Respect our pitch by wearing the correct footwear.
That is the simple message behind updated rules on the type of footwear allowed onto our 3G pitch which will help prevent injury to users, surface damage and prolong its life.
The changes follow clearer guidance from Slatters, our pitch maintenance company.
With immediate effect, the only footwear allowed for anyone accessing our pitch are:
– Artificial Ground (AG) Boots
– Firm Ground (FG) Boots
– Hard Ground (HG) Boots
Previously, pitch-goers could wear astro trainers but these will now no longer be allowed as Slatters advise that this footwear can cause similar damage to the pitch as other types of soled footwear and may also present a greater risk of injury to anyone wearing them on the 3G surface.
This is because if studs are too long they tear the pitch and increase the risk of injury to the wearer. If the studs/soles are too short, or flat, they compact and flatten the surface and increase the risk of injury to the wearer. These rules apply to our coaches, and officials as well as players.
The following are also still not allowed:
– Soft ground boots
– Trainers
– Shoes
– Stilettos
– Any other form of non-football footwear
The changes will take immediate effect, although there will be a grace period to 30 June for regular users who have been wearing Astro trainers for some time. This will give those people time to change their footwear.
The club has a stock of compliant footwear that anyone playing, coaching, or refereeing on the pitch can borrow. But if anyone is able to donate adult-sized second hand compliant footwear this would also be appreciated.
Director Mark Cornish, said: “We hope these new tightened footwear rules will minimise the risk of injury to users as well as reducing pitch wear and tear. This should lengthen the life expectancy of the 3G carpet and delay the need to relay it at significant expense.
“We also needed to tighten our policy and terms because we have seen a growing number of instances of people wearing trainers and flat-soled shoes on the pitch, even when it was prohibited.
“Sadly, we have also had a number of incidents where people have been rude and abusive towards staff and officials who have raised concerns about incorrect footwear.
“This is not acceptable, and anyone who repeatedly wears the wrong footwear, or abuses staff or officials asking them to change their footwear, risks being fined or excluded from the stadium. They could also jeopardise future pitch bookings they are involved in.”
Regrettably, some of the worst offenders for wearing incorrect footwear have been parents of younger players which is why a clearer rule is being introduced to explicitly prevent parents being on the pitch at any time, unless they are also coaching.
Tonbridge Angels hopes all users will appreciate the need to make these changes and respect the new rules.
Our Footwear Guide, Pitch Rules, and Pitch Hire Terms and Conditions have all been updated, and are displayed on our website, and posters at pitch gates and appropriate locations around the stadium.
If you would like further guidance please contact Shaz Williams or Mark Cornish.
