With that in mind, it’s important to keep track & field facilities in good repair, which means the team performs its best and helps avoid injuries among all athletes, whether or not they are in the Olympic developmental pipeline.

As it turns out, some of these maintenance measures are remarkably easy to take.

“Use a leaf blower to rid the track of any dirt and debris,” noted Lee Narozanick, CFB, CTB of American Athletic Track and Turf in Vincentown, New Jersey. “Keeping mowers completely away from the track edges is also incredibly important.”

Don’t assume wind or rain will rid the surface of dirt, sand, or other debris; if this material is left on the track, it will be ground in by runners; over time, this will break down the rubberized surface, causing wear and leading to a need for repairs and surface replacement much earlier than planned. (All things considered, cleaning the track with a blower regularly is a good tradeoff.)

“You can also use a pressure washer as required to remove soot, mold, and mildew,” said Paul Nagle of Astroturf Corp. in East Syracuse, New York. However, he cautions, “Make sure to consult with the track surface manufacturer as to the amount of water pressure to use.”

Some measures should be brought up to coaches, as well.

“Track and field practices exert the most wear and tear on a track surface due to the repetitive nature of training,” noted Nagle. “Rotating intense training areas can help avoid surface breakdown, especially at the blocked starts, jump takeoff areas, and runway approaches. Moving the starting blocks around to different locations will also prevent wear. You can also use the outer lanes to practice long/triple jump, pole vault, and javelin approaches.”

If benches, timing tables, or other equipment must be placed near the track, Narozanick advises keeping them far away from the surface so that they do not cause damage. Keeping such equipment on a grass infield is acceptable.

Both Nagle and Narozanick recommend the use of proper footwear; track surface manufacturers should be consulted for their recommendations on spike types and lengths. Posting signs stating these rules can also help. If the facility is used when coaches and athletic directors are not present, try to establish signage that asks users to use different lanes (1, 2, 3, etc.) each week for their workouts. Unfortunately, runners and walkers tend to gravitate toward the inner lanes, leading to wear in those areas first.

Additionally, professionals recommend putting locking covers on sand pits and over the water in steeplechase jumps to keep sand from being tossed around and to keep water from becoming an attractive nuisance to parents who leave their children unattended while they run or walk the track. (Another recommendation is posting rules noting that strollers, tricycles, bikes, and other conveyances are prohibited; obviously, sports-specific wheelchairs are an exception.)

Even out of season, when your infield is used for sports like soccer and football, it is possible to protect the track, said Nagle.

“Using mats to protect equipment crossing zones and high-use places such as bench areas for field sports and cheerleading helps prevent premature surface wear.”

If machinery must cross the track to mow or otherwise care for the field, put boards or metal ramps across the track surface. Mats should be put on top of, as well as underneath, these ramps to protect the track from damage.

Because many track & field seasons start in the early spring when snow is still on the ground, coaches will sometimes feel the weather is forcing their hand.

“If the facility is in an area that receives snow, it is important to let the snow melt naturally,” said Nagle. “The owner should never allow personnel on the track with plows, hand tools, shovels, power brooms, or snow blowers to remove snow.”

But when that snow does melt, added Nagle, the athletic director should inspect the track carefully and look for any damage that might have occurred in the previous season or over the winter.

Whether or not the track is still under warranty, he noted, “the owner should bring any concerns to the attention of the contractor. It may be a product issue or it may be a maintenance oversight. No matter what, it is important to have an open and honest relationship with the track surface installer. The track installer can assist with maintenance suggestions. The surface contractor can also tell if there are issues with the surface that may require more intense repairs. Quite often, they can assist with mitigating a serious failure.”

» ALSO SEE: What’s trending in athletic facilities

While surface repair kits are available, it is always best to ask the track contractor before attempting any DIY work. And, Narozanick said, some signs can indicate a serious underlying problem, “like surface bubbling, delamination or peeling, as well as areas of intense wear or places where the track is cracked.”

Something important to remember, said Nagle, is that each track is unique. The success of the facility depends upon having a good relationship and open communication with the contractor.

“Your track is different from your neighboring community’s track. For the track surface facility to reach its useful life cycle, the facility owner and the track installation contractor must form a trusting partnership.”

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To be clear: There is no right choice or wrong choice; there is only the choice that is right for the individual school. However, since surface selection will affect almost every aspect of the project, decisions need to be made early on in the planning process.

Start by Asking Questions

Don’t expect to find definitive answers by doing random Internet searches; the information you find may be biased or just plain inaccurate. Instead, start by gathering information specific to your project. 

Key questions that should be asked include the following:

• What sport (or sports) will the field host? 
• Which game lines do you anticipate needing on the field?
• At what level will sports be played (high school, collegiate, recreational, club, etc.)?
• Will the local community have access to the field? Will this use be supervised or unsupervised?
• If the field hosts multiple sports, is it likely to see use throughout the year or during certain seasons?
• How much time will the field have to rest between periods of heavy use? (If this time will be limited or nonexistent, a synthetic surface may be the better choice.)
• Will a track be included in the project? If so, are field events planned, and if so, which of those will be placed in the infield? (Some field events traditionally conducted in the infield, including the hammer throw and javelin, may need to be relocated if a synthetic surface is chosen.)
• Will the field be used during the summer for events such as travel tournaments? 
• Do you plan to use the field for graduations, concerts, festivals, fireworks, or other non-sports activities? What type of field protection will be required? How much turnaround time is available between sports events and alternate field uses?
• What is the budget for maintenance? What is your staff’s training? Do you have enough staff? Realistically, what can the staff do, and what must be contracted out? Expert and diligent maintenance is necessary to extend the useful life of any playing surface. Can you afford the required level of maintenance while providing a reserve for eventual replacement?
• What are the local weather conditions — such as freeze/thaw or minimum/ maximum temperatures? Will the field be used during times of the year when temperatures, precipitation and/or drought are extreme? How much does it rain? How soon will the field need to be available for play after rain? 
• Are there local water use restrictions that will affect irrigation? 
• What is the availability of materials locally? If materials such as stone, topsoil, compost, or sand must be trucked in, this will impact the budget.
• What type of natural soil do you have? Will it need to be amended if a grass field is planned?
• What type of security will be available to protect the field from vandalism or misuse? Security might include fences and gates, lighting, security personnel, etc. Grass fields are less expensive to repair if damaged.
• Have you considered accessibility? What state, local, and national standards for accessible design must be met? While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) often comes to mind, advocates for those with physical and developmental challenges view the ADA as a baseline, rather than a standard. Other jurisdictions including states, counties, and incorporated areas also have their own standards.

These are a few of the questions that need to be taken into consideration. They are by no means the only ones; however, the more information you can bring to the table when you meet with the professional who will be building your field (more on this in a minute), the better off you will be.

Be Aware of Developments in the Industry

Another aspect of decision-making is staying on top of the changes in the industry itself. 

Health and Safety Factors: In mid-April, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a multi-agency research report reaffirming the safety of synthetic turf sports fields that use crumb rubber infill. The study found no significant difference in the exposure to certain chemicals between players who played on synthetic turf fields that use crumb rubber infill and those who played on grass fields. More information on this is available from the EPA’s website.

Additionally, a more recent study found that synthetic fields actually have a lower incidence of concussion than natural grass. That study, conducted by researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center and published in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine, studied football players between the ages of 10 and 24 years old who had had a concussion. The findings were that players on natural grass experienced more severe concussions and a higher number of symptoms than those who played on synthetic turf.

Work with a Sports-Specific Contractor

Whatever the chosen surface will be, the field must be built correctly, with attention to design, drainage, and more. A well-built field will be a pleasure for athletes to use and an asset to the school. Using a contractor with sports field-specific experience will be key to the success of the project. The contractor can work with the school, taking into account its needs, and will be able to make recommendations on the best surface for the project. 

» ALSO SEE: Q&A.D. with RIIL executive director Michael Lunney

One avenue for finding a sport-specific contractor is to use the “Find a Builder” feature on the website of the American Sports Builders Association (www.sportsbuilders.org). Additionally, more detailed information on choosing a surface for a field can be found in the publication, Sports Fields: Construction and Maintenance Manual, also available from the ASBA website by going to the top blue toolbar and mousing over to “Resources.” A drop-down menu will appear, including “Publications.”

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Technology: For decades, the electrical needs for sports facilities were focused on power for lighting and outlets for maintenance machines (and later, for reliable Wi-Fi). These days, it is essential to evaluate and understand the technological needs of the facility for various uses, including:

• Recording and livestreaming
• The ability for high school players to have a strong enough connection to upload highlights of their game to platforms used by college coaches for recruitment purposes
• Broadcast capabilities
• Instructional camera recording/playback use (Player Analysis Technology in tennis is one example)
• Electronic line-calling (also used in tennis)
• Facilities where user access and facility reservations or admittance are controlled via a mobile app

Drones Used for Field Upkeep: While there’s no substitute for actually giving your fields an up-close and in-person inspection, drones are making the day-to-day work a little easier. (Bonus: Drones are far less expensive now than before and easier to operate.) Drone flyovers can identify a few of the following problems:

• In grass fields: Yellow or brown spots and bare/skinned areas are both signs of trouble. So are places where the grass appears to be a different shade than in others; fields should be uniformly green. Drone use can also help field managers identify places where lines are faded or worn and need reapplication.
• In synthetic fields: Look for areas of standing water (it is necessary to do this either after a rain or after using the irrigation system), places where the turf looks worn or uneven — or places where lines appear to be wavy, indicating that infill might have shifted or become compacted. 
• On outdoor courts (tennis, pickleball, basketball, etc.): Look for discolorations on the surface that could indicate the growth of algae, something that could cause injury to athletes or even community users. Cracks in courts should also be identified and addressed.
• Damage, vandalism, or other problems: It’s not a pleasant thought but it should be kept in mind since it is far better to identify and deal with a problem right away than to become aware of it at game time.

These are, of course, not the only problems that can befall facilities. Keep open the lines of communication with your players and any community users and inspect all venues immediately, even if only one person complains. As noted previously, there is no substitute for making regular visits to all facilities. 

New Sports Necessitate New Game Lines: Rising sports like pickleball and small-sided versions of traditional sports like soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse, are gaining in popularity, meaning coaches, athletic directors and facility managers should re-evaluate where new playing lines are needed. In indoor facilities or on synthetic turf, professional installation should be the first choice. Additionally, as communities become increasingly landlocked, look for fields to host an increasing number of sports, calling for some creative design and layouts.

Robotic Field Markers: Remember how coaches and athletic directors, or even maintenance staff members, at schools with grass fields, spent their time marking those fields with a measuring wheel, string and chalk dust – or even spray paint? Those days are gone.

Robotic lining systems (multiple brands are available on the market) allow fields to be marked easily and precisely, for any number of sports, in under two hours (often under 30 minutes), at a time and labor savings of 90 percent. The autonomous devices employ GPS technology to do the job, using the field’s coordinates to drive along the grass and leave accurate lines of paint to create yard lines, hash marks, numbers and everything in between. Because the machinery can mean a sizeable investment, many schools may share one unit.

LED Game Line Systems for Indoor Facilities: Proprietary systems that rely on LED lighting (controllable through a touchscreen) work with a specifically installed surface to create not only court lines but interactive features that generate in-game excitement. More information on these systems is obtainable from manufacturers.

LED Lighting: At this point, LED lighting needs no introduction. It is energy-efficient and easy to use since many systems can be controlled by a mobile app that allows the manager, coach, or athletic director to turn lights on or off (or to dim them for times when facilities are not in use).

Because it is easier to aim, it removes the potential for both sky glow (defined as the brightness seen above a sports facility) and light trespass (also known as light spill, which in the days of older technology, led to multiple complaints from those in neighborhoods that stood adjacent to the sports facilities). Something else that athletes, coaches, and spectators like is the ability of LED lighting to have more true color rendition and to reduce glare.

Over time, LED lighting systems have become the standard in sports lighting. System prices have come down significantly and LED is offered by major sports lighting manufacturers in the marketplace. Additionally, many fixtures can be mounted on existing light poles for cost savings.

One trending topic in all lighting installations is environmental concerns since light can have a negative effect on local wildlife and plants. Discuss plans with local organizations, such as conservation groups, as well as surrounding neighborhoods, and ask lighting manufacturers to provide information.

Prior to purchasing a lighting system, owners should take into account the importance of selecting a system that is manufactured, tested and backed by a reputable company. Online ads may promote low prices but the wiser investment is made by purchasing a domestically designed and assembled sports-specific system backed by a reputable company with references from users who can speak to the customer service experience before, during and after installation.

» ALSO SEE: Identifying and effectively utilizing volunteers

Water Conservation Measures: Responsible water use has moved to the fore in the design of athletic facilities, and when incorporated, can go a long way toward addressing environmental concerns. On the market now are irrigation systems with monitoring devices that can detect precipitation and automatically switch off field sprinklers when needed. 

Changes are always afoot in the sports facility industry and it is essential to keep on top of them. As the saying goes, “If you do what you have always done, you’ll get what you always got.” And when it comes to doing everything from heading off problems that can lead to athlete injuries or complaints, to solving problems before they become more involved, requiring far more expensive solutions — it’s obvious there is no drawback to staying updated.

The post What’s trending in athletic facilities? appeared first on Coach and Athletic Director.

That’s one hard-working facility.

If, however, basketball is your mainstay, you want to keep your gym in top condition for that. And while no maintenance regimen can guarantee wins, it can give athletes a reliable, safe surface that allows them to perform their best, game after game.

Creating a checklist of tasks (and how often they need to be performed) is the best way to keep track of maintenance work. Additionally, since crews may change from season to season, it’s good to have a detailed list of instructions to follow.

The tips presented below should be considered an overview. Discuss specific instructions with your installer or the manufacturer of your floor.

Daily Maintenance

Rob Zehnder of Lord of Wood, LLC recommends a run-through with a dust mop to pick up particulate debris that might otherwise get ground into the surface, scarring it.

“During the school year, it is most beneficial to dust mop at least three times a day — 7 a.m., 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. is a good schedule. Use a microfiber mop and never treat it with anything,” Zehnder notes.

John Praters of Praters Flooring agrees with the idea of dust mopping, noting that users should ascertain the mop stays clean by laundering or replacing it when soil and residue buildups are noticed. Having mats near the entrances and exits will allow athletes and spectators to walk off any grit their shoes may be carrying.

Spills should be wiped up as quickly as possible with a soft damp cloth, such as a towel. If the spill is hard to remove with water, use mineral spirits, and wipe the area clean with a towel soaked in water after the residue is gone. Since wet floors are a chief cause of slip-and-fall injuries, ascertain that all treated areas are clean and dry before subjecting them to foot traffic.

While most gym floors have posted signage requiring the use of non-marking court shoes, it is common to have users unknowingly wear running shoes or other footwear which leaves black or gray marks on the surface. Zehnder’s suggested fix is rubbing the marks with a tennis ball. Users can save their backs by cutting a slit in the ball and attaching it to a pole, so as to be able to rub at the marks from a standing position.

Monthly Maintenance

At least once a month, floors should be cleaned; check with the manufacturer or installer of the surface for recommendations, remembering that different types of surfaces will necessitate different care. Remember that the wrong compound could not just damage the floor but could void the warranty as well.

There are horror stories in the industry of maintenance crews who unwittingly used products that stripped the finish from the floors, dulled the shine, or even crews that used shining sprays (such as those used on furniture), resulting in a surface so slippery that it had to be cleaned once again, holding up scheduled games.

“Always use an approved floor cleaner,” says Zehnder.

Additionally, if maintenance crews want to use auto-scrubbers, it is necessary to check with the manufacturer or installer first for floor-specific instructions.

The Use (or Rather, Misuse) of Tape on Floors

If floors routinely host other sports, it may be a struggle to keep users from putting down tape to delineate playing areas for sports like pickleball or volleyball. No form of tape is safe for use on an athletic floor as it can leave a residue that attracts dirt or causes a playing hazard; additionally, when pulled up, it can damage the finish of the floor.

“Never apply tape of any kind, ever,” cautions Zehnder.

Annual Maintenance

Wood flooring should be recoated once a year, notes Tommy Ellison of Covington Coatings. In addition to providing a like-new finish and erasing scratches and scuff marks, the recoating process ensures a safer surface for athletes.

“A professionally applied maintenance coat restores the delicate balance of slide versus traction required for most indoor sports, especially basketball and other sports in which athletes make quick stops and starts on the floor.”

Remember that rolling loads, such as portable bleachers or heavy maintenance equipment, as well as static equipment, can leave marks and indentations on the surface. A flooring contractor can provide ideas on how to minimize damage.

When to Call in the Experts

Damage to athletic flooring, unlike damage to a grass field, won’t repair itself. If you see areas of wear, cracked boards, warping, depressions, low or high spots, areas where the ball bounces differently or makes a different sound when it hits the floor, discoloration (other than that caused by spilled substances), or other worrisome irregularities, contact your flooring installer for ideas. Sport flooring represents a sizeable investment, and you want to head off small problems before they become big ones.

» ALSO SEE: Invitational, in-season tournaments boost your program

One resource that could be useful for those working to maximize the use of their fields is the publication, Courts & Recreational Surfaces: Construction and Maintenance Manual. The book is published by the American Sports Builders Association and can be ordered in either hard copy or PDF format by going to the website, sportsbuilders.org, and from the top blue toolbar, selecting “Resources,” then “Publications” from the drop-down menu.

The post Creating a winning maintenance routine for your basketball courts appeared first on Coach and Athletic Director.

If the answer was a resounding “maybe,” it’s time to get to work – with no maybes. Indoor facilities, according to the professionals who manufacture and install them, are great at handling a variety of uses. Unfortunately, they can’t get along without an assist from the maintenance crew.

The first step, says Rob Zehnder of Lord of Wood LLC, is to make sure you’re using the right products when it comes to cleaning floors. Education, he notes, is half the battle. Keep an open dialogue with those who know your system and you’ll always get good advice.

“Consult with your finish manufacturer’s website or your gym floor contractor, as they can do a deep cleaning or give you suggestions on products to use that don’t void your warranty,” says Zehnder. “You need to plan for this every year or biannually. Cleaning frequency depends on the gym’s use.”

There are horror stories in the gym space of school, park, and club cleaning crews who unknowingly caused havoc by using improper treatments to clean floors. Floor wax creates multiple problems, as do petroleum- or bleach-based cleaners. Wood furniture cleaning and shining products like Pledge can make gym floors as slippery as ice rinks. Ammonia-based cleaners or oil soaps can dull the finish, affect the ability to recoat later, and change the slip coefficient, affecting the playability of the surface.

“You can remove tough stains and spills without dulling the finish of your wood floor but it’s important to know what you can and can’t use,” says Zehnder. “Know before you go.”

The same directive applies to auto-scrubbers: Check with the flooring manufacturer or floor installer before you use one. If such use is approved, ask about the appropriate compounds to use, and any settings recommended.

Try to prevent dirt and grit from entering the facility in the first place by putting down mats near all entrances. Ideally, these should be situated just outside the doors to the gym so that spectators and athletes need to walk across them before setting foot on the hardwood floor.

If mats are ever used on the gym floor itself for any reason, make sure they are made for gym-specific use, since rubber-backed or non-ventilated floor mats or rugs can cause damage to the floor.

Keeping the surface as clean as possible is the best defense against problems. John Praters of Praters Flooring endorses dust-mopping the entire floor at least once a day, though some professionals recommend more, depending on the amount of use a gym gets. Dust mopping will remove grit and debris before it gets ground into the surface.

The mop should not be treated with any cleaning substance and it should be kept solely for cleaning the gym; it should not be used in hallways, restrooms, or any other areas. If you are responsible for more than one gym or fieldhouse, each should have, at a minimum, one mop dedicated to that space.

“Treat the dust mop once per week and launder the mop head when soil and residue buildups occur,” adds Praters.

While most gyms have rules about wearing non-marking shoes, it is often only school-sponsored team members who follow these; those using the gym for intramural or club sports may be wearing running shoes or other footwear that leaves marks. To remove the black marks left on the surface by shoes, rub the marks with a tennis ball attached to a pole or broom handle (slit the ball and press onto the handle) until the mark is gone. (Sitting on the floor and using a dry towel is also effective.)

More indoor areas are hosting a variety of sports—and as use proliferates, the appropriate playing lines may not always be present on the gym floor. Do not allow user groups to put down any kind of tape (this includes painting tape and masking tape, by the way) to delineate playing areas.

“There is a high risk of delaminating the finish from the floor when removing the tape,” notes Zehnder, “so use it at your own risk.” (Important to know: Warranties can be negatively impacted by this kind of use.)

If the gym will be used to host events other than sports, make sure the surface is fully protected, notes Zehnder. Cover chairs and table legs with flooring protectors to avoid permanent marks and scratches. Many gyms also have mats that are used to create a barrier against damage.
Heavy loads, particularly if they are allowed to stay in one place too long, can create indentations in the surface. Additionally, be careful when moving heavy objects across the floor; cover the floor with sheets of plywood or Masonite to avoid scuffing or damage to the subfloor system.

» ALSO SEE: How SDSU Football develops championship-caliber players

In general, maintenance is the key to longevity with gym floors.

“Love your floors, and they will love you back for a long time,” says Zehnder.

One resource that could be useful for those working to maximize the use of their fields is the publication, Courts & Recreational Surfaces: Construction and Maintenance Manual. The book is published by the American Sports Builders Association and can be ordered in either hard copy or PDF format by going to the website, sportsbuilders.org and from the top blue toolbar, selecting “Resources,” then “Publications” from the drop-down menu.

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