MUGA Pitch Construction
The method of MUGA Pitch construction will depend on which one of the 5 types of MUGA you are having built.
Tarmac
Types 1 and 2 MUGAs are constructed from open-graded, porous, frost-resistant macadam, laid on top of free-draining stone. It is generally advised that the macadam be applied in 2 layers – a binding base layer for strength and stability and a playing surface layer.
If 2 layers are chosen, the base layer should average 40mm compacted depth (not less than 30mm at any one point) and the nominal aggregate size should be 14mm or 20mm. The surface (wearing) course should average 25mm compacted depth (not less than 15mm at any one point) and the nominal aggregate size should be 10mm.
A single layer of macadam tends to be laid on lighter use MUGAs. The tarmac will be open-graded, porous and frost-resistant of 40mm compacted depth and with 10mm aggregate size.
Using laser controlled paving machines to install the top layer of stone as well as the macadam makes it possible to achieve the required level of tolerance with just a single tarmac layer.
To meet Sport England criteria, macadam should be produced and laid in accordance with SAPCA’s Code of Practice for the Construction and Maintenance of Tennis Courts.
The surface should be durable and even and have a uniform texture which does not become too soft in hot weather. As regards porosity, it is expected that water will drain from the surface not more than 15 minutes after the rain has stopped.
The required level tolerances for a macadam surface vary from a maximum deviation of 6mm under a 3m straight edge to a maximum deviation of 15mm under a 3m straight edge depending on whether you are required to conform to British Standards, FIFA, FA or FIH standards. The height difference at joints is usually set at a maximum deviation of 2mm under a 300mm straight edge.
Polymeric
Types 3 and 4 MUGAs have a polymeric surface constructed from SBR and / or EPDM rubber with a polyeurethane binder and slip resistant materials. Different colours are available; red and green are most commonly used.
Polymeric MUGAs are used for ball rebound sports and as training areas for non-ball sports such as athletics. They are also suitable for wheelchair sports.
The main difference between a type 3 and a type 4 MUGA is the thickness of the surface and the slip resistance factor.
Type 3 is a thinner surface with less shock absorbency and higher surface friction which makes it suitable for non-contact sports such as netball and tennis.
Type 4 has a thicker surface providing greater shock absorbency and lower surface friction and is better suited to 5-a-side football, basketball and athletics.
Contact sports can erode the slip resistant factor so it is not recommended to play netball and 5-aside on the same polymeric surface. However, if this cannot be avoided, a thicker surface can be constructed and the final coating can be modified to give the as good a slip resistance as possible.
Synthetic Turf
Type 5 MUGAs are constructed from synthetic turf. Those which are required to meet Sport England requirements should be constructed in accordance with SAPCA’s Code of Practice for the Construction and Maintenance of Synthetic Turf Sports Pitches for Type 5 MUGAs and STP.
The three artificial grass surfaces commonly used for MUGAs are:
- a 40mm carpet with sand and rubber infill, laid onto a 15mm in situ shockpad over a dynamic (tarmac) stabilising base layer which sits on a free-draining stone sub-base.
- a sand-filled (sand infill to just below pile height), low density carpet of 18-23mm pile height, laid onto a 15mm in-situ shockpad over a dynamic (tarmac) stabilising base layer which sits on a free-draining stone sub-base.
- a sand-dressed (sand infill to 60-80% of pile height) 18-23mm carpet laid onto a 15mm in situ shockpad over a dynamic (tarmac) stabilising base layer which sits on a free-draining stone sub-base.
