Injuries are a part of sports and in some cases are unavoidable due to the high pace they are all played. They are definitely the most agonizing and saddening part of playing any sport. But for some athletes, specifically those who play football or soccer, depending on the surface they are playing on, they place themselves at a higher risk of injury every time they step foot on the field. But why does the surface these athletes play on matter?
Some athletes do have their own preferences, though, as they may believe turf is better in terms of being able to handle all weather conditions and reducing possible holes in the field itself. Turf is also much firmer and provides better grip for athletes on the field. But it seems as if the risks of playing on turf overwhelmingly outweigh the positives. Since turf provides better grip and traction for athletes, this is terrible for joints, putting them under more stress. This then leads to long-term injuries and increases the odds of lower extremity injuries, such as a risk of torn ligaments, sprained ankles, and other possible injuries. The most devastating injuries that occur are torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and torn Achilles tendons to athletes; these two injuries always spark back up the debate of why athletes should not play on turf. The recovery process can take up to six to twelve months for either of these injuries to be able to regain the power you once had.
Just recently, on September 28, a National Football League (NFL) game was taking place between the Los Angeles Chargers visiting the New York Giants. But, in the second quarter of this game, Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart attempted a pass to standout wide receiver Malik Nabers. Nabers attempted to jump in the air for the ball but seemed to gain no power from his jump immediately falling to the ground grimacing in pain. He eventually was carted off the field with the crowd stunned over what had just occurred and hoping the injury would not be serious. The following day he received an MRI, which revealed that Nabers had torn his right ACL, ending his season.
This immediately raised uproar on why NFL games are still played on turf as Malik Nabers is one of many to have suffered a devastating injury, Met Life Stadium being under the most scrutiny. Since 2020, at least fifteen NFL players have suffered a torn ACL or torn Achilles playing on the turf at Met Life Stadium. But this is not the only stadium that uses turf field, as the breakdown is seventeen total teams play on turf while the other fifteen play on natural grass.
With this, it brings the attention to the Ayala Stadium field, which is a turf field. Student athletes use this field for practices and games, but how do they feel about playing on turf rather than a grass field?
“I prefer grass a hundred percent, but only if it’s good short cut grass. It feels more natural and prevents more injuries,” Ayala soccer player Max Sumner (11) said.
On the other hand, there were also arguments for playing on grass rather than turf.
“I like turf because its more consistent than grass. Its also easier to control the ball because theres no holes or bumps unlike grass,” Ayala flag football and soccer player Marina Ortega (11) said.
Ortega utilizes the field for both of her sports and it’s worth noting she has found no issue with the current turf field as she uses it to her advantage, especially in soccer.
“I prefer to play on turf because the turf on the ground is even, “ Ayala football player Ryan DeRenzis (11) said.
No matter what, turf and grass will each hold their own unique positives and negatives for athletes who play on these surfaces for their sport.
