Fauquier High School (FHS) has changed it up this year by installing a brand new turf field. After many complaints about the uneven terrain, hard maintenance, and the field’s unavailability to play when it rains.

An unfortunate aspect of the turf is that players’ feet can get stuck rather than slide, potentially causing them to tear a ligament, such as the ACL. Turf heats up easily; if it’s too hot outside, it can get too hot to play on. Because it can get so hot on the turf, the bottom of the athlete’s feet, especially when wearing black cleats, can become uncomfortable. On grass, it doesn’t matter what color cleats an athlete wears; it won’t be hot on players’ feet, and the grass won’t increase the risk of player injuries.

Turf can typically last 8 to 15 years, but only if somebody takes good care of it. In addition, the turf needs to be brushed every three to four weeks. Maintaining a turf field costs $7,000 to $22,000 annually, depending on the field’s length and type of turf.

This change to turf is more dangerous for school teams, leading to too many injuries. The school has had a few games so far, and one person is already out for a couple of games. There is concrete under the turf, making the bottom much more complex than one might think. If one falls and has nothing to protect their head, it could cause a severe head injury like a concussion or even worse.

Playing on turf when it’s raining makes it slippery and more challenging to play on. The turf pellets inside the turf can get in players’ faces and eyes, making it hard to see. Also, turf can enter players’ mouths, and they may accidentally swallow some, leading to coughing and possibly increasing the risk of choking on turf pellets while running.