Groundsman Development

Preparation, Maintenance and Renovation of the Rugby Pitch: Basic Techniques

The RFU is committed to raising the standard of groundsmanship throughout the country, and towards that aim has worked in association with the The Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) to develop this training course.

The basic techniques course is designed to provide rugby union groundsmen with a practical knowledge of rugby pitch maintenance. The training will demonstrate the skills required to prepare, maintain and renovate the playing surface before, during and after the playing season. The course is beneficial to those ground staff working alone or those working as a member of a larger team.

Twickenham Head Groundsman Keith Kent chats to officials at Trojans rugby club

Photo: Getty Images

Objectives

To provide safe working practices when completing operations on the rugby pitch.
To appreciate the requirements for rugby union pitches and rugby pitch maintenance generally.
To provide playing surfaces to the required standard.
To implement the correct sequence of operations in producing and maintaining the playing surface.
To use and compare the different materials available for the production of rugby pitches.
To use and compare the range of equipment available for the production and maintenance of rugby pitches.
To carry out renovation to the pitch after the game.
To carry out maintenance of equipment used for the game of rugby.
To appreciate the differences between the provision of rugby pitches for both the summer and winter game.