FACILITIES AND GROUNDS
Protective covers and foot traffic in localized areas can result in compaction while reducing air and water within the root zone . Surfaces become slippery and hazardous for all athletes and participants once compaction or overuse of the playing surface occurs . Typically , there is very little time between non-sporting events ( concerts , conventions , etc .) and actual sporting events to conduct cultural practices to assist in the improvement and cure of these conditions .
Sure footing on the playing surface is a must when it comes to all levels of play . Excessive moisture within the thatch layer can cause injury , which could be long term and affect the athletes . Moisture content can be controlled with proper drainage , maintaining thatch laying at ½-inch or less , aeration , vertical mowing , and proper irrigation practices . Nevertheless , proper soil and infiltration rate is required as a part of maintaining optimum moisture levels .
Cultural practices such as topdressing with specified sand , aeration , and vertical mowing will increase the playability of the surface and are required at all levels in coordination with rootzone mixes . Improper sieve sizes within the rootzone will increase moisture-holding capabilities to a point that surfaces are soft , unstable , and , in some cases , damaging to the surface with regular maintenance equipment . When this occurs , renovation should be a consideration .
Firmness of either a natural grass , synthetic turf , or infield skin surface becomes an issue if Gmax is rated at 200 or higher . Surfaces that become too hard can also lead to injury , as well as affect ball roll , ball spin , and ball bounce . Infield skin areas specifically are sensitive to firmness and ball reaction . Directional rotation can cause a ball to react differently on ball bounce and stay down , come up , or move rapidly to one side of the other . Moisture management is very important so consistency can be expected on every play as much as possible . Once the athletes become comfortable with ball bounce and reaction , it is easier to execute plays and perform .
Lips , elevation changes , and depressions can also cause ball roll to be affected in a negative way . Injuries have occurred because of the sudden directional change , as the players are on a fixed path to catch or stop a ball in play . Player reaction times are sometimes slower than the ball ’ s directional change once a play has begun . Firmness and optimum moisture management are key components in producing a standard playing surface .
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS Maintaining a sports facility requires equipment and personnel to be successful . As our industry evolves , new technology has reduced the amount of labor required . Mechatronics , robotics , and improved cultural practices have allowed many facilities to save labor cost while increasing productivity . Having equipment that meets and exceeds the level of maintenance required is highly recommend . Maintaining that equipment will determine future success at your facility . Although most facilities don ’ t have Major League budgets , practices can sometimes be performed with use of creativity and imagination . Having a big-league surface on a Little League budget can be accomplished with additional time spent on details . Mowing , grooming , aeration , topdressing , and fertilization must be performed with the proper equipment for success and health of the turfgrass .
Inspection and auditing of the irrigation system should take place often to ensure full coverage is being accomplished and able to meet the needs of the playing field . All systems require slight adjustments throughout the season , so it is recommended to perform inspection and auditing once per month to certify that the system is operating correctly . Equal distribution over the entire area being irrigated can be confirmed by conducting a simple catch can test . SFM
Steve Peeler , CSFM , is senior field manager for the Atlanta Braves . sportsfieldmanagementonline . com January 2023 | SportsField Management
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