--- title: "Turf Wars: MOM vs Those Tiny Rubber Specks" description: They may seem like an inconvenience, but it's important to understand that this rubber layer plays a crucial role in keeping your players safe from injury. image: https://valpovikingsqbc.org/hubfs/turf.jpg --- [![qbc-wht-lettering](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/hs-fs/hubfs/logos/qbc-wht-lettering.png?width=800&height=265&name=qbc-wht-lettering.png "qbc-wht-lettering")](https://valpovikingsqbc.org) [![qbc-logoweb](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/hs-fs/hubfs/logos/qbc-logoweb.png?width=800&height=265&name=qbc-logoweb.png "qbc-logoweb")](https://valpovikingsqbc.org) - About Us - [Meet The Coaches](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/meet-the-coaches) - [QBC Board Members](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/qbc-board-members) - [Blog](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/coachs-corner-and-qbc-blog) - Get Involved - [Membership](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/memberships) - [Golf Outing Sponsorship](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/golf-outing) - [Opportunities](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/opportunities) - Calendar/Tickets - [Coaches Calendar](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/coaches-calendar) - [QBC Calendar & Ticket Link](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/calendar) - [Donate](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/donate) - [Blog](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/coachs-corner-and-qbc-blog) # Coach's Corner & QBC Blog Your Destination For All Things Valpo HS Football [Subscribe](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/coachs-corner-and-qbc-blog/turf-wars-mom-vs-those-tiny-rubber-specks#subscribe) [QBC](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/coachs-corner-and-qbc-blog/tag/qbc), [Player Safety](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/coachs-corner-and-qbc-blog/tag/player-safety)   |   7 Min Read # Turf Wars: MOM vs Those Tiny Rubber Specks ![Picture of Valpo Vikings QBC](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/hubfs/logos/valpo-vikings-qbc-logo.jpg) [Written by Valpo Vikings QBC](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/coachs-corner-and-qbc-blog/author/valpo-vikings-qbc) You may have noticed some peculiar little rubber bits finding their way into unexpected places – your car, the garage, the bathroom floor, and even the dryer. You might be wondering what these tiny black specks are and where they're coming from. Rest assured, these little bits of rubber are from the infill of the artificial turf on the football field. ![Infill-Crumb-Rubber](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Infill-Crumb-Rubber.png?width=200&height=95&name=Infill-Crumb-Rubber.png) While they may seem like an inconvenience, it's important to understand that this rubber layer plays a crucial role in keeping your players safe from injury. Let's dive into the significance of these infill materials and how they contribute to a safer playing surface for your beloved football stars. ## Consistency and Uniformity One of the significant advantages of artificial turf is its all-weather playability. Natural grass fields can be unpredictable, especially with the extreme weather that we sometimes experience here in Valparaiso. ❄️🌦️🔅 Uneven surfaces, divots, and muddy patches pose significant risks to players, leading to slips, trips, and falls. Artificial turf has drainage underneath it. This helps provide a playing surface that remains the same throughout the game, minimizing the risk of injuries caused by unpredictable field conditions. ## Enhanced Shock Absorption ![sprinturf-layers](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/hs-fs/hubfs/sprinturf-layers.png?width=250&height=172&name=sprinturf-layers.png)Artificial turf is designed with shock-absorbing properties, incorporating cushioning layers (That crumb rubber you find everywhere) that mitigate the impact of falls and tackles.  This aspect is particularly beneficial for high school athletes, since their bodies are still developing and they can be more susceptible to injuries. The improved shock absorption of artificial turf can significantly reduce the risk of injuries, such as fractures and sprains. ## Reduced Maintenance and Eco-Friendly Natural grass fields require continuous maintenance, including mowing, fertilizing, and watering. When not adequately cared for, natural grass can become compacted and uneven, increasing the risk of player injuries. Artificial turf, on the other hand, requires less maintenance and is free of pesticides and fertilizers. While this is a cost-reduction to the school, its also great for the environment. One artificial turf field: - Diverts ~20,000 tires from the landfill - Saves the need for up to 60,000 gallons of water per week - Offers a durable, even playing surface for the entire season. ## About The Valpo Vikings Turf ![sprinturf-installation](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/hs-fs/hubfs/sprinturf-installation.jpg?width=250&height=131&name=sprinturf-installation.jpg) The turf at VHS is produced by [Sprinturf](https://www.sprinturf.com/), right here in the United States. Our current artificial turf was initially installed in 2019 and was refurbished this spring as a part of ongoing maintenance to keep our field performing as well as our athletes.  The Valpo Vikings have played on turf since 2008. If you haven't had a chance to walk on it, meet your player out on the field after a game and feel for yourself. --- If you'd like to nerd out, 🤓 watch this video about how the turf is made. (skip to 6:30 if you want to see how its installed) --- The benefits of artificial turf are clear: a consistent playing surface, reduced risk of injury, enhanced shock absorption, and all-weather playability. The turf at VHS is providing a safer environment for student-athletes and ensures that the sport remains enjoyable and accessible for generations to come. So when you see those little rubber crumbs... maybe just ask your student-athlete to dump out their shoes before getting into the car. 😉 Topics:   [QBC](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/coachs-corner-and-qbc-blog/tag/qbc), [Player Safety](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/coachs-corner-and-qbc-blog/tag/player-safety) ### Get Notified About our Next Article! - - - - [mailto:?subject=Turf%20Wars:%20MOM%20vs%20Those%20Tiny%20Rubber%20Specks&body=Turf%20Wars:%20MOM%20vs%20Those%20Tiny%20Rubber%20Specks%20https://valpovikingsqbc.org/coachs-corner-and-qbc-blog/turf-wars-mom-vs-those-tiny-rubber-specks](mailto:?subject=Turf%20Wars:%20MOM%20vs%20Those%20Tiny%20Rubber%20Specks&body=Turf%20Wars:%20MOM%20vs%20Those%20Tiny%20Rubber%20Specks%20https://valpovikingsqbc.org/coachs-corner-and-qbc-blog/turf-wars-mom-vs-those-tiny-rubber-specks) ## Related Articles [QBC](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/coachs-corner-and-qbc-blog/tag/qbc) [Weekly](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/coachs-corner-and-qbc-blog/tag/weekly) ### [More Than Pink: Why October Is Personal to Our Team](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/coachs-corner-and-qbc-blog/more-than-pink-why-october-is-personal-to-our-team) I'm going to turn the mic over to one of your teammates, someone who wants to talk about and bring awareness to what October is about. For those of you that don't know or had Mr. Bernardi for health, ... [![Picture of Coach Bill Marshall](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/hubfs/coach-marshall-headshot.jpg) Coach Bill Marshall](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/coachs-corner-and-qbc-blog/author/coach-marshall) [QBC](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/coachs-corner-and-qbc-blog/tag/qbc) [Weekly](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/coachs-corner-and-qbc-blog/tag/weekly) ### [Tradition, Rivalry, and Brotherhood: The Campbell-Meridian Cup](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/coachs-corner-and-qbc-blog/tradition-rivalry-and-brotherhood-the-campbell/meridian-cup) This week, the Valparaiso Vikings take on long-time rival Chesterton in the battle for the Campbell/Meridian Cup. More than just a football game, this matchup carries decades of tradition, pride, and ... [![Picture of Valpo Vikings QBC](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/hubfs/logos/valpo-vikings-qbc-logo.jpg) Valpo Vikings QBC](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/coachs-corner-and-qbc-blog/author/valpo-vikings-qbc) [QBC](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/coachs-corner-and-qbc-blog/tag/qbc) [Weekly](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/coachs-corner-and-qbc-blog/tag/weekly) ### [Outwork the Grind and Beat the Game Before it Begins](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/coachs-corner-and-qbc-blog/outwork-the-grind-and-beat-the-game-before-it-begins) I don't know whether you guys know this about me or not, but this is a milestone for me. First job that I ever had out of college was a teacher at Flint Lake Elementary and coaching. This is my 20th ... [![Picture of Coach Bill Marshall](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/hubfs/coach-marshall-headshot.jpg) Coach Bill Marshall](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/coachs-corner-and-qbc-blog/author/coach-marshall) [![qbc-logoweb-wh](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/hs-fs/hubfs/qbc-logoweb-wh.png?width=250&height=83&name=qbc-logoweb-wh.png "qbc-logoweb-wh")](https://valpovikingsqbc.org) ##### Mailing Address Valparaiso Vikings Quarterback Club Inc. PO Box 2232 Valparaiso, IN 46385 ##### Connect - - - [mailto:communications@valpovikingsqbc.org](mailto:communications@valpovikingsqbc.org) ##### Website & Blog by: [![turner-marketing-services-logo-red-250px](https://valpovikingsqbc.org/hs-fs/hubfs/turner-marketing-services-logo-red-250px.png?width=200&height=78&name=turner-marketing-services-logo-red-250px.png)](https://turnermarketingservices.com/home?qbc) [Turner Marketing Services](https://turnermarketingservices.com?qbc) Copyright @2026 Valparaiso Vikings Quarterback Club Inc. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Valpo Vikings QBC", "url" : "https://valpovikingsqbc.org/coachs-corner-and-qbc-blog/author/valpo-vikings-qbc" }, "dateModified" : "2023-08-08T14:23:16.943Z", "datePublished" : "2023-08-06T03:38:35.000Z", "headline" : "Turf Wars: MOM vs Those Tiny Rubber Specks", "image" : [ "https://valpovikingsqbc.org/hubfs/turf.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://valpovikingsqbc.org/coachs-corner-and-qbc-blog/turf-wars-mom-vs-those-tiny-rubber-specks", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://valpovikingsqbc.org/hubfs/logos/valpo-vikings-qbc-logo.jpg" }, "name" : "Valparaiso Vikings Quarterback Club Inc" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://valpovikingsqbc.org/#org", "@type" : "Organization", "additionalType" : "https://schema.org/NGO", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Valparaiso", "addressRegion" : "IN", "postalCode" : "46385", "streetAddress" : "PO Box 2232" }, "areaServed" : { "@type" : "AdministrativeArea", "name" : "Valparaiso, Indiana, United States" }, "contactPoint" : [ { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "contactType" : "General Inquiries", "email" : "communications@valpovikingsqbc.org" } ], "description" : "A 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to financially supporting the Valparaiso High School Vikings Football program through equipment, meals, scholarships, events, and more.", "image" : "https://valpovikingsqbc.org/hubfs/logos/valpo-vikings-qbc-logo-horizontal-1200.jpg", "logo" : "https://valpovikingsqbc.org/hubfs/logos/valpo-vikings-qbc-logo-1200.jpg", "makesOffer" : [ { "@type" : "Offer", "availability" : "https://schema.org/InStock", "category" : "Donation", "eligibleRegion" : { "@type" : "Country", "name" : "US" }, "url" : "https://valpovikingsqbc.org/donate" }, { "@type" : "Offer", "availability" : "https://schema.org/InStock", "category" : "Volunteer", "eligibleRegion" : { "@type" : "Country", "name" : "US" }, "url" : "https://valpovikingsqbc.org/opportunities" }, { "@type" : "Offer", "availability" : "https://schema.org/InStock", "category" : "Membership", "eligibleRegion" : { "@type" : "Country", "name" : "US" }, "name" : "Membership Dues", "url" : "https://valpovikingsqbc.org/memberships" } ], "name" : "Valparaiso Vikings Quarterback Club Inc.", "nonprofitStatus" : "https://schema.org/Nonprofit501c3", "potentialAction" : { "@type" : "DonateAction", "recipient" : { "@id" : "https://valpovikingsqbc.org/#org", "@type" : "Organization" }, "target" : { "@type" : "EntryPoint", "actionPlatform" : [ "https://schema.org/DesktopWebPlatform", "https://schema.org/MobileWebPlatform" ], "inLanguage" : "en-US", "url" : "https://valpovikingsqbc.org/donate" } }, "sameAs" : [ "https://www.instagram.com/valpo_viking_qbc/", "https://www.facebook.com/ValpoVikingsQBC", "https://www.linkedin.com/company/valparaiso-vikings-quarterback-club-inc/" ], "taxID" : "45-4915188", "url" : "https://valpovikingsqbc.org/" } ```