What is HIC Testing?
At Turfix, nothing is more important to us than the safety of your athletes.
Concussions in sports are a hot topic and field owners, parents, coaches, and athletes have long considered the best way to evaluate the safety of a playing surface. As this discussion of artificial turf sports field safety—specifically surrounding concussions—continues to grow, a new field test has emerged: the HIC test.
What is HIC testing?
The Head Injury Criterion test, or HIC test, is the internationally recognized measure for the likelihood of head injury. The HIC impact test uses a device that allows you to measure the force of a human head when it strikes a playing surface. By following the protocol established by the ASTM, Turfix is able to determine the probability and severity of a head injury. The HIC Impact Test drops a weighted hemisphere projectile (curved like a human head) from increasing heights and then measures the impact.
Why is HIC testing important?
The HIC test is currently one of the most effective ways to measure the probability of head injury occurring from impact with a surface. The Concussion Legacy Foundation reported that 1 out of every 5 concussions occurs when the head impacts the playing surface. With a recent focus on reducing concussions, the HIC test is gaining a lot of attention from field owners as a way to better understand how their field will react during an impact.
How often should an artificial turf field be tested?
This is dependent on a variety of factors such as construction methods and materials used, level of play, environmental conditions, and the frequency and types of maintenance being carried out. But as a general rule of thumb, industry experts recommend that HIC testing take place on an annual basis at minimum in order to demonstrate commitment to player safety.
Do it right! HIC testing is an investment in your field’s and your athlete’s future!
If you make the commitment to have your synthetic field tested, you should also commit to having the tests done properly. Player safety is our top priority at Turfix and we perform HIC testing using ASTM standards to protect your players and protect your investment.
Selecting a Certified Field Turf Specialist like Turfix is crucial to maintaining your field’s playing characteristics and overall safety. Turfix offers HIC testing, provided by trained and certified professionals with dependable and dedicated equipment that often exceeds factory specifications and standards.
Call Turfix today to schedule your free on-field inspection or to schedule a HIC test for your field. You can also check out our services page for a more in-depth look at the maintenance programs we offer.
Contact Turfix today if you have any questions—we are experts in our field!