At the time, industry-standard Advanced Artificial Athlete (AAA) systems provided valuable measurements such as Shock Absorption (%), Vertical Deformation (mm) and Energy Restitution (%). However, these systems are heavy, cumbersome and less practical for quick data collection. Simpler devices such as the Clegg Hammer and GMax offered ease of use, but each provided only part of the overall picture in what is effectively a Hardness value. Our ambition was to combine the best aspects of all three systems into a single device.

For many years, skin injury testing for sports surfaces has relied primarily on friction measurements. However, research has shown that athlete–surface interaction is far more complex, involving impact, deceleration, sliding behaviour and temperature alongside visible skin damage.Our latest Field Notes article introduces SLIDE (Sports Labs Injury & Decelerator Evaluator), a biofidelic testing system developed to better represent real player interactions while integrating into existing durability testing. 

The article explains why this approach provides a more representative assessment of skin injury potential and how it can be used to evaluate surfaces throughout their service life. 

Read how Sports Labs' in-house Balance Test Device quantifies the offset between a football's centre of mass and centre of volume to the millimetre.

As squash expands globally and moves towards LA 2028, the World Squash Quality Programme introduces a new era of structured certification, focusing on safety, performance and consistency.

Developed with Sports Labs, the new flooring specification sets clear, internationally aligned standards while supporting innovation and long-term growth across the sport.

In this Field Notes we bring attention to the ability of a field owner, facility manager or maintenance operative to apply a basic pile ratio over time to monitor performance to the point where recovery might not be achievable. We have used a live field case study as an example.

All fields will differ due to construction but change relative to ball roll can always be monitored

This Field notes is relevant for facility managers looking for a clear checklist for the new school year, checking the pitch/s are safe and ready for children and users. Note this provides guidance, note not an exhaustive list, for checks to be made. You can also engage with us to support.

This edition of Field Notes will delve into what floodlight inspection entails, why it's crucial, who benefits from it, and the comprehensive services Sports Labs offers in this domain.