Sports FieldMaintenance Planning

e planning of maintenance activities for sports fields is not anexact science or is it a simple task. There are usually far too manyvariables from one facility to another to even suggest that anyonesystem of planning would work for everyone. However, we dobelieve that thorough planning is the key to good turf management

and despite my inhibitions about writing, I willattempt to share with you a brief overview howwe go about our planning process.

Normally, we begin our process by doing alittle research on the facility we are intendingto maintain. We examine the previous years'records, prior maintenance practices, and thelast season's schedules for any clues about thefacilities history. Then we accurately measurethe field and identify what the field use or usesare. Then we investigate what the field is com-prised of, we want to know if the field is ofnative soil origin or had it been modified 'insome way during its construction. Then wewill study the drainage and irrigation systems tofind out what we are working with and whetheror not some improvements might be necessary.Finally, we review the soil and water test to seeif there are any issues that may impact our abil-ity to grow healthy turf. After we gather all thispreliminary information about our field, wethen can begin to formulate a few ideas of whatit might take for us to maintain this field.

Our next step is to try to learn all we canabout what the expectations of, and demandson, the facility are going to be. We have foundit very helpful to visit with our coaching staffs,athletes, and officials to get this information.Our coaches have graciously provided us withtheir practice and games schedules, while ourathletes and officials have shared with us manyof the little nuances to their games. Throughthese conversations we have learned a lot aboutthe footing requirements of our playing sur-faces as well as the importance of a true andaccurate roll of a soccer ball to an athlete.Knowing what our coaches and athletes are looking for has gone a long way in help-ing us to design management programs to meet their needs.

One of the primary tools that we use in the early stages of our planning processis a system of separating our management levels into three different categories basedon written criteria. These categories have helped us to decide what level of mainte-nance we are going to assign to any particular field.

Our category "A" fields are our best fields and they receive our highest level of

BY JOHN NETWAL, CGCS

http://www.sportsturfmanager.org • STMA

maintenance. Our category "B" fields represent our middle of the road facilities andthey receive a slightly less intensive program. The category "C" fields represent ourgeneral grounds areas and they basically receive minimal input. The use of thesecategories has helped us to differentiate the maintenance levels for our wide varietyof facilities that we maintain and assures us that each type of field is getting itsappropriate allotment of resources (see sidebar).

Once we have selected the appropriate management category for our field, wethen begin to develop "a field fact sheet." These fact sheets help us to outline our

intended maintenance activities and serve as our primary planning guide. We recordthe following information on our field fact sheets for each type of our facilities:

* What type of field we are working with (baseball, football, etc)?* Program yeart.' When was the field built (year)* Field size* Type of construction of the field and soil type

SPORTSTURF 23

aund

Circle 144 on card or www.oners.ims.ca/5063-144

24 August 2005 SPORTSTURF • http://www.greenmediaonline.com

* What is the desirable turf species?* The level of management category "A", "B", or "C"* Nutrient target* Number of annual events* Number of annual practices* Number of special events* Type of irrigationThen we begin to look at what cul-

tural practices we believe would benecessary for our plan based on ourselected management category ofeither "A", "B", or "C" fields. We eval-uate each of these cultural practices fortheir benefit as well as decide upon thetiming and frequency that we wouldlike to use them. Once we have madeour selections we put this information

our fields. So when we implemented these systems in our planning process our pro-grams have taken leap forward and the proof of that is the quality of conditions foundon all of our facilities. So if the key to good turf management is good planning, thenwe believe that we are head down the right road. ST

John Netwal, CGCS, is Director of Operations for North Scott CommunitySchools, Eldridge, IA.

on our field fact sheet:* Aerification (solid tine, deep tine,

hollow tine, etc.)* Overseeding & sodding (seasonal

seeding, monthly or weekly etc.)* Irrigation & drainage (daily

watering, deep infrequent or only afterwilt)

* Fertility (1-3#s, 3-5#s or 5-6#sannually, granular or spoon feedingetc.)

* Mowing (in season and out ofseason frequencies, reel or rotary mow-ing)

* Plant protectants (no program,curative or preventative)

* Topdressing (bi-weekly, monthlyor annually)

* Amendments (soil, water, com-post or other)

* OtherWith our field fact sheet complete,

it then becomes our primary planningtool for all our maintenance programs.With this information at our fingertipsalong with our schedules of use fromour coaching staff, we are now ready tobuild a management plan to fit ourfield (see figure).

Before using these methods ofplanning we were basically treating allof our fields the same. In many wayswe were just not getting the most outof our resources despite the quality of

Install Confidences Install Rain Bird" 115-E Commercial Rotors.The Rain Bird 115-E Rotor distributes water farther than any other commercial productcurrently available-up to 115 feet. This performance advantage is just one reason why the115-E Rotor is the ideal choice for large turf and artificial surface applications where maximumspacing is required. Additional advantages include:

<Ii Rain Curtain' Nozzle Technology -large droplets for consistent performance, effectiveclose-in watering and even distribution over the entire radius.

• Valve-in-Head configuration allows the flexibility to zone each rotor individually to efficientlymaintain flow control and run times.

• Built-in, factory preset pressure regulation for optimal nozzle performance.

• Adjustable stator can be set for rotation times as short as 90 seconds to accommodatehigh-speed wetting or cooling applications.

• Expanded radius of throw provides uniform head- to -head coverage from around the playingsurface perimeter. Fewer heads and less trenching are required, which saves time and money.

Unrivaled performance. Efficiency. Value. That's the Rain Bird 115-E Commercial Rotor.For additional details see your Rain Bird distributor, or visit www.rainbird.com.

Exclusive Rain Curtain ™ Nozzle Technologyuniformly distributes water throughout theentire radius range - even close in aroundthe head to eliminate dry spots. Rotor shownwith optional artificial grass cover.

Circle 147 on card or www.oners.ims.ca/5063-147

http://www. sportstu rfma nager. org • STMA SPORTSTURF 25

...With Newstripe Eco-Liners• Easiest cleaning machines on the market• Pump paint directly from 5 gallon pails

• Gas or Battery powered units• Bi-Directional spray heads make

bright lines in just one pass• Continuous Paint Agitation

• Will not damage turf or roots

... NewRiders• 30 & 55 gallon models• Built in purge systems

• Bi-Directional spray heads• 5 speed & hydrostatic drives

• Nail Drags• Drag Mats• ProLine Field

Layout System

• Dirt DoctorInfield Groomer4' & 6' Models3 pt. Hitch or Tow

1700 Jasper St., #FAurora, CO 80011

Circle 148 on card or www.oners.ims.ca/5063-148

26 August 2005

around the grounds

Little LeagueWS experienceinspires student

BY GEORGE G BERNARDON, CSFM

ow I can say that one of life'sgoals is complete. It took a num-ber of years but I did what everyfather dreams of, taking his sontothe Little League World Series.

But Alex was 16, six feet one inches tall and obviouslynot a Little Leaguer. Instead, we had been invited tojoin Don Fowler's handpicked group of volunteers andlocal personnel that assemble once a year to create themasterpiece field that everyone sees on 1V. What aunique group of individuals;there was a teacher, elementaryschool principal, three highschool students including myson, three Ag extension agents, alocal park manager, city worker,the owner of a local landscapecontract business, one profes-sional athletic field manager andone certified sports field manag-er.

When I arrived Friday morn-ing (day before national andinternational championshipgames) everyone was on thefield working together to get thejob done. At the lead was DonFowler, retired Penn State exten-sion agent, ensuring that alltasks were being completed. Hisbiggest job was really jugglingthe field management teamaround the television crewrequests and completing all therequired tasks through minorfilming interruptions.

On game day Don met withthe production crews early inthe morning long before wefield managers arrived. Rain wasin the forecast and they wantedto get both games in, It wasagreed that both fields would bemade 1V and game ready justin case. No problem! The fieldmanagement team assembled,received directions from Don,

and off we went preparing both sites. By noon bothfields were ready.

As time for the International championship gameapproached, so did the heavy clouds. Game time wasscheduled for 2:00 PM; at 1:45 the Public Announcerasked everyone to seek cover due to a line of heavythunderstorms in the area. Don working with produc-tion crew, decided that we would cover the field inadvance of the storm. We were late, the rain startedbefore we got the cover down, but before any damage

SPORTSTURF • http://www.greenmediaonline.com

could occur. Fifteen minutes later theworst of the storm had passed and westarted pushing the water off the tarpwith any thing that could move water.As we were rolling up the tarp the PAannouncer said "Let's hear it for ourgrounds crew" and a loud roar camefrom the stands. We got a little respect!

Once the game was over everyonepicked up hand tools, buckets, wheel-barrows, paint and went to work. Lessthan one hour later the field was readyfor the American championship game.During this game my son and I stayedat field level serving as the emergencygrounds crew. He really enjoyed him-self as we sat in the dugout with one ofthe teams and the TV crew. As thecamera panned into the dugout, Alex .got in a few on-screen cameo shots,which they noticed back home.

It was a wonderful experience andI could never thank Mr. Fowler

enough for the opportunity to serve. One footnote to thisstory, my son Alex has enrolled in a 2-year Sports TurfManagement Program. ST

George G Bernardon, CSFM, is Director of GroundsManagement for GCA Services Group, Inc.

Affordable New Models with Breakthrough Technology

The revolutionary Millcreek Saber 'Iooth'spreading system makes all other top-dressers obsolete. Millcreek's new, low-priced Turf Tiqer' Cub models, at under$9K bring the world's best topdresserswithin reach of any school or park budget.

Millcreek brings out the best in your turf

Most topdressers choke on wet, clumpy soil treatments found inreal-world conditions. Millcreek's patented Saber Tooth technologysolves that problem. Now you can spread both coarse or finematerials quickly and efficiently, no matter what their consistency.

Both Turf Tiger Cub models can spreadwet or dry, coarse or fine materials.

Millcreek Topdressers produce healthy playing surfaces

Millcreek's Turf Tiger Cub provides a more consistent, healthierplaying surface-healthier environmentally and for the players.

Millcreek's Cub Topdressers with Saber Tooth technology

Model 3100-1.8 cu. yds. (heaped), Model 3200-2.3 cu. yds. (heaped) Call (800) 311-1323or visit

www.MillcreekMfg.comGet the job done quickly!

Circle 149 on card or www.oners.ims.ca/5063-149

http://www.sportsturfmanager.org • STMA SPORTSTURF 27

PIONEER'S BRITE STRIPER 1600 PSPioneer's Brite Striper 1600 Professional Series includes a heavy-duty piston compressor for years of trouble free service

and a 4 position adjustable handle that offers comfort for multiple users. The Brite Striper 1600 is also equipped with a stan-dard two-headed sprayer that cuts field striping time in half by ensuring crisp, professional lines the first time. The BriteStriper 1600 comes with a 3-year warranty and the 12-gal. paint tank comes with a 5-yr. limited warranty against rust out.Pioneer Manufacturing (0'/800-877-1500For information, circle 075 orsee http://www.oners.ims.ca/so63-075

Circle 150 on card 01' www.onel.s.ims.ca/5063-150

28 August 2005

NEWSTRIPE'SHASHMARK-MASTER·

The Hashmark-Master paints hash-marks faster than any other method.Plus, it is a one-man job unlike usingheavy templates that require a two orthree men crew.

The Hashmark-Master attaches toany Newstripe field-marking machine.The operator follows the automaticline-up guide from one hash mark tothe next, paints it and moves on. It isthat simple. No more measuring orusing messy templates.Newstripe,loc/800-621.-6706For information, circle 077 orsee http://www.oners.ims.ca/5063-077

STOW-N-GO FIELDMARKER

Tru Mark Athletic Field Markerintroduces the Model EZ-70 Stow-n-Go field marker. Tru Mark incorporat-ed its floating paint shoe technologyon a 3-wheel steel chassis for dura-bility and control even when paintingcurved lines and in close quarters.This new field marker integrates easyoperations and maintenance capabili-ties with a removable 5-gal. painttank, 12-volt sealed battery, and a 12-volt diaphragm pump.Tru Mark/8oo-553-6275For information, circle 076 orsee fnUI:1 H!\IWVV.0nll'H 5.lmS.C<J/!jOOJ-U:,O

SPORTSTURF • http://www.greenmediaonline.com

FUTURE PROSOCCER GOALS

These portable aluminum soccergoals come in three styles, with 4-in.square or round, or 2 x 4-in. alu-minum crossbar and corner posts.Sizes range from 24-ft. official compe-tition goals to 9-ft. bantam size. Allfeature OwikTrack net attachmenttracks, a rear stabilizer bar and a back-stay design to eliminate weld failures.Wheel kits are standard on 4-in.square and round goals.Future ProJl:lOO-12l:l-,t.6:l~

For information, circle 073 or

see http://www.oners.ims.ta!so63-073

http://www.sportsturfmanager.org • STMA

TURF FOOTWEARLawnGrips are designed for mowing; the waterproof, protective toe shoes

have tractioned outsoles called Grip-N-Go. This tread pattern is made for pushing,turning, and stopping. The lugs and centers of the heel and forefoot are slightlyrounded to shed clippings and mud. All shoes have steel toes for safety.LawnGrips/877-447-4771For information, circle 080 orsee

Circle 151 on card or www.oners.ims.caj5063-151

SPORTSTURF 29

the grounds

NEWSTRIPE COOL-AIDECool-Aide is a portable heat stress reduction system. The individual misting wands can reduce the

surrounding air temperature by up to 20 degrees F, preventing possible player heat stress and stroke.Unit is completely portable and can be used anywhere: away games, stadiums, practice fields, tenniscourts. It is totally self contained and requires no electrical power or water source.Newstripe, Inc/800-624-6706For information. circle 074 orsee http://www.oners.ims.ca!s063-074

Demandthe BestDelta Bluegrass Company produces thehighest quality peat and sand grownsod in the industry ... period.

If you are a sports facility manager who demands the best,become part of our team - call today!

Circle 153 on card or www.oners.ims.ca/5063-153

30 August 2005

BISON SHOOTOU1rPORTABLE GOALS

Bison has introduced the first 4-in.square and 4-in. round competitionsoccer goals to maintain a 24-ft.width when used with or withoutcorner post safety paddinq. You don'thave to sacrifice player sa-fetytomaintain the integrity of the game!This design allows assembly withofficial 24-ft. inside opening or 24 ft.,1 1/4-in. opening to compensate forthe use of DuraSkin for Soccer cor-ner post padding. Goals meetNCAA, National High SchoolFederation and FIFA rules.81500/800-241-7668For information, circle 072 orsee http://v,.rvvw.oners.ims.ca/so63-012

KEEPER GOALS'MOVABLE GOAL

The ideal moveable goal with fivesemi-pneumatic wheels built intothe frame that glide over the play-ing field. Goals can be easilymoved by two people to accommo-date drills so you can save valuabletime. Wheels lock in place when inuse, and goals are counterbalancedto make this goal durable and safeto use. May be used on grass orartificial turf.Keeper Goals/80o-S94-5126For information, circle 011 orsee hH~):II\NW\M.OJlens.!mis.ci~/5()63··071

SPORTSTURF • http://www.greenmediaonline.com