SportsTurf provides current, practical and technical content on issues relevant to sports turf managers, including facilities managers. Most readers are athletic field managers from the professional level through parks and recreation, universities.
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Field Science 22 SportsTurf | March 2015 www.sportsturfonline.com several times during the season. Backstop support post should also be inspected to ensure there is no corrosion, cracking, bending, or other structural concerns. Netting: Safety netting, wing netting, backstop netting, and field screen netting can weather when not in use. Visual inspec- tion and tension test should be performed to ensure there are no holes, tears, or loose connections. Excessive moisture and freezing temperatures can stretch netting that is left to the out- door elements. Batting cages that are left outside through the winter can stress the support post with the increase of weight from snow and ice. Therefore, inspect the poles to make sure they have not been bent or loose in the ground. Windscreens: All fence coverings and windscreens must be inspected before, during, and after the season. There should be no rips or tears that would get worse over time. Fading of the windscreen can occur if not UV protected. Therefore, it is important to take images immediately after the installation of new windscreens. This will give you a color comparison at pres- ent to the original color. Any irregularities must be repaired as soon as they are noticed. Fence caps: Corrugated pipe that has been used as a fence cap can crack, break, and display highly visible wear. A plan and budget must be considered to replace fence caps because they do not last forever. Depending on the region where your facility is located, the wear may be more or less of the overall life expec- tancy of fence cap materials. Dugouts: Depending on what type of dugout is present at a facility, they must be cleaned and maintained regularly to remain presentable to your team and visiting teams. Pressure washing, filling concrete where required, opening and clean- ing the floor drains, and painting should be performed before the teams use the facility. Weather can play a role in this type of maintenance. Allow enough time for all tasks to be com- pleted. Batting cages: Indoor batting cages normally will last longer than those that are outside. Netting left outside to the winter ele- ments can wear with moisture, snow, ice, and cold temperatures. In addition to netting, the support poles can bend and sway if there is a lot of weight on the netting from snow and ice. Some cases have even resulted in total collapse from the excess weight. Therefore, if possible, netting that is outdoors should be taken down and stored once the winter months approach. Holes, broken knots, fraying, and all over signs of wear should be repaired or replaced. Electricity: Although electric- ity is normally not an item that is left for a sports turf manager to deal with, it is something that should be checked and repaired by a qualified professional. Electrical outlets in dugouts, behind pitching mounds (if appli- cable), scoreboard, and PA systems have to be operational for opening day. Protective padding: Sports turf managers have the option to remove all protective padding at the conclusion of every season if manpower and storage space is available. Padding on dugout rails, backstop walls, and outfield fencing go through extreme weather conditions and wear. Cold temperatures in the winter months and vey hot temperatures due to direct UV rays on the vinyl covering can cause the pads to breakdown. Therefore, removal and storage after each season will extend the life of pro- tective padding. During the season, pads can become ripped and require repair with a patch kit. Bleachers: Winter can take its toll on spectator seating. Wood, metal, support beams, fasteners should all be inspected. Concessions: Depending on the size and playing level of your facility, concessions stands may or may not be the respon- sibility of the sports turf manager. In some instances, these types of areas are included in the job description duties. Should you be responsible for this area or other structures within the facility, preseason start up is required to check the operation of all components that are within for full operational status. Certified professionals with experience should inspect utilities such as gas, water, electricity, and special containers. Restrooms: As with all other structures that are required for spectators, players, coaches, and staff, restroom operation is one of the most important. Restrooms that are clean and inspected regularly leave a good impression about your facility. Maintenance sheds: Sports turf managers must have a main- tenance facility that is well organized and accessible. Equipment is very sensitive to the outdoor elements if not enclosed within the storage facility. Season supplies should be new at the begin- ning of the season so proper operation can be expected. Aerosol paints, chemicals, and other items must be stored properly in accordance with State and Federal regulations. S ■ STT Steve Peeler, CSFM, is field operations manager & sports turf consultant, All Star Fields. Safety netting, wing netting, backstop netting, and field screen netting can weather when not in use.