Do`s and Don`ts of making sports fields safe and ready for play

Welcome
Field Maintenance 101
Understanding proper infield
maintenance, and the some of the
cost associated with doing right it or
wrong.
Speakers
Chris “Butter” Ball – Sports Turf Manager
Gwinnett Braves
2013 International League Sports Turf
Manager of the Year and the STMA TripleA Sports Turf Manager of the Year.
Jason Duncan – Park Operations
Coordinator Gwinnett County Parks &
Recreation
Coolray Field
Do’s and Don'ts of making sports fields safe
and ready for play, under not so ideal
conditions.
Some of the basics
Sometimes some of the simplest applications
can make the biggest difference.
Hand raking
The idea is to lightly scarify the
surface.
Maintaining that edge
The renowned scuffle hoe
Hand Broom
Some of the simplest applications, can make
the biggest difference, If you just take the time
to do it.
Push broom
Some of the simplest applications, can make
the biggest difference, If you just take the time
to do it.
Hand rake
Some of the simplest applications, can make
the biggest difference, If you just take the time
to do it.
Pitching mound and batters box
installation and maintenance.
What kind of mound do you
have?
Artificial
Clay
Determine size needed
League or age group
Clay
bricks
Options
Commonly used and easy to install.
Not so expensive if used correctly.
But maybe not to this extreme
Unless money is not a option, this application
probably isn't the direction you want to start.
Step #1
After determining size and exact location,
begin by starting a base using the bricks.
Step #2
Fill in and form the mound with a good clay
base material to the required specifications.
Understand the concept
Batters box
Again, there are options
Understand the layout
Clay bricks are still a good option
Be sure to follow the instructions for installation
so as to allow for the best results and to avoid
injury during play.
Other options
A good clay base product, either installed alone
or incorporated with the clay bricks. Both
applications are good choices.
Final preparations
In all methods, its crucial that the materials are
moistened, packed well, and then allowed to
dry.
Then Maintain, Maintain, Maintain
And don’t forget to cover!
Cant express the importance of
that one enough
Infield Conditioners
Know the different kinds available, and
what's best for your application needs
How do you make sure you get
the best results
Unsure if infield conditioners
would eliminate this issue….
First, understand what you are
striving for……….
Do your fields stay wet?
Are do they lack needed moisture?
How to incorporate into existing infield material
How deep does it need to be mixed in?
What are some of the best methods?
Dragging infields
Don’t get stuck in a routine, you
have to mix it up.
The basics still work……….
As long as you remember the basics
From the most extreme
Vibratory aerators are often used when the
infield has gotten so compacted that even
spiking wont do the trick.
To the most primitive
Sometimes you have to really improvise,
convert back to the most extreme basics.
But technology even in this simple practice has
come a long way.
Research everything that’s out there, but never
forget the basics. You never know when you
may have to fall back on them.
And remember…….
Questions and Answers
Infield lip maintenance and
removal
Look familiar?
Turfplaner of Georgia
Clarence Mayes