January 2020 - 36

and incorporating a new laundry
chemical system that works with the
programmable washers. This allows
us to set up each machine to a specific
cycle, with some even working while
we are away or overnight after an
away game. "
New lighter and delicate fabrics
have demanded " softer " washing
and drying cycles, while allowing
the machines to remove dirt, grime
and mud associated with the outdoor
activities. The chemical systems allow
students on the staff to assist with
laundry duties and not be exposed to
hazards. It also gives the equipment
manager better control over the
amount of detergent used, since they
are added in preset amounts. Newer
components in the cleaning agents
have limited the damage to fabrics
and colors, since the strengths have
been reduced and better chemistry
has allowed different components
to work together to get the desired
cleanliness while keeping uniforms
bright and appealing.
Ozone
One of the most recent
improvements in equipment
maintenance and care has been the
use of ozone machines for items that
are not able to be put in the washers
or are destructive to the machines
if used frequently. Many different
36 JANUARY 2020
manufacturers offer machines of
varying sizes and price ranges that
all serve the same purpose and
do an effective job of killing odors
and germs. Helmets, shoulder
pads, and shoes are common items
players apply this process to (some
every day), and various reports are
available as to their effectiveness.
Sports other than football, such as
hockey, lacrosse, wrestling, and field
hockey, are discovering the benefits
of these additions to their equipment.
The disinfecting action of the ozone
process has been shown to deter the
spread of infections such as MRSA,
while eliminating disgusting odors
and prolonging the life of protective
equipment and uniforms.
Headphones
Technological advances have pushed
the communication between coaches
in the box to those on the sidelines to
newer, more complicated systems that
require no wiring and are adjustable
to several frequencies. These
progressions have forced teams to hire
individuals to monitor these systems
on a constant basis, and many vendors
offer two- or three-day courses on the
basics and maintenance of operations.
Radio stations, other systems and
maxed out frequency ranges in some
areas make the use of these wireless
lines more difficult. However, teams
have learned that pre-planning and
wider band signals often cure any
obstacles they might encounter.
Conclusion
The arms race continues in
intercollegiate athletics, and we
all must be aware of how changes
in equipment and apparel needs
affect the facilities necessary to
protect and enhance the athletic
experience. Throwback uniforms,
special event helmets and support
for numerous causes in our society
have added to the responsibilities
of those who acquire, maintain
and store the increasing quantity
of equipment. It's important to
remember that functionality needs to
supersede appearance when planning
construction of a new facility or the
renovation of an existing one.
Sam Trusner is the national office
manager of the Athletic Equipment
Managers Association (AEMA). The
AEMA is the professional organization
for those individuals involved in the
acquisition, maintenance, inventory
and issuance of protective equipment
and apparel to athletes participating
in every sport at every level from
the NFL to youth leagues across
the United States, Canada and Japan.
Visit www.equipmentmanagers.org
to learn more.
http://www.equipmentmanagers.org
January 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of January 2020
