Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the surface perform?
A: The tp365 system has been designed to give a balanced game between bat and ball. The system is designed with a dynamic base therefore adapting with climatic conditions and mimicking a natural surface - unlike concrete or engineered (tarmac) bases. The ECB TS6 document outlines construction profiles and the advantages of dynamic bases. In addition to the TP profile construction the playing surface carpet is unique due to its pile height and density. The increased pile height of the tp1 carpet encourages greater turn/spin, especially for junior cricketers. The surface has been developed to a medium to fast pace or the equivalent of a good standard league cricket pitch.
Q: Is the tp365 systems approved?
A: Yes, the tp365 non-turf cricket pitch design has been approved by the ECB and total-play Ltd have become the
first non-turf pitch (NTP) installer to be accredited with the ECB ‘Code of Practice for the Design and Installation of Non- Turf Cricket Facilities’. We also offer other solutions (not ECB approved) that offer a great balance between playing performance and value for money.
Q. Does total-play use sub contractors?
A: All systems are installed by total-play employees utilising the latest laser guided equipment and machinery. Our in house team means we retain absolute control over the installation and quality assurances. Our team is capable of constructing any cricket system requirements including drainage systems and bespoke designs.
Q. Why doesn’t total-play install tarmac or concrete bases?
A: The answer to that question is, ‘we can and we do; but our preference, borne out of experience, is always for a dynamic, aggregate base’.
A tarmac or concrete bound surface absolutely has its place, and we have specifically designed our tp6 non-turf pitch (NTP) system to provide a solution for installations on existing hard surfaces, e.g. indoor sports halls and outdoor hard play areas. Such surfaces do offer a flexible, good value, all-weather playing solution. However, when compared with a total-play installed, dynamic base NTP, the proof is in the playing experience and stability of surface quality.
total-play has invested heavily in all aspects of its non-turf pitch solutions; from the base up to the playing carpet, each element has been rigorously tried and tested. Two of our carefully developed NTP solutions, tp5 and the ECB approved tp365 NTP, are constructed by our in-house team, both are installed with a dynamic base. The key to the surface stability and performance lies heavily in the strength of the secondary layer (please see ourNTP Installation Demonstration for more information). Creating a stable, free draining base minimises the likelihood of surface movement and an affected playing experience. A strong secondary layer is topped with the primary layer of a carefully selected unique dynamic unbound aggregate before the appropriate shock pad and playing carpets are installed.
With a strong and durable base reducing the effects of ground movement, a total-play system requires very little in the way of ongoing maintenance. The playing surface will respond to climatic conditions in the same way as a natural surface, therefore giving a realistic, rounded play experience.
Q: What maintenance is required on total-play systems?
A: The tp365 system is a roll free system. The recommended maintenance includes regular brushing of the carpet
every couple of weeks to remove surface debris and to stand up the carpet yarn in high wear areas. If surface levels deteriorate then work can be completed to re-level the base constructed. This process should be completed by total-play.
Q: What Performance Quality Assurance do total-play systems have?
A: All systems are built in accordance with ECB Guidance Notes (TS6) and detailed quality assurance procedures. All components, construction processes and playing performances are guaranteed to meet the industry recognized Performance Quality Standards (PQS) on project hand over.
Q: Are total-play systems eligible for funding?
A: Yes. Owning our ECB approved non-turf cricket pitch design (tp365 system), enables us to deliver any ECB or
Lord’s Taverners funded project. It is important to know that the cheapest option does not have to be submitted for funding approval. As long as the club can justify their decision, any approved installer can be selected. total-play also completes works for self-funded projects and can help guide organisations towards local funding bodies and opportunities. For further information on funding please contact us.
Q: Can total-play repair our existing practice pitch?
A: Yes. The extent of the refurbishment will depend on several factors such as the condition of the base construction.
A full inspection can be made to evaluate the level of repair required. Refurbishments can include replacing artificial carpets, steel frameworks and replacing netting.
Q: What safety advantages does the tp365 system design offer?
A: Each lane is covered with one piece of the ‘tp1’ surface carpet minimising risk of ‘trip hazards’ and the elimination of traction issues. The two-tone design eliminates the need for a different fill-in or surrounding carpet, and provides the same level of traction across the entire playing surface. The only joins are between the bays! The system also has ridge free surfaces as the entire playing area is constructed as one surface. The system does not include internal frameworks or hard areas which create trip hazards and uneven bounce. We also include shock absorbers in the bowler’s run-up and landing areas reducing the level of impact on the player’s bodies and the chance of strain or injury.
Q: What type of netting system does total-play install?
A: In 2011 total-play launched a revolutionary new netting system called the ‘Protection Tunnel’. The ‘Protection Tunnel’ uses a unique one piece netting design for shielding each lane, protecting batters and bowlers from flying balls. The netting is secured using tension wires only, which means no loading on isolated points. The design also enables the netting system to be installed and taken down in a few minutes.
Q: How do I decide where to locate a new system?
A: A total-play engineer will complete a site investigation to discuss the club requirements and specific ground conditions. Each ground has specific factors that will influence design solutions. This includes the direction of play, access to the facility, soil profile, planning permission, underground services etc. total-play can design bespoke systems to suit any individual site.
Q: Do we need planning permission for a practice area?
A: We advise all clubs to contact their own individual local planning authority. Most funding agencies will require written proof that planning permission has been sought prior to offering funding assistance.
Q: How long will a tp365 NTP system last?
A: The design and components used within the tp365 system have been carefully selected to offer the best performance and greatest longevity of any ECB approved non-turf practice facility design. The tp365 system is built using concrete kerbs and cement edging, guaranteeing the stability of the playing surface. The actual construction including the Concrete Kerb edgings, aggregate base and steel framework will last for future generations offering an everlasting, future proof system. The only components that may require replacing after 8-12 years (dependent on maintenance and usage) is the playing surface carpet.
Q. What is the size of the playing area?
A: total-play can offer any length of pitch and any size system to suit site specific characteristics or customer requirements. We have installed systems from a match pitch to six bay fully enclosed practice facilities.
Q. What type of footwear can be worn on the tp365 playing surface?
A: We recommend that only rubber soled shoes are worn. Metal spikes should not be used on any artificial surface as
this will rapidly increase deterioration of the carpet.
Q. Does the total-play system include any training aids?
A: With the tp365 system, you have the option of having three white lines woven into the carpet to identify stump positions. This option has proved a great success with all levels and age groups.
Q. What other products does total-play offer?
A: In addition to our ECB approved tp365 system, our range includes the new tp5 and tp6 solutions, designed for the
budget conscious and existing hard-surface respectively. total-play can design and install any size system to suit site specific characteristics, budget or personal preference. We also supply a range of pioneering sport surface protection covers and growth covers including the Climate Cover System. For further information on these please visit www.climatecover.co.uk. For products for the cricket ground, please visit www.thecricketgroundshop.co.uk
Q. Does total-play supply and install security fences?
A: Yes. Our in house team can install 2 different types of security fence dependent on requirements. We also have the capability to install bespoke gates for unique system.
Q. Why choose a total-play system?
- The total-play system is designed for the modern game
- Minimized risk of ‘trip hazards’ and the elimination of traction issues
- Each lane is covered with one piece of the ‘tp1’ surface carpet. The two-tone design eliminates the need for a different fill-in or surrounding carpet, and provides the same level of traction across the entire playing surface. The only joins are between the bays.
- Training aids
- TP is the only design to offer white lines. A unique permanent visual training aid for all levels of cricketers.
- Stretching the length of the lane three white woven lines show the stump position to batsman, bowlers and coaches
- Low maintenance
- The tp365 is ‘roll-free’ meaning very little maintenance is required. The system is designed to provide a user- friendly, low-labour solution suitable for any club and resourcing level
- Maximum system stability and longevity
- Systems are built with concrete curbs and cement edging that guarantees the stability of the playing surface
- In addition the installation of a permanent edging allows the playing surface to be constructed to the correct performance gradients
- Ridge free surfaces
- The entire playing area is constructed as one surface. The system does not include internal frameworks or hard areas which create trip hazards and uneven bounce
- Reduced chance of strain or injury
- The inclusion of shock absorbers in the bowler’s run-up and landing areas reduces the level of impact on the player’s bodies
- Unique & robust netting systems
- total-play net systems are installed with the revolutionary ‘Protection Tunnel’ netting system and a 4m high galvanised tubular steel. All frameworks are secured using steel sockets and netting is anchored with tension wires
- Systems are also designed to include ‘batting curtains’, which surround the batsman and prevent injury from the adjacent
