October 2015 will see the launch of an internationally recognised quality-assurance programme by the FIH, aimed at protecting and developing hockey fields around the world.

To help ensure good quality fields are built for all levels of play, from elite level competition to community development, the FIH has developed the FIH Quality Programme for Hockey Turf – an internationally recognised quality-assurance programme.

The programme provides consistent and dependable industry standards for the well-being and sustainability of hockey turf installations worldwide and ensures the appropriate quality of performance for the intended level of play. It thus protects player welfare at all levels and the investments made by field owners.

The FIH, working with its independent Accredited Test Institutes, certifies:

  • Preferred Suppliers – providing quality assurance in the selection of a company offering hockey turf manufacturing and field building.
  • Hockey Turf Manufacturers and their products – providing confidence that the products used to build a field meet international quality standards.
  • Hockey Turf Field Builders – providing access to industry recognised hockey turf field building experts to ensure top-quality fields. 
  • Hockey Fields - ensuring the quality of the field thus protecting those investing in and using hockey facilities.

Of particular interest for National Associations is the opportunity to work with the programme when building new fields, or having existing fields certified. The programme also provides reassurance in the selection of right partners to help build and maintain your fields.

The programme will be launched at FSB Cologne 2015, an international trade fair for amenity areas, sports and pool facilities.

FIH already recognises a number of worldwide hockey turf manufacturers and hockey fields. These partners will be included in the new FIH Quality Programme for Hockey Turf. Additional information on the programme will be available in October 2015 via https://www.fih.hockey/ or by contacting facilities@fih.ch.