4G/Astro

[Gabriel]

After noticing this pop up as an issue for me this season, and seeing others hinting at it, I thought I'd finally raise it. Before I started reffing, I'd never badly injured myself. A year and a bit into refereeing, and I've spent at least 3 to 4 months out injured in total. All but 1 of these injuries have come from refereeing on 4G (the one that didn't happened 3 days after a game on 4G, when I was still incredibly sore - that doesn't happen to me on grass!). Is this a common thing or is it just an unfortunate coincidence? I wear the same boots on Astro/4G as I do on grass (not sure if this is the norm? It was recommended to me when reffing at the Wolves academy when I spoke to their physio and a few of the coaches). If you experience this, how do you cope with it? Thanks!

 

[RonnieM]

All but 2 of my games have been on Astro/4G the amount of wee rubber bits I find everywhere is a testament to that. I've always been sore after every game but not to the extent of injury. Grass pitches are a luxury these days but have to say I have felt better after a grass pitch game. I think our knees suffer a great deal with continual firm ground.

 

[Kent Ref]

All but 2 of my games have been on Astro/4G the amount of wee rubber bits I find everywhere is a testament to that. I've always been sore after every game but not to the extent of injury. Grass pitches are a luxury these days but have to say I have felt better after a grass pitch game. I think our knees suffer a great deal with continual firm ground.

Bizzarely i find the oppositte!

Grass has a lot of uneven spots and you sometimes nearly trip when you're running and you hit a dip.

Astro i ref on always "feels cushioned".

 

[DavidObs]

There is also the possibility of old 3G not being as good as more recent 3/4G, as well as some clubs not spending additional funds on shock protection below.

 

[OldNavyRef]

I try my best to wear comfortable trail shoes on astro (tiger turf and others don't allow them though).

That massively helps. Much nicer on the shines. I'll even wear them on a firm pitch.

I really started to go man down end of last season because of shin splints and I think running on rock hard astro in moulds messes them up.