East Side Union High School District
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The synthetic turf surface is made up of specially manufactured synthetic grass, combined with a formulated infill mixture of specially graded silica sand and cryogenically ground rubber which is brushed into the spaces between the grass fibers. The grass fibers act jointly with the infill mix to form a very uniform, resilient, grass-like and long-lasting sports playing surface.

Below the visible surface lies a base comprised of aggregate, geo-textile fabric, an array of drainage piping, and a sub grade that structurally supports and drains the synthetic turf field. 

 

FieldTurf synthetic turf fields are installed at these Stadium sites:

  

School Site	Installation Year
Andrew P. Hill	2004
Evergreen Valley	2012
Independence	2012
James Lick	2005
Mt. Pleasant	2012
Oak Grove	2005
Piedmont Hills	2004
Santa Teresa	2004
Silver Creek	2012
W.C. Overfelt	2012
Yerba Buena	2005

Football	Baseball / Softball	Soccer	Physical Education
Field Hockey	Lacrosse	Rugby	Pedestrian traffic

Athletics such as shot put, hammer throw, discus and even javelin (fitted with a rubber tip) can be occasionally performed on your synthetic turf field. Ideally, the landing area should be outside the playing area but if unavoidable the field should be covered with a special protective piece of turf or a tarp to prevent damage to the synthetic turf surface.

To insure optimum performance of your synthetic turf field, repetitive training drills and activities should be rotated to prevent continuous wear at a single location. 

 

Vehicular traffic is allowed, provided certain conditions are met.  Learn more about Vehicle Circulation on synthetic turf.

 

Special events may be held on the synthetic turf field, provided field surface protection is in place.  Learn more about Temporary Event Flooring and Turf Surface Protection.

Your synthetic turf field should be kept free from food, gum, sunflower seeds, glass, cigarettes, fireworks, driving stakes and any sharp objects that will risk damage to the field and injury to players. Your field should also be kept free from debris, leaves, paper and windblown material. Unauthorized maintenance equipment is prohibited. Smoking is prohibited on your synthetic turf field, to protect the fibers and in compliance with Board Policy 3513.3 Tobacco-Free Schools.

 

Signage at the entries to the synthetic turf field can ensure that users understand how to behave and treat the field.

Protect Our Turf
NO food	NO chewing gum
NO sunflower seeds	NO smoking
NO tobacco products	NO driving stakes

Although there is significantly less maintenance to be done on synthetic turf when compared to natural grass, there are some necessary procedures to be followed in order to ensure the field continues to perform at the highest level. Learn more about synthetic turf maintenance procedures.

 

• Responsible party:  Principal (or delegate)

Following these basic maintenance procedures will ensure your field is kept in optimal condition and that your maintenance activities comply with FieldTurf's third-party insured warranty. It is necessary, in accordance with the FieldTurf warranty policy, to send in a copy of the completed maintenance log annually.

• Responsible party:  Assistant Director of Facilities Operations

• Andrew P. Hill
• Evergreen Valley
• Independence
• James Lick
• Mt. Pleasant
• Piedmont Hills
• Oak Grove
• Santa Teresa
• Silver Creek
• W.C. Overfelt
• Yerba Buena

FieldTurf has a complete lineup of custom equipment engineered to facilitate all your maintenance requirements. All equipment or vehicles used on FieldTurf must be equipped with turf tires. Equipment must be stored indoors or outdoors with proper covering, such as a tarp. 

 

The list of approved maintenance equipment includes the FieldTurf GroomRight, the FieldTurf SweepRight, the Hydraulic Sweeper, the RT Groomer, the Drag Brush, and the GroomAll. Each unit comes with a comprehensive operator’s manual that should be reviewed.

Please be aware that “off the shelf” maintenance equipment can damage your field. If you are unsure if your maintenance equipment is allowable or prohibited, please contact the Assistant Director of Maintenance for consultation.

 

Learn about East Side's Synthetic Turf Maintenance Equipment

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) published the test standard ASTM F-355 in the 1970’s, which describes how the shock attenuation of sports surfaces should be measured.  Measured are the “g” forces (gravitational units) present during impact of a cylindrical missile weighing 20 lbs. dropped 24 inches.  The industry term for this measurement is called “G-Max”, which is the measurement of the maximum number of “g’s” of shock absorbed during impact of the weighted missile on the surface.

A field that is too hard can increase the risk for neural, cranial and cervical injuries. An overly hard field may also negatively impact performance, as routine playability can lead to excessive energy returned to the athlete’s joints and muscles; this performance hazard introduces the risk for severe and potentially career ending injuries.  A field that is too soft increases exposure for ankle and ACL injuries.  With an overly soft field, the athlete’s potential for premature exhaustion is also increased; as a result, athletic performance may suffer. 

In order for athletes to receive the best of both worlds, with a field that is neither too soft nor too hard, the field must meet the Maximum Safety & Performance standard, which calls for an average G-Max rating within the 120-180 range.