FIELD PREP

By Jim Speelman , CSFM

“ Spring sports ” is a relative term in my area of the Upper Midwest . Many of our collegiate spring teams start practicing outside in February , and that month would never be labeled spring in Michigan .

Now , this year , due to the global pandemic shutting down our fall sports in 2020 , those teams will be practicing and competing in the spring , too . It will make it a spring unlike any other – not only for our spring and fall teams but for sports field managers as well .

More than ever before , the sports field manager will be asked to do more things at more locations with less notice , less time , smaller budgets , and with limited staff . The schedules will include multiple practices and games on a single day on limited field space .

So , what are some things sports field managers can do to cope with the intensity of this spring ?

Remember that we are all in the same boat . Gain some comfort from knowing that we are not the only managers with this large task before us . Also , do not be afraid to reach out to other managers or organizations to talk over the issues you will face .

This spring will give us the opportunity to work together as never before . We will need to be in constant communication with coaches , athletic directors , and athletics department support staff . For some of us , this will be hard because we like to do our own thing . But , this year , going it alone could waste time and money . For those who like to “ avoid ” people , this will be hard . We must make time each day to talk with those involved with the administration of games or practices .

This year , games and practices can be cancelled at any time . Knowing when events are cancelled will allow

All photos provided by Jim Speelman , CSFM us to make better decisions on what resources to use and where . For example , the sooner I know if a lacrosse game is cancelled , the more I can focus on another sport .

Extend an extra amount of grace with all the people in our work group . We will need to set aside our independence and look out for the good of the whole . Games will be cancelled , and it will be unfortunate ; however , it is nobody ’ s fault and no one is to blame . We must do our best to be our best every day . Others will react depending on how you handle the situation . Let us be the ones to lead with positivity and understanding .

Plowing synthetic and natural turf fields will become a regular operation rather than an occasional one . Make sure your snow removal equipment is prepared for synthetic turf by adding rounded edges to all blades and blowers . Plow down to the recommended one-inch depth and leave the rest to melt . Plow with the seams whenever possible . Make sure you move snow piles far enough off the turf or come back with a blower to move the rest away from the field area . Plowing natural grass may also be required this year . Make sure the field is frozen before you try to remove snow . If your turfgrass is soft underneath , you can damage the surface and create ruts . Test areas outside the main field before trying to plow right down the middle . Use the lightest equipment with the widest tires to get the job done .

There may be times when the best thing to do is NOTHING . Weigh the pros and cons of all of your actions . Let field-clearing decisions become group decisions , so that all are accountable and no one gets singled out .

34 SportsField Management | March 2021 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com