FB: American Rivers Conference

[Gray Fox]

Turf or grass ?

Come on recruits.........play in MUD like the game was supposed to be played !

With muddy grass divots in the helmet like John Madden likes.

[5 Words or Less]

ACL injuries 40% higher on turf

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/01/us-football-idUSBRE84002Q20120501

[notlongago]

ACL injuries 40% higher on turf

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/01/us-football-idUSBRE84002Q20120501

No one is claiming turf is any safer. Performance is better on turf due to the increased and consistent traction. Obviously with the ability to better plant and move, the higher the likelihood of injuries.

[D3MAFAN]

ACL injuries 40% higher on turf

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/01/us-football-idUSBRE84002Q20120501

No one is claiming turf is any safer. Performance is better on turf due to the increased and consistent traction. Obviously with the ability to better plant and move, the higher the likelihood of injuries.

Simply the risk and reward principle.

[Duhawkin]

ACL injuries 40% higher on turf

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/01/us-football-idUSBRE84002Q20120501

No one is claiming turf is any safer. Performance is better on turf due to the increased and consistent traction. Obviously with the ability to better plant and move, the higher the likelihood of injuries.

Also, there is the appeal to the players that they practice where they play

Simply the risk and reward principle.

[doolittledog]

One of the most famous victories in Central history...the "Miracle in the Mud" game at Linfield would have looked, and possibly ended, much different had that game been played on turf!!!

Alas, though I may prefer grass, I realize it's all about the kiddies and making your school look the best.  If that means turf these days, then I guess I am glad my school has turf.  I am sure in another 10-15 years it will switch back to being cool to play on grass. 

On the bright side...68 days until Dubuque reports for camp 

[D3Dutchman]

ACL injuries 40% higher on turf

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/01/us-football-idUSBRE84002Q20120501

No one is claiming turf is any safer. Performance is better on turf due to the increased and consistent traction. Obviously with the ability to better plant and move, the higher the likelihood of injuries.

Simply the risk and reward principle.

Well, right, no one is claiming that it is any safer.  In fact, just the opposite seems to be true.  I can tell you I have a bum wheel, and it happened on this stuff.  Could it have happened on grass...sure, but maybe not...I'll never know.  Not sure I see much reward.  With all the focus on player safety as it relates to concussions, I think this issue is getting lost in the shuffle. 

[notlongago]

ACL injuries 40% higher on turf

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/01/us-football-idUSBRE84002Q20120501

No one is claiming turf is any safer. Performance is better on turf due to the increased and consistent traction. Obviously with the ability to better plant and move, the higher the likelihood of injuries.

Simply the risk and reward principle.

Well, right, no one is claiming that it is any safer.  In fact, just the opposite seems to be true.  I can tell you I have a bum wheel, and it happened on this stuff.  Could it have happened on grass...sure, but maybe not...I'll never know. Not sure I see much reward.  With all the focus on player safety as it relates to concussions, I think this issue is getting lost in the shuffle.

That is probably partially dependent on your position and the type of team you are on. Lineman probably dont notice a difference and may prefer grass. N/S runners probably dont care, some LBs probably dont care. However, shifty RBs, WRs, QBs, Corners, safeties seem to like turf because of the added traction and ability to plant/cut quickly.

[Fannosaurus Rex]

Per the KNIA KRLS web site:
This fall when the Central Football team hits the field at R.J. Schipper Stadium, it will be on a brand new playing surface. Last week a crew began tearing up the old turf, so an upgraded version of Fieldturf can be installed. Central's Athletic Director Eric Van Kley explains the new and improved field will come at no cost to Central College because it was under warranty. The freshlook field is expected to be ready when preseason drills begin in mid-August. The Dutch home opener is Saturday, September 7th vs Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

[hazzben]

Turf or grass ?

Come on recruits.........play in MUD like the game was supposed to be played !

And there we have it. IMO, until you've played football in the MUD, you've never really played football! I'm not anti-turf, although Bethel has an incredible, sand based grass field. But it does seem like something is lost. Football is one of the few sports that is played regardless of the elements (barring tornado or extreme lightning). Baseball get's delayed. Same with a slew of other 'outdoor' sports. But football, rain or shine, mud or sleet...the game goes on. And if you've ever played in the rain, mud or snow, you never forget those games.

It's too bad so many HS players these days have never get the experience. And it's also why I hate the NFL teams playing in a dome. MN could have one of the coolest (pun intended) home field advantages. Green Bay is balmy compared to MSP in January. The Dome is just unholy.

[notlongago]

I've only had the unfortunate event of playing on grass during rain once in my 12 year football career, and while the mud, puddles, etc were fun, I mostly remember being incredibly frustrated throughout most of the game. Cuts I normally made, blocking techniques, shedding techniques, etc didn't work like they normally did.

I did play several more games in rain, sleet, light snow(never got to play on a white field) on turf, and they were a blast. Again, I may be in the minority.

[D3Dutchman]

I've only had the unfortunate event of playing on grass during rain once in my 12 year football career, and while the mud, puddles, etc were fun, I mostly remember being incredibly frustrated throughout most of the game. Cuts I normally made, blocking techniques, shedding techniques, etc didn't work like they normally did.

I did play several more games in rain, sleet, light snow(never got to play on a white field) on turf, and they were a blast. Again, I may be in the minority.

You are Ironically a few muddy games in the early part of the 00's might have contributed to Central switching.  I can remember one in particular against Auggie that caused some serious issues.  Although, they probably would have switched eventually anyway to keep up with the Jones'.  All I can say is that I hope it goes the way of the old AstroTurf, and someday we see grass back at Schipper Stadium...the way it was meant to be.

[5 Words or Less]

Mount Mercy plans athletic complex

http://www.mountmercymustangs.com/article/1132.php

[Phred]

ACL injuries 40% higher on turf

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/01/us-football-idUSBRE84002Q20120501

No one is claiming turf is any safer. Performance is better on turf due to the increased and consistent traction. Obviously with the ability to better plant and move, the higher the likelihood of injuries.

So, D3 football is supposed to appease the spectators and coaches ....."better plant and move" at the expense of the student/athletes we encourage come to our supposed academic colleges ?  Future knee replacements, etc. 

Come on guys........IIAC has to be better than that.   

If the AD at your school wants to sacrifice kids so be it.  Just don,t sanction it.

[notlongago]

ACL injuries 40% higher on turf

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/01/us-football-idUSBRE84002Q20120501

No one is claiming turf is any safer. Performance is better on turf due to the increased and consistent traction. Obviously with the ability to better plant and move, the higher the likelihood of injuries.

So, D3 football is supposed to appease the spectators and coaches ....."better plant and move" at the expense of the student/athletes we encourage come to our supposed academic colleges ?  Future knee replacements, etc. 

Come on guys........IIAC has to be better than that.   

If the AD at your school wants to sacrifice kids so be it.  Just don,t sanction it.

I cant tell because of your punctuation, but are you saying the bolded statement as a question or statement?

Ill address both possibilities:

No, D3 is not supposed to appease coaches and spectators. D3 is for players who love to play the game, and want to perform it to the best of their abilities. If turf helps players perform better, then turf is the way to go.

We can't live in a bubble wrapped world. If you don't like turf, there are plenty of schools who still have grass...go there.

and before you relate the current culture of safety to this scenario. Neurological injuries don't compare to bum knees.