REGULATION 22 (c) Taking into consideration that the Laboratory Tests may take several weeks and that there will be a gestation period before the Field Tests may occur, the final approval of an artificial playing surface may take up to six months (if no re-testing is required). 22.4.3 Test Evaluations There are three basic categories of test which determine the suitability of an artificial playing surface for rugby. These may be broadly identified as: 1. The reaction of a ball to the artificial playing surface (Ball/Surface Interaction) 2. The reaction of a Player to the artificial playing surface (Player/Surface Interaction) 3. The resistance of the artificial playing surface to wear and tear, and the environment (Durability) The World Rugby Artificial Rugby Turf Performance Specification sets out that the testing process as a minimum will include: Laboratory Tests (i) Identification (ii) Durability (iii) Climatic Resistance (iv) Player/Surface Interaction (v) Ball/Surface Interaction Field Tests (i) Construction (Slope, Evenness, Base Permeability) (ii) Player/Surface Interaction (iii) Ball/Surface Interaction (iv) Identification 22.5 Test Procedures The test procedures and methods are outlined in the World Rugby Artificial Rugby Turf Performance Specification and may vary from time to time as determined by the World Rugby Artificial Surfaces Expert Group. The World Rugby Artificial Surfaces Expert Group is appointed by the World Rugby to monitor developments in technology with respect to Artificial Rugby Turf and amend the World Rugby Artificial Rugby Turf Performance Specification as appropriate. 22.6 Inherent Dangers Rugby is a contact sport and there are inherent dangers in playing the Game on any surface including Artificial Rugby Turf. Last update: 14 January, 2015 465
World Rugby Handbook
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