfillPro P 18 Kg/Sq.Mt. Quarz sand 12 Kg/Sq.Mt. 36
FIFA : THE FIELD TESTS A field can be FIFA recommended if it meets specific requirements: the manufacturer of the surfaces must be a FIFA licensee and the installed field must have passed laboratory and field tests required by FIFA regulations. Positions of field tests The tests are carried out in 6 different positions. In order to be FIFA Recommended a field must meet the set requirements in all positions. Fields that are wet before use may be tested when wet, while fields that are used under both wet and dry conditions will be tested under the weather conditions present at the time of testing. The field test requirements established by the current regulations are summarised in the table below. TEST CONDITION FIFA RECOMMENDED FIFA RECOMMENDED Vertical ball rebound - 60 cm - 85 cm 60 cm - 100 cm Angle ball rebound test Dry 45% - 60% 45% - 70& Wet 45% - 80% 45% - 80% Ball roll Initial assessment 4 m - 8 m After 12 months 4 m - 10 m 4 m - 10 m Shock absorption Mean 2 and 3 impact 60% - 70% 55% - 70% Vertical deformation Mean 2 and 3 impact 4 mm - 8 mm 4 mm - 9 mm Rotational resistance - 30 Nm - 45 Nm 25 Nm - 50 Nm Linear friction - stud deceleration value - 3.0 g - 5.5 g 3.0 g - 6.0 g Linear friction - stud slide value - 130-210 120-220 Regularity of playing surface 3 m <= 10 mm <= 10 mm <= 1% (<= 0.5% <= 1% (<= 0.5% Slope - recommended) recommended) Water permeability of sub-base 3 m <= 10 mm <= 10 mm Surface regularity of sub-base 300 mm <= 2 mm <= 2 mm The field tests must be carried out under normal weather conditions, but the surface temperature must be between 5 C and 40 C. If weather conditions are not within these parameters and the test could not be completed, clear indications must be given in the test report. The air and surface temperature must be recorded in the test report issued by the laboratory. The ball roll and vertical ball rebound tests (unless the testing zone is normally windy) must be carried out when wind speed is less than 2 m/s. The wind speed must be recorded in the test report. If the wind speed is not within these parameters and the tests could not be completed, clear indications must be given in the test report. FIFA also defines general requirements to be met when constructing a soccer pitch: a) Gloss Materials or constructions that may cause glare from the reflection of sunlight or artificial lighting, that may interfere with the game or disturb the players, must not be used; b) Bearing capacity The structure and the substrates should have sufficient bearing capacity to support the playing surface and any machinery used to maintain it; c) Staining 37
All necessary efforts must be made not to use materials that may colour or stain; d) Toxicologity The manufacturer should supply the customer with an assurance that the artificial grass covering with the sub-base does not contain toxic substances in case of contact with skin. Furthermore, that no such substances will be released as a vapour or dust during normal use. e) Environmental compatibility The manufacturer and the customer may decide to conform to local environmental legislation considered to be relevant during the construction, the use of materials, the installation of the covering and the sub-base; f) Climatic conditions The manufacturer and the customer shall take into consideration the dominant climatic conditions into consideration when the artificial grass covering is defined, g) Fire resistance When the manufacturer/installer installs an artificial turf surface, it shall ensure that the completed installation complies with all relevant building and fire safety regulations. FIFA : THE PITCHES HOMOLOGATED BY LIMONTA SPORT PLACE Alhaurin el Grande Malaga - Spain PRODUCT SoccerPro 100-60 AREA 6.500 Sq.Mt. YEAR OF INSTALLATION 2002 PLACE Colmenar Viejo Madrid - Spagna PRODUCT SoccerPro 100-60 AREA 9.200 Sq.Mt. YEAR OF INSTALLATION 2002 38 38
PLACE Les Comes Igualada Spain PRODUCT SoccerPro 100-60 AREA 7.900 Sq.Mt. YEAR OF INSTALLATION 2002 PLACE Villareal Castelleon Spain PRODUCT SoccerPro 100-55 AREA 7.100 Sq.Mt. YEAR OF INSTALLATION 2002 PLACE Grand Saconnex Ginevra Switzerland PRODUCT SoccerPro TOP 55 AREA 5.600 Sq.Mt. YEAR OF INSTALLATION 2002 PLACE Synot Czech Republic PRODUCT SoccerPro 100-60 AREA 7.800 Sq.Mt. YEAR OF INSTALLATION 2002 39
PLACE C.F. Gibraltar Gibraltar PRODUCT SoccerPro 100-60 AREA 10.700 Sq.Mt. YEAR OF INSTALLATION 2002 PLACE C.S. Longarina Roma - Italy PRODUCT SoccerPro 100-60 AREA 7.700 Sq.Mt. YEAR OF INSTALLATION 2002 PLACE Fronteira Portugal PRODUCT SoccerPro 100-60 AREA 9.500 Sq.Mt. YEAR OF INSTALLATION 2003 PLACE Stade Berenger Saint Laurent du Var - France PRODUCT SoccerPro 100-60 AREA 9.000 Sq.Mt. YEAR OF INSTALLATION 2002 40
4 PLACE C.F. Extebarri Vizcaya Spain PRODUCT SoccerPro 100-60 AREA 8.700 Sq.Mt. YEAR OF INSTALLATION 2003 PLACE Tires Portugal PRODUCT SoccerPro 100-60 AREA 8.000 Sq.Mt. YEAR OF INSTALLATION 2004 PLACE Loret de Mar Spain PRODUCT SoccerPro 100-55 AREA 7.000 Sq.Mt. YEAR OF INSTALLATION 2004 PLACE Geoje Ahjoo Stadium - Korea PRODUCT SoccerPro 100 Mix 55 AREA 8.000 Sq.Mt. YEAR OF INSTALLATION 2005 41
PLACE Alto do Lumiar Lisbona Portugal PRODUCT SoccerPro TOP 60 AREA 8.700 Sq.Mt. YEAR OF INSTALLATION 2006 PLACE C.S Milanello Varese - Italy PRODUCT SoccerPro TOP/6 55 AREA 8.000 Sq.Mt. YEAR OF INSTALLATION 2006 PLACE Cologno al Serio Bergamo - Italy PRODUCT SoccerPro MF 50 AREA 7.000 Sq.Mt. YEAR OF INSTALLATION 2006 43 42
FIFA GOAL PROJECT Over recent year FIFA has been working on an important project called FIFA GOAL PROJECT for the development of the game of soccer even in the poorest countries that lack funds to construct sports facilities. The international federation was motivated by: 1) an interest in stimulating the game of soccer throughout the world to spread its social, educational, and cultural values; 2) a desire to reduce the differences among various countries in terms of sports infrastructures; 3) a desire to govern the game of soccer in a modern, efficient, transparent, and functional way. The FIFA GOAL project recruits manufacturers of artificial grass as active participants. This is due to the fact that high performance, the reduced maintenance costs, and the possibility of using the surface for several hours per day under any climatic conditions have led to the artificial grass being identified as problem-solving tool for the development and promotion of soccer in these countries. FIFA has drafted a detailed and precise procedure to be followed in order to obtain a correct evaluation of the situation and to develop a suitable project proposal. Limonta Sport, FIFA licensee since 2002, has participated in various project that support weak economies and as of today has won 5, of which 4 have been completed and 1 are ongoing. In particular: COMPLETED PROJECTS 1) Bosnia Erzegovina City : Oraje Year : 2001 Product installed : SoccerPro 100-60 Partner : Concept 90 43
2) Greece City : Veria Year : 2005 Product installed : SoccerPro 100-60 Partner : Area Development 3) Eritrea City : Asmara Year : 2005 Product installed : SoccerPro 100-60 Partner : Segen - MGDE 44
4) San Marino City : San Marino Year : 2006 Product installed : SoccerPro MF 60 Partner : Limonta Sport Italia ONGOING PROJECTS City : Kiev - Ukraine Year : To be finished in 2007 Product to install : SoccerPro 100-60 Partner : Concept 90 45
NATIONAL REGULATIONS Since 2001, National Amateur League has confirmed their decision to allow the use of artificial grass coverings even for official competitions. This occurred with the approval of a regulation that had been revised several times and recently amended. All fields in artificial grass destined to host FIGC, LND, and Youth and Scholastic Sector Championship competitions must have the technical requirements as established in the regulation in order to obtain LND certification. The essential elements for the preparation of the artificial grass soccer pitches are: 1) performance characteristics verified through specific laboratory and field tests; 2) identification of the basic technical requirements for third and/or latest generation artificial grass coverings; 3) identification of the mandatory technical requirements for infill materials; 4) description of the preparatory works for the sub-base; 5) types of sub-bases; 6) artificial grass coverings; 7) types of infill. LND decision to regulate artificial grass coverings is related to the fact that artificial turf is considered as an alternative to natural grass. In fact, thanks to new systems, manufacturers are able to offer products with the same performance and aspects of natural grass pitches, guaranteeing the playability and homogeneity of the playing field under any climatic conditions. LND also confirms that the economic factor is also very important because there are several needs to be considered when someone decides to construct a soccer pitch: 1) maximum playing time: on average, a pitch in artificial grass is used 1500 hours per year, which cannot be compared to a natural grass or earth pitch; 2) minimal maintenance costs: maintenance costs of an artificial grass field are Euro 3,000/year approximately, while those for a natural grass field are of Euro12,000/year approximately; 3) increased performance for athletes: the pitch can be used year round with no limits and no variations in the sport performance; 4) more advantages for the society: an artificial turf 46 pitch has high performances for soccer but it permits also to realize a multiporpose pitch and this means a better service for all the sports society. 46
LND : LABORATORY TESTS The tests established by the LND for the laboratory certification of a system can be divided into two phases: 1) the identification of each element that composes the system TEST CONDITION LND REQUIREMENTS IDENTIFICATION OF PRIMARY FIBRE Nature of fibre - PE, copolymers PEPP), and non-abrasive NY, lubricated Fibre colour - Green Dtex title - Conforms as declared +/- 5% Fibre weight per m 2 - Conforms as declared +/- 5% Thickness in micron - Conforms as declared +/- 5% Number of stitches per m 2 - Conforms as declared +/- 10% Number of tufts or yarns per insertion - Conforms as declared Type of weaving - Lines, zig-zag, wavy - 11/team soccer pitch: between 45 and 60 mm Total fibre height excluding support Mixed fields (11/team soccer and rugby): between 70 and 75 mm Total length of tuft extended - Conforms as declared +/- 5% Type of fibre - Prefibrillated, monofilament Fibre structure - Curled, smooth IDENTIFICATION OF SECONDARY FIBRE Nature of fibre - PE, copolymers PEPP), and non-abrasive NY, lubricated Fibre colour - Green Dtex title - Conforms as declared +/- 5% Fibre weight per m 2 - Conforms as declared +/- 5% Thickness in micron - Conforms as declared +/- 5% Number of stitches per m 2 - Conforms as declared +/- 10% Number of tufts or yarns per insertion - Conforms as declared Type of weaving - Lines, zig-zag, wavy - Soccer pitch 11/team: between 45 and 60 mm Total fibre height excluding support - Mixed fields (11/team soccer and rugby): between 70 and 75 mm Total length of tuft extended - Conforms as declared +/- 5% Type of fibre - Prefibrillated, monofilament Fibre structure - Curled, smooth IDENTIFICTION OF STABILIZATION INFILL LND certified - Presentation mandatory Chemical nature - Conforms as declared Granulometric curve - d >= 0.5, D <= 1,25 mm. Particle shape - Irregular with rounded corners, round Apparent density - Conforms as declared +/- 5% Quantity per m 2 - Conforms as declared Thickness in mm - Conforms as declared +/- 5% IDENTIFICATION OF PERFORMANCE INFILL LND certified - Presentation mandatory Chemical nature - Conforms as declared Granulometric curve - d >= 0.5, D <= 1,25 mm. Particle shape - Irregular with rounded corners, round Colour - Green, brown, or mixture of both Surface appearance - Not smooth, but somewhat porous Apparent density - Conforms as declared +/- 5% Quantità per mq. - Conforms as declared Thickness in mm. - Conforms as declared +/- 5% 47
TEST CONDITION LND REQUIREMENTS IDENTIFICATION OF PRIMARY BACKING Chemical nature - Conforms as declared LND certified - If applicable Thickness - Conforms as declared +/- 5% Weight per m 2 - Conforms as declared +/- 5% Type of impregnating agent - Conforms as declared Total weight per m 2 Primary + impregnating agent - IDENTIFICATION OF ELASTIC PAD Conforms as declared +/- 10% Chemical nature - Conforms as declared LND certified - If applicable Thickness - Conforms as declared +/- 5% Weight per m 2 - Conforms as declared +/- 5% Typology - Rolls, poured in situ Dimensional stability - <= 0.5% IDENTIFICATION OF SEAMING TAPE Type - Conforms as declared LND certified - If applicable Thickness - Conforms as declared +/- 5% Weight per m 2 - Conforms as declared +/- 5% Width - Conforms as declared +/- 5% IDENTIFICATION OF GLUE Chemical nature - Conforms as declared LND certified - If applicable Quantity per linear metre - Conforms as declared +/- 5% 2) analysis of the system by means of performance testing and mechanical resistance in a laboratory CONDITION TEST LND REQUIREMENTS System permeability 360 mm/h (grass+sand+rubber) - Thickness of elastic pad - Conforms as declared +/- 5% Weight per sq.mt. of elastic pad - Conforms as declared +/- 5% Mass per sq.mt. of elastic pad - Conforms as declared +/- 5% Shock absorption of elastic pad - - Vertical deformation of elastic pad - - Ball roll with pile Dry 4 mt. 10 mt. Wet 4 mt. 10 mt. Ball roll against pile Dry 4 mt. 10 mt. Wet 4 mt. 10 mt. Resistance to wear and to abrasion (lisport test) Effect of vibrations on impact - Shock absorption before Lisport Shock absorption after Lisport Vertical deformation before Lisport Vertical deformation after Lisport - 4 mt. 10 mt. Evaluation of covering decay The acceleration amplitudes must be: <= 20 m/s 2 between 0 Hz and 10 Hz <= 8 m/s2 between 10 Hz and 20 Hz <= 4 m/s2 between 20 Hz and 50 Hz Dry 55% - 70% Wet 55% - 70% Dry 55% - 70% Wet 55% - 70% Dry 4 mm. 8 mm. Wet 4 mm. 8 mm. Dry 4 mm. 8 mm. Wet 4 mm. 8 mm. 48
TEST CONDITION LND REQUIREMENTS Energy restitution bifore Lisport Dry 30% - 50% Wet 30% - 50% Energy restitution after Lisport Dry 30% - 50% Wet 30% - 50% Vertical ball rebound bifore Lisport Dry 60 cm. 85 cm. corresponding to 30% - 42.5% Wet 60 cm. 85 cm. corresponding to 30% - 42.5% Vertical ball rebound after Lisport Dry 60 cm. 85 cm. corresponding to 30% - 42.5% Wet 60 cm. 85 cm. corresponding to 30% - 42.5% Traction bifore Lisport Dry 35 Nm 45 Nm (optimal values 37 Nm 43 Nm) Wet 35 Nm 45 Nm (optimal values 37 Nm 43 Nm) Traction after Lisport Dry 35 Nm 45 Nm (optimal values 37 Nm 43 Nm) Wet 35 Nm 45 Nm (optimal values 37 Nm 43 Nm) Angle ball rebound before Lisport Dry 45% - 60% Wet 45% - 80% Angle ball rebound after Lisport Dry 45% - 60% Wet 45% - 80% Quantity of loss fibre after Lisport - No loss allowed Fading after Lisport - No fading allowed Free tuft fibrillation after Lisport (if prefibrillated) - Fraying and damage of fibre after Lisport - Correct fibrillation, not in conformity if fibrillation does not occur Not in conformity if fibrillation is excessive and the strip is cut more then the natural width of construction Shrinkage due to fibre damage after Lisport - Up to a maximum del 5% Tuft withdrawal force - >= 3 dan Seam strenght - >= 15 N/mm. Tensile strenght of primary backing/seaming tape Tensile strenght of primary backing (both horizontal and vertical) - - >= 120 N >= 100 dan Dimensional stability of artificial carpet - <= 0.5% The laboratory that carries out the testing must, for each certification carried out, prepare a test report containing all the test or analyses data and transmit this document to the LND Artificial Grass Sports Facilities Commission in Rome (Commissione Impianti Sportivi in Erba Artificiale). If all the tests called for each trial are passed, the LND will issue a document of System Certification or Product Certification to be sent exclusively to the applicant indicated on the application for certification. The certification will be valid for 3 years, unless there are modifications made to the regulations that result in an eventual non-conformity of the certified system or products to the new standards or regulatory parameters. In this case the owner of the certification will have to adapt the system to the new standards. Notwithstanding eventual regulatory modifications, the owner of the certificate, after three years from its issuance, must file a petition with the LND at least 2 months before its expiration with a request for renewal of the certification if the system or the products are still the original ones and have not undergone any changes. In the case in which the system has undergone modifications, the owner must forward the request for a new system certification at least 5 months before the expiration of the certificate. In both the case of renewal and a new certification, the entire procedure as established in the regulations must be followed. 49 49
LND : LIMONTA SPORT CERTIFIED SYSTEM Limonta Sport has certified various systems in conformity to LND requirements. The passage from the old to the new regulations has not resulted in the loss of certifications issued according to previous standards. There are now several products undergoing the certification procedure; below are the details of some of the certificates we currently hold. PRODUCT SoccerPro MF 60 RUBBER GRANULES InfillPro GEO QUARZ SAND Sand Ball 03 SHOCK PAD Not present PRODUCT SoccerPro 100 60 RUBBER GRANULES Green&Go QUARZ SAND Sand Ball 03 SHOCK PAD Not present 50
PRODUCT SoccerPro MF 60 RUBBER GRANULES InfillPro TP QUARZ SAND Sand Ball 03 SHOCK PAD Not present PRODUCT SoccerPro 100 60 RUBBER GRANULES InfillPro Ecoprene QUARZ SAND Sand Ball 03 SHOCK PAD Not present PRODUCT Football Green SL 55 RUBBER GRANULES InfillPro Ecoprene 54 QUARZ SAND Sand Ball 03 SHOCK PAD Not Present 51
PRODUCT Football Green SL 55 RUBBER GRANULES InfillPro TP QUARZ SAND Sand Ball 03 SHOCK PAD Not present PRODUCT SoccerPro MF 60 RUBBER GRANULES InfillPro Ecoprene QUARZ SAND Sand Ball 03 SHOCK PAD Not present PRODUCT SoccerPro MF 60 RUBBER GRANULES Green&Go 54 QUARZ SAND Sand Ball 03 SHOCK PAD Not present 52
PRODUCT SoccerPro MF 60 RUBBER GRANULES InfillPro GEO NB QUARZ SAND Sand Ball 03 SHOCK PAD Not present PRODUCT SoccerPro 100 70 RUBBER GRANULES Green&Go QUARZ SAND Sand Ball 03 SHOCK PAD Not present PRODUCT SoccerPro MF 45 RUBBER GRANULES InfillPro TP 54 QUARZ SAND Sand Ball 03 SHOCK PAD Not present 53
PRODUCT SoccerPro Xtreme/S 60 RUBBER GRANULES InfillPro TP QUARZ SAND Sand Ball 03 SHOCK PAD Not present PRODUCT SoccerPro MF/80 60 RUBBER GRANULES Green&Go QUARZ SAND Sand Ball 03 SHOCK PAD Not present PRODUCT SoccerPro MF/80 60 RUBBER GRANULES InfillPro Ecoprene 54 QUARZ SAND Sand Ball 03 SHOCK PAD Not present 54
LND : FIELD TESTS The tests estabilished by the LND in order to omologate fields are: 1) Tests on sub-base in order to proceed with the laying of artificial turf carpet TEST Water permeability Verification of the number of strips Slopes of construction Playing platform planarity Compacted crusched stones Modified bituminous conglomerate LND REQUIREMENTS >= 360 mm./h 4 strips 0.3% - 0.5%, tolerance +/- 0.05%, homogeneous +/- 1.0 cm. in 3.0 mt. +/- 2.0 mm. in 300 mt. Stratigraphy contained in regulations Carroting and stratigraphy contained in regulations 2) Field test for the approval of the playing surface TEST REQUISITI LND Shock absorption (with and without studs) 55% - 70% Vertical deformation (with and without studs) 4 mm - 8 mm Energy restitution (with and without studs) 30% - 50% Vertical ball rebound 60 cm - 85 cm. corresponding to 30% - 42.5% Vertical ball rebound Rotational resistance Ball roll 45% -60% dry, 45% -80% wet 35 Nm 45 Nm (optimal values 37 Nm 43 Nm) 4 m - 10 m Friction - Inclination of construction Flatness Verification of the measurements of field markings 0.3% - 0.5% +/- 0.05%, homogeneous +/- 1.0 cm in 3.0 m +/- 2.0 cm in 300 m In conformity with markings allowed by category regulations All performance requirements concerning the suitability of the playing field for the desired use must exist also in case of rain. The standards call for the verification of a playing field to absorb a minimum amount of water over a specified period of time. The permeability is directly determined, on the playing field, when the sub-base has been completed and before the grassy surface has been installed. Water must be absorbed vertically and not horizonatally in order to prevent compromising the performance of the installation due to the removal of rubber particles or the sandy base. A double ring infiltrometer is inserted into the surface of the subbase so that the water is forced to penetrate vertically and not run off downhill. This test is carried out in various points of the field. 55 55 60
LND : THE PITCHES HOMOLOGATED BY LIMONTA SPORT REGION INSTALLATION PLACE AREA YEAR OF HOMOLOG. Soccer field Sant'Anna Chieti 7.000 m2 2004 Abruzzo Soccer field A. De Cecco 1 Città Sant'Angelo (PE) 8.500 m2 2004 Soccer field A. De Cecco 2 Città Sant'Angelo (PE) 8.500 m2 2004 Soccer field A. De Cecco 3 Città Sant'Angelo (PE) 8.500 m2 2004 Basilicata Calabria Soccer field Avigliano Avigliano (PZ) 7.000 m2 2005 Soccer field A. Riffredo Riffredo (PZ) 7.200 m2 2006 Soccer field S.Agata 3 Reggio Calabria 15.000 m2 2004 Soccer field Cannara Nella di Scilla (RC) 7.000 m2 2004 Soccer field Italia Sorrento (NA) 7.800 m2 2003 Soccer field Sabatino De Rosa Arzano (NA) 7.400 m2 2003 Soccer field Romeo Menti Castellamare di Stabia (NA) 9.100 m2 2003 Campania Soccer field Torre Santa Maria a Vico (CE) 7.000 m2 2004 Soccer field il Boschetto Napoli 6.800 m2 2005 Soccer field Via Marconi Sant'Antimo (NA) 7.500 m2 2005 Soccer field Vitulano Vitulano (BN) 7.000 m2 2006 Emilia Romagna Friuli Venezia Giulia Soccer field Collecchio A.C. Parma Collecchio (PR) 5.800 m2 2002 Soccer field Riccione Riccione (RN) 7.000 m2 2004 Soccer field Giorgio Ferrini Trieste 7.000 m2 2002 Soccer field Paolo Zaccaria Muggia (TS) 7.200 m2 2004 Soccer field Longarina Ostia Antica (RM) 7.700 m2 2002 Soccer field Candiani Roma 7.800 m2 2003 Soccer field Don Antonio Aureli Pisoniano (RM) 7.000 m2 2003 Lazio Soccer field Sportivo Tarascio Roma 7.000 m2 2004 Soccer field Caserini Roma 5.000 m2 2004 Soccer field Pol. Libertas Centocelle Roma 7.400 m2 2005 Soccer field Petriana A Roma 7.200 m2 2006 Soccer field Agapito Sbardella Roma 6.800 m2 2006 56
REGION INSTALLATION PLACE AREA YEAR OF HOMOLOG. Soccer field E.Riboli Lavagna (GE) 7.700 m2 2002 Soccer field Begato 9 Bolzaneto (GE) 7.000 m2 2002 Soccer field F. Ceravolo Genova 7.000 m2 2003 Soccer field Busalla Busalla (GE) 7.200 m2 2003 Soccer field Bogliasco Bogliasco (GE) 6.800 m2 2004 Liguria Soccer field Rinaldo Grondona Genova 7.000 m2 2004 Soccer field R. Piombo Cicagna (GE) 7.200 m2 2005 Soccer field Praese Genova 6.800 m2 2005 Soccer field Oliviero Luigi Pasquale Genova 7.000 m2 2005 Soccer field Bogliasco Genova 7.500 m2 2005 Soccer field Colmata Mare Chiavari (GE) 7.200 m2 2006 Soccer field Negrotto Serra Riccò (GE) 7.000 m2 2006 Soccer field Calvairate Milano 7.200 m2 2001 Soccer field Castellanza Castellanza (VA) 6.700 m2 2002 Soccer field U.S. Canzese Canzo (CO) 7.700 m2 2002 Soccer field Masseroni Marchese Milano 6.000 m2 2002 Soccer field Mario Rigamonti Bettole di Buffalora (BS) 6.500 m2 2002 Soccer field De Coubertin Oggiono (LC) 7.300 m2 2003 Soccer field Cilea Sport Milano 7.000 m2 2003 Soccer field Triuggese Triuggio (MI) 7.000 m2 2003 Soccer field Bellagio Bellagio (CO) 6.000 m2 2004 Lombardia Soccer field Azzano San Paolo Azzano S. Paolo (BG) 6.000 m2 2004 Soccer field V. Bianchi Calcinato (BS) 7.000 m2 2005 Soccer field Nuvolera Nuvolera (BS) 7.200 m2 2005 Soccer field Aldo Pasotti Bettole di Buffalora (BS) 7.000 m2 2005 Soccer field Paderno Dugnano Paderno Dugnano (MI) 7.000 m2 2005 Soccer field Dazio Dazio (SO) 7.500 m2 2005 Soccer field Gaetano Scirea Cinisello Balsamo (MI) 7.000 m2 2005 Soccer field Sovere Sovere (BG) 7.200 m2 2005 Soccer field Montichiari n.1 Montichiari (BS) 7.000 m2 2006 Soccer field Montichiari n.2 Montichiari (BS) 8.000 m2 2006 57
REGION INSTALLATION PLACE AREA YEAR OF HOMOLOG. Soccer field Falconara Marittima Falconara Marittma (AN) 6.000 m2 2003 Soccer field A. Amadio Falconara Marittma (AN) 7.000 m2 2004 Soccer field Colbordolo Morciola di Corboldolo (PU) 7.200 m2 2004 Soccer field Ascoli A Ascoli 7.000 m2 2006 Marche Soccer field Ascoli B Ascoli 8.000 m2 2006 Soccer field Vallemiano Ancona 7.100 m2 2006 Soccer field Filottrano Filottrano (AN) 6.800 m2 2006 Soccer field Senigallia Senigallia (AN) 7.000 m2 2006 Soccer field Nuovo Stadio Fabriano (AN) 7.400 m2 2006 Soccer field Rione Buozzi Castelfidardo (AN) 7.200 m2 2006 Molise Soccer field S.Croce Magliano S. Croce Magliano (CB) 7.000 m2 2004 Soccer field Carlo Cosola Tortona (AL) 7.200 m2 2003 Soccer field Pellerina 1 Torino 6.800 m2 2003 Soccer field Franco Riconda Torino 7.000 m2 2003 Soccer field Lingotto Torino 6.800 m2 2003 Soccer field Grugliasco Grugliasco (TO) 7.000 m2 2003 Piemonte Soccer field River Mosso Rossini Torino 6.000 m2 2003 Soccer field C.B.S. Torino 7.000 m2 2003 Soccer field Barracuda Torino 7.200 m2 2005 Soccer field Monteponi Torino 6.800 m2 2005 Soccer field Galvani Collegno Collegno (TO) 7.000 m2 2005 Soccer field Via Vespucci Collegno (TO) 7.000 m2 2005 Soccer field Pretola Pretola (PG) 7.000 m2 2002 Soccer field Miramare Manfredonia (FG) 7.500 m2 2002 Puglia Soccer field Matarrese Contrada Sant'Anna (BA) 8.500 m2 2002 Soccer field A. Bianco Gallipoli 8.000 m2 2004 Soccer field Azzurri d'italia Castellana Grotte (BA) 6.800 m2 2004 Soccer field Peppino Lorusso Conversano (BA) 7.000 m2 2004 58
REGION INSTALLATION PLACE AREA YEAR OF HOMOLOG. Soccer field La Maddalena La Maddalena (SS) 8.000 m2 2004 Sardegna Soccer field Budoni Budoni (NU) 7.600 m2 2004 Soccer field Sport. Agostino Cataldi Alghero (SS) 7.200 m2 2006 Soccer field Olmedo Olmedo (SS) 7.000 m2 2006 Soccer field S. Francesco P. Merendino Capo d'orlando (ME) 8.300 m2 2002 Sicilia Soccer field Nino Vaccara Mazara del Vallo (TP) 7.600 m2 2004 Soccer field Europa Torregrotta (ME) 7.600 m2 2004 Soccer field Piraino (ME) 7.000 m2 2005 Soccer field Armando Picchi Livorno 7.000 m2 2003 Soccer field Emo Priami Stagno (LI) 7.000 m2 2003 Soccer field S. Casciano Val di Pesa Soccer field S. Casciano Val di Pesa San Casciano Val di Pesa (PI) San Casciano Val di Pesa (PI) 7.800 m2 2003 7.800 m2 2003 Soccer field Turri Sussidiario Scandicci (FI) 5.000 m2 2003 Toscana Soccer field Le Cortine Scarperia (FI) 7.700 m2 2003 Soccer field Ilse Capoliveri (LI) 6.300 m2 2004 Soccer field Bagno a Ripoli Bagno a Ripoli (FI) 7.300 m2 2006 Soccer field Anconella Firenze 7.000 m2 2006 Soccer field Monteboro Empoli 7.100 m2 2007 Soccer field Aldo Grassi Colle Val d'elsa (SI) 7.000 m2 2007 Trentino Alto Adige Soccer field Maso Ronco Appiano (BZ) 6.900 m2 2003 Soccer field Stanghe di Racines Belprato (BZ) 7.500 m2 2006 Soccer field Campitello Terni 7.500 m2 2002 Umbria Soccer field Arrone Arrone (TR) 7.600 m2 2003 Soccer field Pontevalleceppi Pontevalleceppi (PG) 7.000 m2 2006 Veneto Soccer field Sussidiario Noventa Padovana Noventa Padovana (PD) 11.000 m2 2004 59
PROFESSIONAL PITCHES The high quality of Limonta Sport s artificial grass is recognised even by leading professional soccer clubs. Its characteristics and the possibility to use the artificial grass surface intensely have convinced even top-level players. CLUB A.C. Milan PRODUCT SoccerPro TOP 55 AREA 8.900 m2 YEAR OF INSTALLATION 2003 CLUB Reggina Calcio PRODUCT SoccerPro 100 60 Football Green SL 57 AREA 15.000 m2 YEAR OF INSTALLATION 2004-2005 CLUB Parma A.C: PRODUCT Football Green SL 52 AREA 11.000 m2 YEAR OF INSTALLATION 2002 60
CLUB Empoli F.C. PRODUCT Football Green SL 57 AREA 11.000 m2 YEAR OF INSTALLATION 2005 CLUB A.S. Livorno Calcio PRODUCT Football Green SL 57 AREA 7.000 m2 YEAR OF INSTALLATION 2004 CLUB U.C. Sampdoria PRODUCT Football Green SL 57 AREA 7.000 m2 YEAR OF INSTALLATION 2005 CLUB Ascoli Calcio PRODUCT SoccerPro 100 60 AREA 20.000 m2 YEAR OF INSTALLATION 2004 61
THE SOCCER PITCH : DIMENSIONS In Italy the Amateur National League has authorized the use of artificial turf to cover the playing surfaces, according the dimensions of regulation. A = Penalty area D = End line G = Out zone B = Goal Area E = Sidelines H = Photographers bounds C = Penalty mark F = Corner arc The playing field must be a rectangle between 120m and 90m long and between 90m and 45m wide. Around the perimeter of the playing field there must be a out zone of no less than 1.5 meters. The playing field must be marked with visible lines between 10 and 12 cm wide. At the four corners of the rectangle, where 1 meter arches are marked, a yellow flag must be installed. For the entire width of the playing field, the median line and the centre of the playing field must be marked and perfectly visible; in this point a circle must be marked. At the goal area, two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, 5.5m from the inside of each goalpost. These lines extend into the field of play for a distance of 5.5 metres and are joined by a line parallel with the goal line. The area bounded by these lines and the goal line is the goal area. Within each penalty area, a penalty mark is made 11 metres from the goal line, called the penalty circle. 62 62
THE CONSTRUCTION OF SOCCER PITCH The installation of an artificial grass pitch request for a preliminary feasibility study, which means not only an on-site survey to evaluate the conditions of the existing playing area, but also a study of the correct configuration of the structures to be built: artificial grass field, irrigation system, lighting system, enclosures and equipment. The actual construction of a soccer pitch in artificial grass may be summarised as follows: 1) Excavation After the soccer pitch is surveyed and bounded, the first operation to be carried out is the excavation. This means digging all of the defined area to a specified depth in order to be able to use this space for the irrigation system, lighting, 2) Drainage system The pipes are laid for the run-off of residual waters to the wells that will allow the drainage along the four sides of the field. Below there are two examples of drainage systems. 63
3) Irrigation system The irrigation system is automatic, composed of a minimum of 6 sprinklers distributed along the perimeter of the playing area. The position of the fixed sprinklers will be determined in such a way as to prevent the sand infill from damaging the system and to allow a complete and homogeneous saturation of the field. Irrigation system 4 Sub-base The sub-base of the artificial grass field is the factor that most influences the flatness of the covering to be installed. For this reason, when the preliminary evaluations are being made for the construction of the soccer pitch, it is advisable to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the existing surface in order to determine the best sub-base to guarantee optimal results. The two main sub-base solutions are: a) Crushed stones sub-base The layer is composed of mixed quarry chippings that are installed, wet, and then rolled until the desired thickness is reached. The final layer obtained in this way will be constructed according to the planarity, the slope, and the drainage as defined during the preliminary phase. Crushed stones Construction of crushed stones sub-base 64
b) Asphalt sub-base The layer consists of draining asphalt that is installed and then rolled until the desired thickness is reached. The final layer obtained in this way will be constructed according to the planarity, the slope, and the drainage system as defined during the preliminary phase. Asphalt Construction of asphalt sub-base Leading national and international federations do not require that the sub-base is realized in stabilized material or asphalt, but the regulations recommend the importance of the following: that a drainage system is constructed beneath the sub-base; that the pipe used in constructing the drainage system is of a diameter suitable for local environmental conditions; that the drains is accessible for maintenance operations; that the sub-base is porous, draining, and insulated from the cold; the sub-base must be strong enough to support the weight of the equipment used for the installation of the covering and of the covering itself in order to maintain a level surface in conformity to established standards. 5) Layout plan The next step in the construction is the installation of an artificial grass surface carried out according to a layout plan drafted by the Limonta Sport Technical Office. This project allows the graphic placement of each individual roll to be used in the work area, with the positioning of the playing marks correctly along the roll of artificial grass. 65
An installation plan consists of: a) List of quantity b) Layout plan c) Detail of rolls d) Roll with tufted lines 66
6) Installation of artificial grass The rolls of artificial grass are positioned on the field according to the layout plan and then unrolled in order to verify that they have been positioned correctly. The rolls are then joined with seaming tape and bicomponent polyurethane glue. The lines tufted into the rolls will be cut and bonded into the positions according to the layout plan. Unrolling the grass Joining of rolls 7) Artificial grass infill The final important phase in the construction of the artificial grass pitch is the infilling of the surface with the correct quantity of sand and rubber. By using proper equipment, the sand is alternately distributed and then brushed onto the installed surface in such a way as to distribute the infill material evenly. The main function of the sand is to stabilize the covering, while the rubber guarantees that the system maintain a high level of athletic performance. Machine to spread sand Machine to spread granules rubber 67
THE MAINTEINANCE One of the advantages of an artificial grass pitch is the reduced costs for the maintenance that ensures excellent duration and usage. Regular maintenance of the field guarantees a clean, permeable soccer pitch that maintains all the performance characteristics necessary for proper playing of the game. The first month of use calls for irrigation of the field for 10 minutes, three times per day (morning, noon, and evening). There are some fundamental aspects to take into consideration. 1) General aspects a) sharp objects, cigarettes, glass, or metal must not be thrown onto Limonta Sport artificial grass because they may cause damage to the surface; Smoking is not allowed on the artificial grass field because cigarettes may cause damage to the surface; b) the artificial grass surface will appear homogeneous after 2-4 months. During the first months, the field must be used in order to allow the infill material to settle better among the fibres; c) the irrigation of the field should be done during dry periods in order to stabilise the rubber. Irrigation should be carried out one half-hour before the beginning of the match. 2) Miscellaneous use If the soccer pitch is used for events other than those for which it was constructed, it must be covered to protect it from damage. Artificial grass is not designed to be covered, and for this reason the covering must be removed as soon as the event is concluded. It is very difficult to say which type of protective covering to use if the event should call for the positioning of heavy equipment on the artificial grass field. For this reason it is better to contact Limonta Sport in order to evaluate the best solution. There are different systems on the market, but Limonta Sport does not guarantee that one of these is effectively suitable for this purpose. 3) Vehicles allowed Limonta Sport fields are studied to allow vehicles to pass on the surface without causing damage as long as the following recommendations are followed: a) only vehicles approved by Limonta Sport may pass over the field; b) The structure of a standard Limonta Sport field is capable of supporting 2.5 kg/cm 2. The vehicles that may pass on the field must not surpass this weight unless the field has been structured in a different way as to allow for it; c) only vehicles equipped with tires suitable for grass may be driven directly onto the field surface; 68
d) the vehicle must be driven in circles; e) only slow vehicles are allowed; f) no sudden braking is allowed; g) sudden accelerations must be avoided, especially if the surface is wet; h) the vehicle wheels should be clean in order to avoid mud and dirt on the covering; i) before being used, vehicles to be driven on or around a Limonta Sport field should be checked for eventual oil or hydraulic fluid leaks; j) in order to prevent damage to the infill material and the sub-base, avoid using the vehicles on the field when wet. 68 68 4) Ordinary maintenance a) In order to maintain a homogenous distribution of the rubber and keep the artificial grass fibres straight, the covering should be brushed with a brushing machine. Brushing machine b) The brushing must be done at an average speed lengthwise and crosswise. The brushing must be done against the nap of the fibre in order for them to come back straight; c) Brushing should be done 3 times per week; d) Joints and lines must be checked to verify the condition of the bonding materials (and need for eventual repair). When repairs must be carried out, the infill material must be removed; this can be done simply with an industrial vacuum. Bonding repairs can be made when the covering is dry and the temperature is at least +8 C; e) the covering must be checked for dirt and cleaned; in order to prevent damage to the cover, dirt must be removed immediately. If the field should be very dirty, it is recommended that a leaf vacuum be used; f) the compactness must be checked and the level of the rubber granules (the free surface must be 10 mm 20 mm thick), if necessary refill; g) areas where rainwater runs off must be checked and refilled following heavy rains; h) the drainage system must be checked; i) maintenance interventions must be recorded according to the instructions; j) if the field was covered for an event other than that for which it was designed and is damaged, Limonta Sport must be contacted immediately to note the damage in the register; k) After the field has been covered, it must be brushed to straighten fibres. 5) Extraordinary maintenance Extraordinary maintenance must be carried out monthly and includes the removal of contaminating agents from the playing service in order to prevent excessive hardening of the playing field. 69
This operation, carried out by Limonta Sport, requires that the field not be used for an entire day. Given that problems may arise if the facility cannot be used for an entire day, Limonta Sport will notify the relative Sports Facility of the maintenance intervention date one week in advance. Furthermore, a reciprocal collaboration is necessary between the owner(s) of the Sports facility and the cover installers; in accordance with this fact, the Sports Facility will provide the installers with the staff needed to regulate the irrigation system. The installed covering must not lose its performance characteristics over time. In order to prevent this from occurring, an annual extraordinary maintenance plan exists. An accurate local control of the areas of maximum play will determine if there is need to refill or brush the rubber granules. The drainage and irrigation systems are very important to guarantee a perfect maintenance of the playing surface. For this reason an accurate monitoring of the same is necessary in order to guarantee a well-maintained surface. An accurate maintenance program is certainly a fundamental ingredient in order, for the artificial covering to maintain its performance characteristics over time, but it is important that this quality is confirmed on the actual playing field during play. For this reason, once per year, it is advisable to carry out performance field tests according to the methods and requirements of FIFA standards. A covering that conforms to the requests of this International Federation guarantees not only an excellent quality, but also a guarantee of the biomechanical aspects. 6) Refilling the rubber granules Ordinary maintenance guarantees that the infill material is distributed homogeneously onto the playing field. However, intense and repeated use of the field may result in an incorrect distribution of the infill material. This occurs in the penalty areas, in the centre field, and near the corner arc flags. It is possible to put new rubber where it is missing, but it is important that both the artificial grass and the rubber are dry. The steps to follow are: a) use a medium/hard brush or a rake to straighten the fibres and understand better exactly how much infill material is missing; b) use a wide, flat shovel to distribute the missing rubber. The material should form a thin layer to avoid the consumption of the fibre; c) use a brush to allow the rubber granules to enter among the artificial grass fibres. d) When the correct level of infill is reached, carefully move the surface to ensure that the infill material is under the tip or the fibres. If the surface is darker, the covering must be irrigated a bit to avoid static electricity caused by brushing the fibres. The free fibre should be about 15 mm long. 7) Maintenance of the playing lines A standard artificial grass soccer pitch is supplied with the following permanent markings. If additional lines are required for special events, they must be painted. Limonta Sport recommends to use the best materials. Chalk lines tend to leave loose dust outside of the lines. 70
Permanent lines do not need particular care because they have been incorporated into the covering. The joints or seams, however, must be controlled periodically and repaired if damaged. A group of specialised technicians will carry out the necessary adjustments and repairs on the joints. 8) Moss, algae, and weeds In certain situations and in some seasons moss and algae may begin to grow on the surface. Prevention is better than a solution; it is important to maintain these areas properly. The presence of moss on the playing surface is not common. It is important to control the playing areas that are used less frequently and the outer areas of the covering. Moss can be found especially in shady areas around walls, buildings, or trees. Brushing and using the field reduces the problem of moss to a minimum. Weeds may also grow anywhere on the field that is regularly maintained. If there are only a few weeds they may be removed manually, taking care to remove the roots. Weeds grow more if cut only at the surface. 9) Snow and frost Snow and frost will not damage the field. If it is necessary to remove the snow before playing on the field, it can be done with a special device for snow removal. When removing snow, begin at the centre of a lengthwise edge of the field. Excessive tire pressure must be avoided, requiring specific equipment. The use of belted tractors is prohibited. The same type of tractor used for brushing should also be used for snow removal. The use of salts and chemical solutions is not recommended. Snow removal equipment 10) Stain removal Many stains can be removed easily with a solution of warm water and neutral house-cleaning detergent. Chewing gum may be removed by spraying it with ice. Heavy oil stains can be removed with a rag and ethyl alcohol. Oil stains may also be treated and removed with special solvents. Hydraulic fluid may be absorbed by the infill material. In this case the infill material must be replaced. To remove body fluids, an enzyme solution must be used. The solution is harmless and ecocompatible; it can also be used for cleaning and to prevent odours in the artificial grass. It is important to rinse the areas where these solvents have been used in order to prevent the surface from becoming slippery and potentially causing injury to the athletes who use it. 11) Footweat Proper footwear must be used. Most producers propose sport shoes designed for artificial grass surfaces. In case of doubt, it is better to consult Limonta Sport. The following shoes are recommended: a) Soccer shoes with rubber studs; b) Sport shoes with rubber soles. Shoes brush 71 71
THE EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION AND MAINTEINANCE Limonta Sport offers some of the main equipment used for the installation and mainteinance of artificial grass surface: 1) Blue cutter 2) Red cutter 3) Knives 4) Spatulas 5) Hopper with hook 72
6) Hopper without hook 7) Triangle 8) Levelling grid 9) Brush 10) Rake 73
THE GUARANTEE CERTIFICATION SOCCERPRO 8 YEARS Art. 1 - OBJECT The floor coverings for sports facilities manufactured by Limonta Sport S.p.A. purchased in Italy and installed in Italy or abroad are covered by a guarantee against possible faults and/or defects, under the following conditions. Art. 2 - DURATION The guarantee is valid for 8 (eight) years as of delivery of the product, which must be proved by a document issued by Limonta Sport S.p.A. bearing the date on which delivery was effected, and regardless of the use of the product. Any replacements and/or repairs effected by way of guarantee shall not under any circumstance give rise to the commencement of a new period of guarantee. Art. 3 - PURPOSE The guarantee is understood to mean the repair and/or partial or total replacement of those parts acknowledged as being defective at origin due to manufacturing faults. This guarantee covers 95% of the total area of the installation, the remaining 5% corresponds to the normal wear and tear of the most frequently used areas (penalty area, penalty spot,...). The guarantee covers: a) visible manufacturing defects and/or faults reported prior to the laying and in any case not later than 15 (fifteen) days after delivery of the product, by registered letter with advice of receipt dispatched to Limonta Sport S.p.A., Via Crema, 60, Cologno al Serio (BERGAMO). The postmark shall be proof that the aforesaid registered letter was dispatched in good time. b) latent manufacturing defects and/or faults reported by registered letter with advice of receipt dispatched to Limonta Sport S.p.A., Via Crema, 60, Cologno al Serio (BERGAMO), immediately after discovery of the fault and/or defect and in any case within 10 (ten) days subsequent to its discovery. The postmark shall be proof that the aforesaid registered letter was dispatched in good time. 74 74
No guarantee is due for any latent defects and/or faults discovered and/or reported after the period of validity of this guarantee, or after 8 (eight) years following delivery of the product. Both in the case of visible defects and/or faults and in the case of latent defects and/or faults, the report must be accompanied by the purchasing invoice of the product and by a delivery document issued by Limonta Sport S.p.A. or by another probative document issued by the latter bearing the name of the seller and the date on which delivery was effected. Art. 4 CONDITIONS OF ENFORCEMENT OF THE GUARANTEE The Limonta Sport S.p.A. guarantee can be enforced exclusively after an on-the-spot inspection by a representative of Limonta Sport S.p.A. who shall determine the areas to be replaced and/or the repairs to be carried out. The Limonta Sport S.p.A. guarantee shall likewise be enforced exclusively whenever all the following conditions have been complied with: a) the product has been installed in a workmanlike fashion in compliance with the directions and instructions given by Limonta Sport S.p.A. and with good quality installation materials approved by Limonta Sport S.p.A.; b) the product has been used in compliance with its normal intended purpose and with the use of shoes, objects and/or other instruments which are appropriate for the aforesaid product; c) the product is utilised in accordance with the regulations in force; d) the cleaning and maintenance of the product have been carried out in compliance with the directions and instructions given by Limonta Sport S.p.A.; e) the customer is not in arrears with even only one instalment of payment of the price agreed upon; f) the product or a component of the latter has not been in any way tempered with, modified, altered and/or otherwise damaged due to causes in any way attributable to the customer. Any faults and/or defects that may be ascertained, even if included among those covered by the guarantee, shall not give the customer the right to bring action for damages, either direct or indirect, cancellation of the agreement, reduction in price, suspension of payments, nor shall they determine the interruption of the period of validity of the guarantee. Art. 5 EXCLUSIONS FROM THE GUARANTEE This guarantee is explicitly excluded in the following cases: a) installation and/or cleaning and/or maintenance not carried out in a workmanlike fashion and/or not in compliance with the directions of Limonta Sport S.p.A.; b) reporting of visible faults and/or defects to Limonta Sport S.p.A. after the laying of the material and in any case more than 15 (fifteen) days after delivery of the product; c) reporting of latent faults and/or defects to Limonta Sport S.p.A. not immediately after discovery of the fault and/or defect and in any case more than 10 days subsequent to its discovery; d) intentional or unintentional use of the sports facility not in keeping with its normal intended purpose and in particular use of the sports facility for purposes other than for practicing sports; e) use of shoes, objects and/or other equipment not suitable for the product; f) deterioration of the goods due to a cause unrelated to the goods themselves and/or to the responsibility of Limonta Sport S.p.A., such as by way of example: natural catastrophes, fire, explosion, flooding, pollution, intense cold, dust, contact with chemical substances or solvents, accidental breakage, etc...; g) acts of vandalism, negligence, carelessness, improper use and abuse; h) replacements and/or repairs carried out by third parties prior to reporting the faults and/or defects to Limonta Sport S.p.A. and in any case prior to a representative of the latter carrying out the on-the-spot inspection referred to in art. 4. 75 75
Limonta Sport S.p.A. declines all responsibility for any damage which may be incurred, either directly or indirectly, by persons and/or objects as a result of failure to comply with the prescriptions given by the latter on the subject of installation, use and maintenance of the product. Art. 6 INDEMNIFICATION CONDITIONS For visible manufacturing defects and/or faults, Limonta Sport S.p.A. shall take steps to replace the non-laid portion of the material acknowledged as faulty, or grant a reduction of the selling price originally agreed upon. For latent manufacturing defects and/or faults, without detriment to that contemplated in art. 3, Limonta Sport S.p.A. shall take steps to repair and/or replace those parts acknowledged as faulty due to manufacturing defects, and this guarantee shall decrease by the natural wear and tear of the material, and namely, the indemnification shall be effected deducting the portion ascribable to the natural wear and tear of the product, from its delivery to the appearance of the defect and/or fault, from the part acknowledged as faulty. The indemnification excludes all and any other damage and interest due to any cause whatsoever. In the event of the objective impossibility of carrying out the replacement with an identical material, the Limonta Sport S.p.A. material most similar in appearance, quality and price shall be used. Limonta Sport S.p.A. is not obliged, by virtue of this guarantee, to grant indemnification exceeding the direct costs of repair and/or replacement. Under no circumstances may the indemnification exceed the original value of the goods supplied. No indemnification is due after eight years have elapsed following delivery of the material. Limonta Sport S.p.A. may not be held responsible for any direct or indirect damages however incurred by the purchaser or by third parties, as a result of the purchase, use or also the non-use of the products for the subject of the sale, including without limitation thereto, damage to physical integrity, as well as damage for loss of earnings, interruption of activity, loss of information or other economic losses. Art. 7 SALES BY LEASING Whenever the order form contemplates that the product be purchased by a leasing company and granted on lease to the customer who undersigns the order form as the user, the sales contract shall be understood as being executed exclusively after the customer has also undersigned all the contractual leasing clauses and upon receipt, by Limonta Sport S.p.A., of confirmation from the leasing company of the order undersigned by the user, including these terms agreed upon. In any case, the ownership of the goods shall be transferred exclusively at such time as the entire price agreed upon has been paid. All and any conditions or agreements stipulated between the user and the leasing company are not opposable to Limonta Sport S.p.A., except whenever they have been specifically approved in writing; otherwise, the seller reserves the right to bring any legal action both against the user and against the leasing company. Art. 8 - RESERVATION OF OWNERSHIP The ownership of the product shall be transferred to the customer exclusively upon full payment of the price agreed upon; the customer shall in all cases undertake the risks pertaining to the loss of or damage to the goods supplied to/her as of the day of delivery or the date of installation. Non-payment or delayed payment, on the scheduled due date, of the established price or of one single instalment of those agreed upon, shall give Limonta Sport S.p.A. the right to regain possession of the goods, without preliminary advice of default, without detriment to any rights to credit for damages and expenses incurred by Limonta Sport S.p.A. for return of the goods and without any obligation to pay compensation to the defaulting customer. 76
RECCOMANDATION LETTERS The quality of Limonta Sport systems is recognized by the most important club and federations in Italy and all over the world. 1) Italian Amateur League 2) A.C. Milan 3) F.C. Internazionale 4) Reggina calcio 77
5) Empoli calcio 6) Livorno calcio 7) Synot 8) University of Gent 78
THE MAIN REFERENCE MORE THAN 700 SOCCER PITCHES INSTALLED ALL OVER THE WORLD COUNTRY INSTALLATION PLACE AREA YEAR OF INSTALLATION Algeria Stade Frere Lamali Algeri 7.700 m2 2004 Austria Bosnia Erzegovina Brasil Sportanladge Henndorf Henndorf 7.600 m2 2005 Sportanladge Globalsnitz Globalsnitz 8.500 m2 2006 Soccer field Orasje 8.000 m2 2002 Circle International. Medugorje 8.300 m2 2003 Tromeda B.B. Sport Centre Jorginho Rio de Janeiro 5.300 m2 2000 Multipurpose pitch Rio de Janeiro 3.200 m2 2000 Bulgaria Soccer field Pomorie 8.500 m2 2006 ChongQin High School ChoungQin 8.500 m2 2001 Experiment Middle School Tianjing 11.100 m2 2001 Shi Ga Zhuang Beijing 8.300 m2 2002 Surgeon University Shanghai 8.000 m2 2002 China Jujiang Normal College Jiang Xi 8.000 m2 2003 Jang Xi Province Nanjing College Nanjing 8.000 m2 2003 Shan'xi University Shan'xi 14.000 m2 2003 Guangdong Police College Guangdong 8.000 m2 2003 Jangjin School Jangijn 8.500 m2 2004 Dazu School Dazu 8.000 m2 2004 Sport University Bejing 7.600 m2 2006 Cyprus Nuevo Campo Nicosia Nicosia 1.100 m2 2002 Croatia Soccer field Zenit 7.900 m2 2005 Soccer field NK Zagreb 18.400 m2 2006 Stade Berenger Saint Laurent du Var 9.000 m2 2002 Soccer field Ville du Mans 9.000 m2 2003 France Soccer field Rennes 8.500 m2 2004 Soccer field Les Englantines 8.700 m2 2005 Stade Municipal Chemin des Iles 8.000 m2 2006 79
COUNTRY INSTALLATION PLACE AREA YAER OF INSTALLATION Finland Soccer field Parola 8.000 m2 2005 Union Football Clubs Thrace Komotini 8.000 m2 2002 Soccer field Grevena 8.200 m2 2003 Greece Soccer field Lavrion-Raftas 8.000 m2 2004 Soccer field Kalamos 7.500 m2 2005 Soccer field Rodi 9.600 m2 2006 Parma Calcio Parma 5.800 m2 2001 A.S. Calcio Bari Bari 8.500 m2 2002 Reggina Calcio Reggio Calabria 15.000 m2 2003 Petriana Pontificio Oratorio Roma 11.300 m2 2004 Italy Ascoli Calcio Ascoli 14.000 m2 2004 Montichiari Brescia 15.000 m2 2005 Soccer field Cologno al Serio BG 6.700 m2 2006 A.C: Cenisa Torino 7.100 m2 2006 A.C. Milan Milanello Milano 6.000 m2 2006 C.S. Siliqua Cagliari 6.700 m2 2006 Korea Soccer field Kinhae 8.800 m2 2004 Soccer field Yangju 7.600 m2 2004 Maroc Soccer field - 7.600 m2 2003 The Netherland Sportparq Meilust Bergen 7.600 m2 2005 Sportpark Neerlandia Dorst 7.900 m2 2006 Soccer field Cerveira 7.700 m2 2004 Portugal Soccer field Alta de Lisboa 9.000 m2 2005 Soccer field Bustos 7.500 m2 2006 Romania Soccer field - 7.700 m2 2004 Soccer field - 7.000 m2 2004 Soccer field Ostrava 4.900 m2 2001 Czech Soccer field Synot 7.800 m2 2002 Republic Soccer field Olomouc 9.000 m2 2003 Soccer field Kromeriz 8.500 m2 2004 Soccer field St. Petersburg 7.900 m2 2005 80
COUNTRY INSTALLATION PLACE AREA YEAR OF INSTALLATION Soccer field Mosca 5.500 m2 2003 Russia Soccer field Minry 7.500 m2 2005 Singapore Soccer field Raffles Institut 15.100 m2 2006 Soccer field Torremolinos 6.200 m2 2001 Soccer field De Artxanda Bilbao 8.500 m2 2002 Soccer field Alhaurin el Grande 6.500 m2 2002 Soccer field Igualada 7.900 m2 2002 Soccer field Colmenar Viejo 9.200 m2 2002 Università Valencia Valencia 7.000 m2 2002 Spain C.F. de Novelda Alicante Novelda Alicante 7.300 m2 2003 C.F. Gibraltar Gibraltar 10.700 m2 2003 C.F. de la Atmella Atmella 7.000 m2 2004 Soccer field Lloret de Mar 7.000 m2 2004 Soccer field Madrid 7.000 m2 2005 Soccer field Zamora 7.500 m2 2006 Soccer field Alginet 6.000 m2 2006 Soccer field Benijofar 7.000 m2 2006 Soccer field Oslo 7.000 m2 2004 Sweden Soccer field Boras Arena 8.000 m2 2005 Soccer field Grastorp 7.200 m2 2006 Soccer field Canobbio 7.700 m2 2004 Switzerland Tunisia UAE UK Sous Moulin Ginevra 7.000 m2 2004 C.F. Deba Deba 7.000 m2 2005 Soccer field Pully 8.400 m2 2006 Soccer field Lenzerheide 5.700 m2 2006 Soccer field Melassine 8.800 m2 2002 Soccer field Kebili 8.700 m2 2002 School of Khalifa Khalifa 5.000 m2 2004 Soccer field Al Sulaimi School 4.500 m2 2005 Speedwell College Speedwell 6.100 m2 2006 Brislington College Brislington 6.100 m2 2006 Ukraina Soccer field - 8.000 m2 2003 81
PRESS REVIEW Milano Finanza Professional football in China is a recent discovery. Although relatively unknown, this sport has lots of potential and, with a view to the Olympics, is highly appetizing for many firms, especially European ones, Indeed, an Italian group is now working its way front and centre to play a leading role in Guangdong. Its name is Limonta Sport, the Bergamo-based firm that designs and produces floorings for sports facilities. The Limonta group has been recognised by the Chinese government as the authorised sponsor of the Standardisation Office for artificial grass fields in China. L Eco di Bergamo That Italian soccer had conquered the hearts and minds of the Chinese was hardly surprising But that in many cases the soccer pitches and athletic fields were constructed with the artificial grass Made in Bergamo is not something to be taken so lightly. Prophet of the synthetic grass for sports fields in the shadow of the Great Wall, Limonta Sport of Cologno al Serio (head of the Limonta group specialized in the textiles sector), over a four-year period has constructed something like sixty sports facilities for leading university complexes on the Chinese market, nabbing a couple of contracts for Chinese series A training camps in the process. This is a firm that already stands on its own, but during 2004 has developed even further with the start-up of a new operative production centre in Guangdong. 82
L Eco di Bergamo Our guys and our adversaries have used only one adjective: great. In any case, in Sovere, artificial turf is the new buzz word around the locker room. Because if regular rebounds, constant playing conditions, no mud spatter, and facilitated slides are the up side for the players (ideal conditions for perfecting technique), for the company offers, once the initial investment has been amortised, the advantages are evident. From clean locker rooms to the possibility of renting the field to third parties and the ease of maintenance, artificial turf allows attractive savings". La Stampa Sunday the 16 th, the C2 series soccer championship will restart and Novara, for the first time in a couple of decades, will head out to compete without having to worry and/or be embarrassed about its playing field. Indeed, they can feel pride and satisfaction for their simply splendid grassy surface. After much talk, controversy, and a few delays...finally the game will be played on the totally new "Silvio Piola" soccer pitch." An intervention concluded in record time, just forty days, that should guarantee the Italian team a functional facility after years of neglect and abandon". 83
Impianti Limonta Sport has completed the construction of an artificial grass soccer pitch at the Milan A.C. Sports Centre. Milanello is one of the six most prestigious and technologically advanced training centres on national and international levels; it boasts six regular size pitches, five of which are in natural grass and one in third-generation artificial grass Carlo Ancelotti, trainer for the team, and all the technical staff have given top priority to this installation of a third-generation artificial grass pitch at the Milan sport centre in order to have access to a high-performance facility, year-round, with no limitations on use. The choice of the surface, of the infill material, and of the sub-base were the result of an in-depth study carried out by Limonta Sport technicians and by Milan A.C. trainers and players. Following the first few months of use, the general results and opinions confirm the validity of the decision taken". TSPORT On a national level, the most important installations that Limonta Sport may take pride in are Milanello, Appiano Gentile, Collecchio, Bari, Manfredonia (the first LND-approved pitch for the series D championship, and the Longarina Sports Centre (Francesco Totti soccer school). During the press conference for the inauguration of this field, Francesco Totti declared: Before making a decision, I tried it out, I played on it, and I decided that in my opinion it is the ideal playing field. It is especially good for very young players who are just starting out in the world of soccer, given the exceptional capacity of SoccerPro to reduce fall-related risk that mostly result in ankle and knee injuries"... Having received this recognition rewards the efforts that Limonta Sport's dedication to seeking innovative solutions for third-generation soccer pitch surfaces". 84
SPORTGRASS ARTIFICIAL GRASS SURFACE WITH SYNTHETIC SUPPORT SportGrass is an internationally-patented sports turf surface consisting of a base in sanded synthetic grass combined with natural grass. SportGrass consists of a 100% natural grass surface grown on a layer of enriched sand. Fibres of artificial grass are tufted in a woven support inside the layer of sand. To encourage the grass roots to grow downward through the synthetic grass and the support, the crown and the roots of each "plant" is protected. Even under difficult playing conditions, SportGrass allows for a consistent and level (uniform) playing surface. The synthetic fibres and the woven support form a matrix with the natural grass root system. If the natural grass should be temporarily torn, the stability of the field is maintained. The SportGrass System consists of: 1) blades of natural grass: The blades of natural grass guarantee that the SportGrass system performs like natural grass because it is 100% natural grass; 2) crown: the crown of each grass plant, which is the point from which new growth and restabilization sprouts, is protected by the synthetic fibre, which greatly reduces the damage caused by intense use of the field; 3) synthetic fibre: the synthetic fibres are in polypropylene, a biologically inert material that is not subject to breaks in the earth. The fibres are fibrillated (cut lengthwise) in order to allow the root system to grow through the fibre that cross the horizontal support in such a way as to obtain a more stable and consistent ground surface; 4) primary synthetic support: the primary synthetic support significantly improves the lateral stability and load resistance of the SportGrass playing surface; 5) sand: SportGrass is installed in a layer of selected sand in order to guarantee optimal drainage, compactness, and porosity of the ground. SportGrass test results confirm that this type of surface can: a) support more than five times the playing intensity than a traditional surface in natural grass; b) eliminate clods, furrows, and deep marks, reducing the need for repairs and substitution if regularly maintained c) be installed under any climatic conditions and with any type of grass. 85 85
SportGrass may be installed in two different ways: 1) installation directly on the playing field The synthetic material is produced in rolls that are 4.05 m high and 60 m long. The artificial grass carpeting is installed on a layer of laser-levelled sand, the seams are finished and sewn: the material is then filled with sand until the synthetic fibre is almost completely covered. This first phase takes 7/8 days to complete. Following the filling with sand, the seeds are sown between the SportGrass fibres, fertilizers are added, and the field is ready about 14/16 weeks following the sowing; 2) Installation in a nursery and transfer of the sod to the playing field The installation of SportGrass occurs in a nursery and only when the system is developed the earth cut into 1 m x 1 m squares. The sod obtained is then transported to its final destination, where a suitable sub-base has been prepared, and installed onto the playing field. It is recommended that three to four weeks pass before using the field. The advantages of this installation system are the quick replacement of damaged sod and ease of regeneration. In fact, thanks to the reinforcement of the internal synthetic grass, the ruined sod may be returned to the nursery to be regenerated and then later reused. The phases for constructing a soccer pitch with this second type of installation may be summarised as follows: 1) The nursery for the preparation of the sods 2) The sods are transported from the nursery to the stadium 90 86
3) Laying of the sods 4) Squaring of the field 5) The installation progresses 6) The completed installation 7) Stadio San Siro - Milan SportGrass can be used for American football fields, soccer pitches, baseball fields, golf courses, parks, multipurpose municipal facilities, and all sites where grass would be desirable but where a more resistant surface is required. The SportGrass field requires less maintenance because the need for reseeding and renewing are minimal. The combination of the sandy-base construction and load distribution of the support structure on the synthetic grassy surface eliminate problems of substrate compactness and the need to periodically aerate the playing field. 87