Abstract:

The aim of this study is to examine the stadium turf types of teams in Turkish professional football leagues and the distribution of these turf types between leagues. In the study, turf types in the stadiums of 145 teams participating in the Turkish professional football leagues in the 2020-2021 season were investigated. Information about the type of stadium turf was accessed by using the official site of the Turkish Football Federation. Missing information was completed on the website of the clubs or by contacting the relevant clubs. In the analysis of the data, the SPSS 23 package program was preferred and descriptive statistics were used. When turf surfaces played by teams were evaluated, it was determined that 74% (n: 108) of the teams in the professional leagues played their matches on natural grass, 16% (N:23) on synthetic turf and 10% (N:14) on hybrid turf pitches. When the types of turf are examined according to the league level; it was determined that 57% of the teams in the super League (n:12) on hybrid turf, 43% (N:9) on natural grass, 83% of the teams in first league (n:15) on natural grass, 11% (n:2) on hybrid turf and 6% (n:1) on synthetic turf play their matches. When the turf types of the teams in the second and third leagues are examined; it was found that 87% (n: 34) of the teams in the second league are on natural grass, 13% (n: 5) are on synthetic turf, and 75% (n: 50) of the teams in the third league are on natural grass, 13% (n: 5) are on synthetic turf play their matches. As a result, there are natural, synthetic and hybrid turf pitches in different proportions in professional leagues. Knowing the types of turf in the leagues of athletes, trainers and health crew will contribute to the health and performance of the athletes both at the beginning of the season and while the matchs are played.

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