Acoustoscan is a leading global organization renowned for its expertise in sports field and product testing, operating in ten countries, including India. With a focus on evaluating playground surfaces for a variety of sports—football, hockey, tennis, rugby, and athletics—Acoustoscan stands out for its proficiency in field site assessments, laboratory analysis, and playground surface evaluations.
In a compelling interview with The Interview World, Aayush Kumar, Country Head of Acoustoscan India, offers an in-depth look at the organization’s comprehensive testing services. He details the rigorous parameters used to evaluate football fields and other sports grounds. Moreover, he underscores the importance of adherence to international standards and best practices. Kumar also provides insights into the extensive range of services available for testing sports products. Additionally, he discusses the significant advancements in testing and certification processes for sports grounds over the past decade. This conversation sheds light on Acoustoscan’s commitment to excellence and the evolving landscape of sports field testing.
Q: What sorts of testing services your organization provide for sports products and grounds?
A: We specialize in conducting thorough product and field testing across various sports disciplines. For example, when a major football stadium is under construction, the sports authority requires assurance that the football field complies with international standards. To meet this need, we hold prestigious accreditations from leading global sports federations. For football, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the International Football Federation have accredited us.
This accreditation empowers us to perform detailed on-field testing, gather comprehensive data, and submit our findings directly to these federations. We rigorously evaluate the field according to stringent parameters set by international sports authorities. If the field successfully meets these high standards, it receives official certification. Our role ensures that sports venues are not only up to code but also deliver a world-class experience that aligns with the highest international standards.
Q: What specific parameters do you evaluate when assessing football fields or other types of sports grounds?
A: In FIFA, we meticulously evaluate three critical parameters: shock absorption, vertical deformation, and energy restitution, all vital for player performance. Energy restitution quantifies how much energy rebounds to the player’s knee from the ground during running. Vertical deformation measures the compression of the playing surface. If the field is excessively cushioned, it can hinder movement, making it difficult to walk or run efficiently and increasing the effort required. These tests are essential to ensure that the playing surface offers the right balance between support and comfort, thereby enhancing overall athletic performance and reducing the risk of injury.
Q: Are there any specific international standards or best practices that you adhere to for these testing parameters?
A: Yes, we rigorously adhere to FIFA standards, meticulously following their comprehensive test manual. As an accredited test institute, we extend our expertise to multiple renowned organizations, including the Australian Football League (AFL), Fédération Internationale de Hockey (FIH), International Tennis Federation (ITF), and Fédération Internationale de Basketball (FIBA). Our extensive experience spans years in the testing and performance evaluation of synthetic sports surfaces, ensuring top-notch quality and reliability.
We hold accreditation from the International Association for Sport Surface Sciences (ISSS), further underscoring our commitment to excellence. Additionally, we have played an active role in the development of leading international standards, notably contributing to the FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf since 2003, showcasing our dedication to advancing sports surface technology.
Q: Do you offer testing services for sports products as part of your portfolio?
A: We conduct comprehensive testing on sports products, such as synthetic turf, to ensure they meet specified standards. Our process starts with laboratory analysis, where we collect samples from the delivered turf. We then perform a series of tests to verify that the product aligns with the contractor’s claims.
A key test is Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), which measures the heat signature of a turf sample. We compare this data with the manufacturer’s specifications to confirm product authenticity. Additionally, we utilize microscopy to inspect individual strands of the turf, assessing their length and diameter with precision. This ensures that each strand conforms to the promised dimensions. We also examine the turf’s shape and structure against the manufacturer’s declarations. These rigorous tests guarantee that the product delivered meets the required standards, providing quality assurance and reliability in the final installation.
Q: In addition to your primary services, do you offer certification programs in sports?
A: We do not issue certificates. Instead, we deliver testing services on behalf of global federations like FIH, FIFA, and ITF.
Q: How has the testing and certification of sports grounds and products evolved over the past decade?
A: Since I began in 2017, there has been a profound shift in focus towards quality and international standards. Initially, the emphasis was minimal, but now, the landscape has transformed. We are seeing substantial investments and intensified efforts dedicated to improving quality and enhancing sports facilities. This remarkable growth highlights a significant commitment to excellence and development in these areas.
