The Surf Coast Hockey Field at Bayul Warri Fields in Torquay has been officially certified by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) as a Category 3 Dry Turf hockey field, receiving an FIH Field Certificate under the FIH Quality Programme.
Dry Turf surfaces are a new category of hockey turf designed to replicate, as closely as possible, the playing characteristics of traditional wet turf—without the need for water. As these surfaces are relatively new, the FIH and the broader hockey community are continuing to assess and understand their playing qualities. For this reason, Dry Turf fields are currently classified as Category 3, a category typically used for regional and local competitions.
Initial feedback indicates that, in hot and dry conditions, some Dry Turf surfaces may provide higher levels of foot grip than are commonly experienced on wet or damp fields. Players may therefore wish to consider using hockey shoes with less pronounced tread patterns when playing under these conditions.
The Surf Coast Hockey Field will shortly be added to the FIH’s world list of certified hockey fields.