The International Hockey Federation (FIH) denies that it has already decided to abandon the idea of using Dry Turf at the 2028 LA Olympics. However, it does admit that, as it stands today, the first generation of products are probably not yet ready for use at the highest levels of competition. So how likely is it that Dry Turf will actually ever become the norm?
By: Guy Oldenkotte
In September 2024, FIH president Tayyab Ikram threw the cat among the pigeons when he was quoted saying that, “With Los Angeles 2028, our message is clear. Looking at the climate there, I don’t think we are ready to take any risk. The initial observations show us that the most challenging thing is the climate versus plastic relation,” he said referring to issues raised with Dry Turf. FIH Facilities Manager Alastair Cox confirms the current status quo. “It is almost two years since the FIH published its innovation standard for dry turf surfaces, and since then a number of manufacturers have strived to produce the surfaces that the sport desires.” FIH used them for the first time during the Hockey5s World Cup in Oman in January 2024. This was certainly an extreme test, with hot, dry conditions, and a group of players that had little experience of playing on anything other than the best wet turfs. Feedback from the players indicated that the performance reduced during peak sunlight. It became too grippy, with players commenting on it becoming too sticky. “Potentially, this can have an adverse effect on performance and player welfare,” he explains. Looking ahead, this observation is also a cause for concern in light of tournament schedules. “The fact that the surface is performing differently at different times of the day means that teams playing in the afternoon could be discriminated against, compared to those playing in the morning or evening. “That is a concern to us, as we want to be sure that all teams will enjoy the same conditions for play.”
“With hot conditions likely during the Games, we also need to ensure players do not suffer from heat stress.” The good thing is that, as the construction of the fields in LA are planned for early 2028 the FIH will have ample time to make a final decision. “If we conclude some form of watering is required we will need to ensure there is consistency for all teams. However, the water usage will be significantly lower than what you would traditionally expect to see. We already know that surfaces incorporating Dry Turf Technology use water more efficiently, meaning the frequency and intensity of watering during a day is much less than when a traditional wet turf is used”.
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While the introduction at elite level hockey will now be delayed, Fred van Wijk of FIH preferred field supplier Polytan is adamant that Dry Turf already works at grassroots level. Here clubs value a flat and safe surface that can handle significant footfall and has zero watering costs over a surface that facilitates elite players to perform. Like Cox, he points to the planning as a reason why Dry Turf, for now, does not perform as expected for matches played in hot circumstances. “The games are dictated by the broadcasters. If they want to serve the main hockey-playing countries as best as possible, the IOC will have to host the important hockey games at lunchtime in LA, when the sun is at its prime.” With much at stake, the FIH doesn’t want to rub up players the wrong way. The influence of the sun is less of an issue at grassroots level and particularly in countries that are familiar with high temperatures. “We already have five of this type of field installed in southern Africa as well as in Europe, and the number of enquiries from Europe and Australia is growing.”
“During the Hockey5s World Cup in Oman in January 2024, it became clear that the surface doesn’t really perform during peak sunlight. It became too grippy and too sticky”
Alastair Cox, FIH
