Tough Turf

Is artificial turf the answer for a safer and better playing surface for athletes? This question has been asked all over the sports world, especially for sports such as football, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, rugby and other sports that use a field. The fields that these sports use could either be grass or turf. Grass is more commonly used for football and soccer but there has been a spike in turf fields being used for highschool fields and even the College and NFL level. 


What are the benefits to having a turf field? 

With artificial turf, you don’t have to worry about watering it or cleaning it often. Artificial turf is also very durable against heavy usage and if taken care of well can last up to 20 years. Turf also does not use pesticides, meaning that a turf field is more eco-friendly than grass. When someone buys artificial turf, they can pick how tall, thin and how much of it they want. Artificial turf is also more visually appealing and has a cleaner look to it. But with grass, you need high maintenance in order to keep the grass in perfect condition and measurements. 

MBHS Football field 50 yard line 

MBHS Football field sideline 

Texas longhorns artificial turf football field in Austin, Texas.(Photo credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) 

MBHS football game against Atascadero 10/13/2023

But what about grass? 

Grass has been used for hundreds of years so it’s no wonder why it is the most common type of field. With developing technology, scientists are always finding ways to improve the playing field for players so there are less injuries. On turf, there is a lot less torque than grass which means grass is better to move around on, but the problem with that is the grass has to be kept in perfect condition for players to use. Professional athletes and college athletes have well maintained fields which are kept in check by professionals. But what about Morro Bay High School's field? 


Do Morro bay pirate athletes like playing on it?

In a Interview with Pirates J.V wide receiver Trevor Riddiough, when asked about how he feels about the current condition the field is in states that the field is “crappy and needs to be taken care of better” When asked if artificial turf would be a better solution for the so called “crappy field” he says, “no, but I would like a better grass field or at least taken care of better.” This shows that a lot of players like grass when it’s done right. If it’s not then they are not going to be happy playing on the grass that is provided for them.


What's it made of?

There are many different types of grass that football fields can use, such as Kentucky bluegrass and buffalo grass, which are very similar to each other but both require high maintenance if you want to have a good field. But what is artificial turf made of? Artificial turf is made from a lot of different materials, and the most common are Nylon, Polyethylene. Polypropylene. These three are very different from each other however and shape the look of the field. Artificial turf is also made up of rubber and latex. 


What I Think

As a pirate football athlete myself, I think that artificial turf would be cheaper in the long run for Morro Bay High School. I believe student athletes who use the field would benefit from the turf rather than having to worry about a twisted ankle while playing on the grass field. The grass for the field is in terrible condition and if the school cannot maintain it enough to be a safe playing surface for athletes then the school should spend more money on it or at least get artificial turf all round. A playing surface I personally prefer is grass. But only if the grass is maintained well.