ASBA Custom Digital Guide 2022 - 7

Sports Fields
The type of maintenance your field will
require will depend upon any number of
variables, including whether the surface is
natural or synthetic (and the specific type of
grass or turf), as well as the amount of use
the field receives and the local climate. It is
beyond the scope of this article to discuss
maintenance and repair for all types of fields.
However, the following points should be
taken into consideration:
All fields, no matter what type, should
be inspected throughout the off-season.
If there are problems with the surface,
including drainage issues (for natural or
synthetic fields), bare spots, ruts or
holes (grass fields), pests or weeds
(grass fields), displaced infill or an
uneven surface (synthetic fields) or
any other problems, talk with your
field contractor, or, for specific
issues relating to natural grass, to a
local agronomist.
ASBA's reference manual,
Sports Fields: A Construction
and Maintenance Manual, is a
comprehensive resource on all
aspects of field design, construction,
maintenance and repair. Information
on that publication is available here.
Indoor Facilities
Gymnasiums that host basketball,
futsal and other indoor sports benefit
from preventive maintenance. That
includes the following:
Check Lighting: Make sure all fixtures
are functioning and that the playing area
is evenly lit. Call an electrical contractor
or sports lighting vendor if there are any
problems.
Keeping the Surface Clean: Have mats
near the entrance to keep athletes and
students from tracking in dirt, mud or grit
that can scratch or mark the floor. Require
non-marking court shoes to be worn by all
athletes (including cheer or dance squads
that may take the floor at halftime). Sweep
and damp-mop the floor between games to
remove any debris that has accumulated.
Wipe up spills promptly and remove
substances like gum that can create a mess if
left behind. Try to minimize the potential for
pest infestations by cleaning up popcorn and
other spilled food immediately after games
have concluded.
Amenities and Accessories: Check the
condition of bleachers and divider netting,
as well as any sport-specific equipment like
wrestling mats or movable goals. Make any
necessary repairs or order new equipment
as needed.
If floors show any signs of problems,
including dead spots that affect ball bounce,
delamination, loose areas or discoloration,
call a contractor immediately and have them
investigate the problem. Often, athletes will
notice surface problems first and report
them to coaches or officials. Maintain an
open dialogue with athletes and encourage
them to bring their concerns or suggestions
to you.
AMERICAN SPORTS BUILDERS ASSOCIATION 7
https://sportsbuilders.org/page/OnlineStore
ASBA Custom Digital Guide 2022

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