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Make A List and Check It Twice.

Most turf managers’ have had the opportunity to refuel their tanks from all the hard work and long hours of 2007. Now that were starting to get revitalized, what do we need to do first? Let’s start by making a list and prioritizing things. We’ve all spent the winter getting our budgets in order, and then getting them cut and then putting them back in order. Now its time to get to work.

Safety

If you haven’t already, lets make safety our number one goal. Are your fields safe? Could they be safer? Start by getting with the administration to find out what injuries occurred last year and if there is anything you can do to prevent them from reoccurring, this year. Each field has its own areas that need to be addressed but there are some general areas that need to be added to our checklists.

Let’s start with Fencing. 1. Fence posts are loose or improperly set in the ground. 2. Fence posts are on the inside of the playing area fence. 3. Concrete footings are exposed above ground. 4. Fencing is not securely attached to the fence posts with loose or broken ties. 5. There are unsafe gaps under fencing. 6. There is no bottom tension wire or railing to secure the bottom of the fence. 7. There is not top railing to secure fence at the top. 8. Wire ends of chain link fencing are exposed along the top. 9. There are damaged portions of fencing that are loose, sharp, protruding, or unsafe. 10. Gates are left open during games. 11. There are unsafe gaps in the backstop or netting with worn out boards or fencing. 12. Backstop does not meet industry recommended specifications. 13. There is no warning track or warning track is in unsafe condition.

Bleachers 1. The nuts and bolts on the bleachers are loose, missing, or protruding. 2. The guardrails are loose or missing. 3. The plank or railing end caps are loose or missing. 4. Wooden planks are worn out or splintered. 5. There are hazardous protrusions or sharp edges.

Lighting 1. The lighting was not designed, installed, or inspected by properly trained engineers. 2. There are burned out lights. 3. The beam direction of the lights is out of adjustment. 4. The lighting grid pattern on the field is uneven or irregular. 5. The lighting foot-candles do not meet industry recommended specifications.

Turf 1. There are unsafe bare spots in turf with a hard soil surface exposed. 2. The surface is uneven because of soil grade. 3. Soil is too wet or drains poorly making an unsafe running surface. 4. Turf is not uniform in texture, density, or height making an unsafe playing surface. 5. Turf is not stable and “blow-outs” frequently occur. 6. Weeds are present with thorns, bristles, or burrs. 7. Moles, gophers or other animals have caused mounds or holes. 8. Hazardous ruts occur on the field from mowing equipment or trenching. 9. Permanent materials used to mark foul lines (i.e., white boards or fire hose) are protruding from the surface.

Playgrounds have state laws that require documented maintenance schedules. No one wants to see a hurt child that could have prevented.

Measurements

Every sports field or surface has an exact or suggested set of guidelines for marking it correctly. Take the time to insure this process. I’ve seen fields, on all levels, that were not marked correctly. If you take the time now to set up your perimeters, you will save yourself time and frustration when game time rolls around. There are web sites and literature that give you the proper measurements and how to obtain them. Correct measurements are just one more way of showing your professionalism.

Information

Checklists similar to this and more valuable information are right at your fingertips. In this day and time, it’s too easy to implement guidelines in which to follow. It will make your job easier, make you look more professional to your administration and make things safe for players and spectators. Good luck and let’s make this a safe 2008.

                                                                                    Chris Pearl

                                                                                    Sports Turf Manager

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