Perceptions of Artificial Turf Regarding the Effects of Football Playing Surfaces on Injury Rates

Abstract

The perceptions of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III college football coaches (based on their interactions with interscholastic and intercollegiate football players) regarding the effects of football playing surfaces on athlete injury was investigated. The subjects were all (237 total) NCAA Division III football coaches. Based on the existing literature and input from a panel of expert Division III coaches, a questionnaire was formed. Results showed that 48% of the coaches surveyed, strongly agreed or agreed that artificial turf poses a greater risk to injury than natural grass.