While I was watching some soccer matches, I couldn’t help but notice sprinklers being turned on, usually before a game or during halftime.
This piqued my curiosity, as my inexperienced mind would think that playing in wet spaces might be dangerous, I didn’t really understand the logic of wetting the field.
However, I was able to find out the reason behind it, and it really made sense as to why they would wet professional soccer fields. Find out in this article the whys and hows of wetting a soccer field.
Why Do They Water Professional Soccer Fields?
Professional soccer fields are being watered, as it helps with ball movement. Having wet fields would help the soccer ball slide and move faster, which makes the game faster and more exciting.
It is also watered to make the consistency of the grass, so that grass on both sides is in a fair condition, with no team being housed in a grass with better condition.
With this, it will also avoid injuries, especially during hot summers where players can get skin burns when they slide over the grass during a game.
With wet grass, their injuries become less dangerous than dried grass. Overall, it makes the game exciting and safe for everyone.
How Often Should You Water a Soccer Field?
You should water the field once or twice a week as a baseline. Remember that each field has different requirements, depending on its soil, geography, and other factors, so an exact number cannot be given.
The grass should not be soaked wet to the point that it will weaken the soil. That’s why, usually, it’s the turf managers and experts who are in charge of planning the watering schedule. No guidelines are given from governing bodies, such as FIFA.
The watering volume also depends on the weather. If it’s cloudy or somewhat moist, watering too much is unnecessary. But, if it’s burning hot, watering it more is needed.
Can You Play on a Wet Soccer Field?
Yes, you can definitely play on a wet soccer field. It will speed up the movement of the ball, which will make the pacing faster. This makes the game exciting for the players since having a smooth-running ball is a contributing factor.
It can also lessen the chances of injury. Though injuries cannot be avoided, having wet grass will lessen the possibility of painful injuries such as skin burns.
Since knee slides are common to soccer players (especially during their wins), this can be beneficial to any team’s success.
When is the Best Time to Wet the Field?
The best time to wet the field is 24 to 48 hours before a match. During pre-game, the field is watered a little more as well, but not as thoroughly. Then they also do further watering during half time.
However, it’s also up to the players if they want the field watered during the game. It should be a collective decision, as per FIFA’s standard.
Why Do They Water During Halftime?
The game of soccer is really quick, so even after a 45-minute game, the field becomes dry as the soil and grass absorb the water quickly.
Adding that during a game, it can’t be helped that some spots in the field are often a hotspot for the players; it can create inconsistency across the field.
Watering dry spots during half-time turns the field back to a neutral state that’s consistent with other wetter parts of the field. The judgment to water the field usually comes from both of the teams playing.
Who Decides to Water the Fields?
The turf manager oversees the overall watering schedule of the field. They have to make sure that the water is hydrated just enough.
The turf manager also studies the area, makes sure to oversee the needs of the field (the studies behind the soil, type of irrigation system needed, etc.), and decides on the schedule based on the requirements.
They can also bring up to the managers (during a game) if a field needs to be watered during halftime, especially if they see that there’s a dry part in the field.
According to FIFA, the teams will decide if the field will be watered during the game. Both managers of each team have to agree that the field needs to be wet for the game for it to be watered.
It’s up to them to decide if they want a wet field or not; however, having a dry field would be less exciting, as it can slow the momentum of the game.
Conclusion
Having a wet field makes the game faster, which can be an exciting sight for the fans. In wet fields, players get to show their tactics on claiming the ball and the power towards the game or match.
It can also help them to avoid grass blade cuts and would allow them to have fewer injuries. This is also an appreciation to the turf managers, who make sure that the field is naturally preserved.
It may seem like a small decision, but the teams agreeing collectively on the field’s condition is something that I see as camaraderie, which is what I consider a true essence of sport.
