SportsTurf

August 2012

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.

Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/77829

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 26 of 48

Left: SANTA BARBARA CITY COLLEGE; photo courtesy of UBU Sports, Atlanta, GA Middle: TAOS ECO PARK; photo courtesy of Lone Mountain Contract- ing, Bosque Farms, NM Right: TECUMSEH HIGH SCHOOL TRACK FACILITY; photo courtesy of Foresite Design, Inc., Berkley, MI as dark red, dark blue, etc. Creating "tick marks" or "hash marks" may also work well, depending upon the venue. A field contractor can work with you to decide upon markings and colors that work for you. The ultimate goal is to allow players and officials to have a clear sense of boundaries at all times. A fairly new development in artificial LINE MAINTENANCE Even with inlaid markings, however, turf fields is line paint (temporary and per- manent); information on such products is readily available. However, before applying anything, field managers are advised to get recommendations from the company that installed their fields. Corner flags, cones, indicators and other equipment can also help provide visual boundaries. The choice of equipment is a personal one, and one that takes into con- sideration the needs of the athletes, officials and coaching personnel. LOGOS Placement of logos in end zones and at mid-field is a long-standing tradition and a part of school pride. In many cases, logos and team names can be a permanent part of the surface. If a new logo is needed on a field, talk to a turf builder about the best means to accomplish this. (Do not attempt to mark turf as a do-it-yourself project—an "artwork" project that goes wrong can be unsightly and expensive to repair.) www.stma.org fields are not entirely maintenance-free. Be- cause over time, turf infill can (and will) shift because of constant foot traffic (partic- ularly in areas like the crease in a lacrosse field), the lines may take on a wavy appear- ance. This also happens when the turf sur- face gets slightly twisted, as it will when band practices or repetitive motion drills are held on the field. Take a good look at the turf on a regular basis, and don't be afraid to call your builder for a quick consult if you notice anything looking out of place. Your field is, after all, an investment, and you want to make the most of it. If using an approved removable paint on your turf (we're assuming you're following the manufacturer's directions, of course), make sure to use proper equipment for marking and removal. Many paint manu- facturers recommend techniques and pro- prietary equipment. A WORD ABOUT THOSE "OTHER" MARKINGS A lush field of natural grass may be able to soak up the occasional bottle of sports drink or soda pop without complaint, but field builders warn against bringing those items or anything else that can stain, spill or leave a residue onto a synthetic surface. After all, the synthetic turf won't grow, and no mower will be passing through to cut down a stained area. Allow only water into the field enclo- sure, and in case of any stains or food residue, contact the field builder to get a recommendation on how to clean it off. (In some cases, the solution may be very sim- ple, but it is always best to check before at- tacking a stain with something that might cause damage to the turf ). Walk the field regularly and remove de- bris, such as candy wrappers, food, bottles or anything else you see. This includes leaves, sticks, pine needles and cones, and more. (Remember such materials can, over time, leave sap and cause staining). You've put a lot of time, resources and planning into this field. Put the same amount into deciding upon the right mark- ings (and the right method of marking). Then, make sure the original markings are the only ones that stay there. Your field will reward you and your athletes with years of good service as a result. ■ Mary Helen Sprecher wrote this article on behalf of the American Sports Builders Associ- ation. Available at no charge is a listing of all publications offered by the ASBA, as well as their Membership Directory. For info, 866- 501-2722 or www.sportsbuilders.org. SportsTurf 27

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of SportsTurf - August 2012