The American Sports Builders Association, a non-profit trade association comprised of builders, designers and suppliers for sports facilities, exists to promote the highest standards of design, construction and maintenance.
ASBA
Chairman
Randy Resley
ASBA Executive Director
Fred Stringfellow, CAE | fred@stringfellowgroup.net
Editor
Mary Helen Sprecher | maryhelen@sportsbuilders.org
2025 is ASBA’s 60th Anniversary! Coming Soon: ASBA’s New Padel Manual ASBA Position Papers: The Latest News
FOUNDATION NEWS
The American Sports Builders Foundation Announces 2025 Facility Project American Sports Builders Foundation Awards 2025 Scholarships to Future Industry Leaders
INDUSTRY VIEWS
An
As I write this message, most of us are in the busiest part of our season. Was there even a break in activity this past year?
I’m grateful to be part of an industry that has so many positive factors and trends keeping us healthy.
One of the trends you’ll notice in several of the articles in this issue of the magazine is the explosive growth in women’s sports. Participation is up in so many of these sports; spectator interest has increased substantially at both the amateur and
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
professional levels and new sports are being added to the Olympics.
I’m proud to acknowledge that, in parallel with these overall trends, ASBA has enjoyed a surge in participation from women in the sports design and construction space. We have had increasing numbers of women attending our Technical and Winter Meetings; we have had more women volunteering on Committees, Editorial Boards, etc. In December, we will welcome Megan Buczynski, PE as the Chair of ASBA. As a design professional, Megan has been involved in each of our divisions and has participated in our Governing Bodies Task Force, numerous editorial boards for our construction and maintenance manuals, the Professionals Division President and our ASBA and ASB Foundation Boards. The Association is fortunate to have Megan stepping into this leadership role for the coming two years.
Randy Resley
The ASBA Board met in late July in Nashville to plan for the coming year. As always, we had some big opportunities and initiatives to discuss as we continue to look toward the future. As we celebrate ASBA’s 60th Anniversary THIS YEAR, we celebrate our past but look to the future. You’ll hear more about our 60th Anniversary celebration plans in the coming weeks but one thing you won’t want to miss is our celebration in San Antonio!
I’ll look forward to seeing many of you in San Antonio, Texas in December for this year’s Technical Meeting! ★
Sincerely, Randy Resley
HEADLINE NEWS
2025 is ASBA’s 60th Anniversary!
Mary Helen Sprecher
ASBA celebrates 60 years of service to the industry this year and special events are planned.
The organization was founded in 1965 as the U.S. Tennis Court & Track Builders Association (USTC&TBA) by a group of contractors who recognized the need for an organization that could help them address their mutual problems, set industry standards and keep them informed on issues pertinent to their businesses.
From its early years, with only a dozen contractors participating in those first few meetings, to its membership today (which
includes members on a global scale) the Association has grown, flourished and changed in a multitude of ways.
In 2004, the name change to the American Sports Builders Association reflected the broad scope of work done by its members, and the Association has expanded and grown since then, continuing to enrich the industry with new membership divisions, multiple technical publications and position papers, robust certification and awards programs, a full complement of educational offerings, the announcement of the American Sports Builders Foundation and many other developments.
A 60-year celebration is known as the diamond anniversary, so get ready for some very special activities at the Technical Meeting in San Antonio this year; more details will be announced in the months ahead. ★
Coming Soon: ASBA’s New Padel Manual
Mary Helen Sprecher
ASBA’s new publication, Padel Courts: Installation & Maintenance Manual 2025, is at the printer and will be on the street soon!
Once the manual is in stock, ASBA will offer it in both hard copy and electronic format and it will be available on ASBA’s website.
The new manual, written by an editorial committee that included representation from the United States Padel Association, covers padel court dimensions, planning and design, base construction, maintenance, discussion of court kits, indoor and outdoor facilities, amenities and
accessories, lighting and a wealth of information on industry sources, including professional organizations, trade publications and organizations of teaching professionals, as well as others.
In addition to offering comprehensive information, the manual will be illustrated with detailed diagrams and photos.
The goal of the publication is to provide readers with the facts they need to make informed decisions on issues such as contractor selection, court placement, wind and soil considerations and other factors – and to avoid having them try to source unverified information from the internet.
The rising sport of padel has been getting increasing amounts of attention from club owners, homeowners, contractors and others. It is increasingly being incorporated into multi-sport facilities, such as those that also include tennis and pickleball. (One of those, in fact, is the USTA’s National Campus.)
Keep an eye on your inbox for an announcement of this new manual! ★
ASBA’s Fields Division recently produced a new Position Paper. The document, Compaction of Porous Base Stone, is now available on the Association’s website, www.sportsbuilders.org
The document was written by Ed Norton (HNP Landscape Architecture) and discusses best practices for stone base compaction, including type, shape and sieve size of stone, placement and compaction methods.
Position Papers are one-page documents detailing suggested techniques and best practices for construction of sports facilities. They are written without promoting any specific company, method, product or service. Each membership division is invited to write Position Papers on matters relevant to its industry.
To see examples of Position Papers, go to the ASBA website and using the blue toolbar, mouse over to Resources. A dropdown menu will include Division Resources, and Position Papers
Mary Helen Sprecher
are found in each Division’s section. Position Papers may be accessed free of charge.
Have an idea for a good Position Paper? Reach out to the Division Presidents as follows:
Courts Division: Todd Dettor – todd@fast-dry.com
Fields Division: Allen Verdin, CFB – averdin@themotzgroup.com
Indoor Sports Surfaces Division: Jay Henley –jhenley@covington.com
Track Division: Jordan Fisher, CTB – jfisher@fishertracks.com ★
FOUNDATION NEWS
The American Sports Builders Foundation Announces 2025 Facility Project
The American Sports Builders Foundation (ASBF) is proud to announce that The Beacon Resource Center, Inc in South Bend, Indiana has been selected for its 2025 facility renovation project.
Nominated by Joel Troyer of Ideal Coatings, The Beacon Resource Center is a vibrant community hub that currently houses a multi-use indoor sports court accommodating basketball, tennis and pickleball.
Since its original installation in 2015, the court’s surface has deteriorated, and more critically, the pickleball court lines were painted inaccurately, preventing the facility from hosting sanctioned tournaments that could increase community engagement.
With the support of the ASBF and contributing partners Ideal Coatings and California Sports Surfaces, the 2025 renovation will address these issues and bring the facility’s courts up to regulation standards. The improvements will enhance visibility, safety and competitive opportunities for the growing number of players in the community.
The Beacon’s commitment to fostering engagement and accessibility through sports aligns strongly with ASBF’s mission to support safe, functional, and inspiring athletic spaces. Stay tuned for updates as work on the project is expected to begin later this year. ★
American Sports Builders Foundation Awards 2025 Scholarships to Future Industry Leaders
The American Sports Builders Foundation (ASBF) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 scholarship program. These outstanding students represent the next generation of leaders in sports facility design and construction.
Through the Foundation’s mission to support education, ASBF is helping to pave the way for bright, dedicated individuals who are passionate about building the future of sports.
This year’s ASBF scholarship recipients are:
• Dante Filadoro from Lynnfield, Massachusetts who is pursuing a degree in Turfgrass Science and Management at UMass Amherst in Amherst, Massachusetts with an anticipated graduation date of May 2026
• Carter Rombold from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania who is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering from West Virginia University with an anticipated graduation date of May 2027
• Shaun Haynes from Millville, Massachusetts who is pursuing a degree Landscape Contracting and Turf Management at UMass Amherst with an anticipated graduation date of May 2029
In addition, the Foundation is pleased to award the Ed & Martina Norton Scholarship, reserved for a student enrolled in a landscape architecture or civil engineering program, to:
• Samson Durgy from Ann Arbor, Michigan, who is pursuing a degree in Landscape Architecture from Michigan State University with an anticipated graduation date of December 2025.
The ASBF was established in 2023 by the American Sports Builders Association (ASBA) to fund facility renovation projects and support students pursuing careers in sports facility design and construction-related industries. The Foundation believes that investing in education is key to advancing the future of sports construction.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients! The future of the sports facility industry is brighter because of their passion, talent and dedication. ★
The American Sports Builders Foundation appreciates the support of Association members who make its mission possible, allowing it to fund facility renovations and to offer scholarships to deserving students.
To learn more about the Foundation and how you can support its work, visit www.sportsbuilders.org/asbf
INDUSTRY VIEWS
An Interview with Todd Carlson, Senior Director, Tennis Venue Services, Parks & CTAs
Industry Views is a regular column in Build It Right, featuring an interview with an industry partner whose work is helping to drive evolution. Have a suggestion for someone to interview? E-mail our editor at maryhelen@sportsbuilders.org
In the last issue of Build It Right, we reported that last year, the USTA’s Tennis Venue Services (TVS) department (which provides grants for facility upgrades or new construction, as well as other support) had issued about $1.8 million in grants for tennis infrastructure.
For 2025, that grant amount available was increased to $10 million, creating more opportunities for those who need facilities – and for builders who can serve them. The application process had also been streamlined.
With the upgraded program off and running, ASBA decided it was time to catch up to Todd Carlson, Senior Director of Tennis Venue Services, Parks and CTAs.
American Sports Builders Association: The last time we checked in, USTA had just announced the increase in funding available. How has the response been?
Todd Carlson: This year is the 20th anniversary of the Tennis Venue Services Department and it has been phenomenal. So far this year, we have awarded $5.7 million out of the $10 million we have available.
American Sports Builders Association: Have you noticed any trends in the projects that are being funded?
Todd Carlson: We’re seeing people use their grant funding to move tennis projects into phase one of their master plans. In some cases, they are getting additional dollars from other sources, sometimes as matching funds, and sometimes in cases where USTA sections or districts will pitch in money toward the projects.
American Sports Builders Association: In addition to construction and repair, how else are people using funds?
Todd Carlson: Several years ago, we worked with Whitney Young Magnet High School in Chicago, getting the courts rebuilt and adding smart access, so that people could reserve courts using their phones. They’re now adding lights to their courts.
We’re also seeing funding being used to add court technology to facilities. That includes the addition of electronic line calling, something that really has been a game changer in terms of sportsmanship; kids have accountability with their own line calling and their parents aren’t trying to say that something was in or out. Additionally, people are adding recording and streaming capabilities so that relatives or friends at home can watch matches they can’t attend in person.
American Sports Builders Association: There is a trend toward people wanting to create multi-sport complexes. The TVS grants cover tennis facilities only. Will they allow for construction of courts with lines for other sports on them?
Todd Carlson: We understand our customers want to diversify their revenue streams. Something important to note is that we do support the health and wellness of communities and will design multi-sport complexes as long as tennis is a component of the offerings. We encourage conversations about that, in fact.
The grants themselves, though, are for tennis only; no other sport lines can be on the court. If people want to do something as simple as create an area for tennis and put those lines down on blacktop, we can help them do that.
The USTA has a goal of growing tennis in the United States; we want to get 35 million players by 2035. In the last five years, tennis has grown, adding seven to eight million players. If we want to keep adding players, we have to add tennis courts. Trying to take existing courts and add lines for multiple sports only means more people competing for the same
space. The key to growth is to support tennis-specific courts.
It’s similar to what happened when softball first became popular; people originally thought that baseball diamonds could host everything; they very quickly realized that too many people wanted to use the same diamonds, and that the answer was to build more diamonds so that everyone could play and both sports could grow.
American Sports Builders Association: What else should people know about TVS grants before they apply?
Todd Carlson: To be eligible for funding, a facility has to be open to the public for play. However, all of our other services, like business and technical, are available for private or semi-private facilities.
American Sports Builders Association: Do you think TVS has helped build better venues?
Todd Carlson: Yes, it is always helpful to get another set of eyes on your business model, particularly at the very beginning. If there is something that won’t work, it is better to know before you start investing time and resources. Our goal is to increase the level and quality of tennis infrastructure across the country.
Information on Tennis Venue Services can be accessed at www.usta.com/ en/home/coach-organize/tennissupport/facility-assistance.html or email facilities@usta.com ★
Bringing Together The Sports Design And Construction Community
The ASBA Technical Meeting & Trade Show will be held at the Grand Hyatt in San Antonio, Texas from December 2-5, 2025. Professionals in the sports design and construction industry worldwide will gather for learning, networking and business development.
SESSIONS LIST
* = AIA/ASLA CEU Eligible
All session/event names & times are subject to change
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2
8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Sporting Clays Outing
(Optional Activity/Additional Cost)
Sponsored by: Advanced Polymer Technology; AT Sports ACRYTECH; Fred Kolkmann Tennis & Sport Surfaces, LLC
8:30 AM
Golf Tournament – TPC San Antonio (Optional Activity/Additional Cost) Sponsored by: Liberty Tire Recycling
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3
8:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Board of Directors Meeting
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
General Registration
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Exhibit Hall Set-Up
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM
Academy Lunch
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
2025 Academy Quarter 4 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
PTI Session: Design/Construction/ Maintenance of PT Concrete Courts
• 5E General: The Champion’s Code: Building Relationships Through Life Lessons of Integrity and Accountability from the Sports World to the Business World
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
Break in Exhibit Hall
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Concurrent Sessions 6:
• *6A Courts: The Impact of Cushion on the Sport and Your Body (Beginner)
• 6B Track: CTB University (Exam Prep) (Beginner)
• *6C Fields: Offsite Visit - Case Study: Texas A&M at San Antonio (Intermediate)
• *6D Indoor Sports Surfaces: The Evolution of Pickleball in an Indoor Multi-Purpose Facility (Beginner)
• 6E General: Wearing the C: Leadership Lessons from the Greatest Captains and Coaches in Sports
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Grab & Go Lunch - Exhibit Hall Open
1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Exhibit Hall Breakdown
1:45 PM – 2:45 PM
Concurrent Sessions 7:
• *7A Courts: Considerations for Color (Beginner)
• 7B Track: CTB University (Exam Prep) (Beginner)
• *7C Fields: Case Study: Disaster Relief (Intermediate)
• *7D Indoor Sports Surfaces: Evolution of Rubber, Applications and Trends (Beginner)
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
CTCB Happy Hour (Open to CTCBs only)
CTB Happy Hour (Open to CTBs only)
CFB Happy Hour (Open to CFBs only)
Professional Happy Hour (Open to Professional members only)
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Board of Directors Meeting
6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Closing Reception
6:30 PM
Closing Dinner/Awards
New This Year! AI to Make Sessions Inclusive for Multilingual Participants
At this year’s Technical Meeting, ASBA will be using Wordly, a real-time artificial intelligence (AI) translation and captioning platform designed to make meetings more inclusive and accessible for our increasingly multilingual audience.
Wordly will be used for all technical breakout sessions covering topics in Courts, Fields, Track and Indoor Sports Surfaces.
To learn more, visit www.wordly.ai.
Women’s Networking Reception: Don’t Miss This Opportunity!*
With the announcement of two new women’s championships at the NCAA level (STUNT and Acrobatics & Tumbling) and one new emerging sport for women (Flag Football), as well as the publication of the first-ever NFHS Flag Football Rules book (with a female athlete on the cover!), women in sports are making their voices heard.
ASBA has long understood the vital role women play in the industry and wants to make sure everyone knows about its very popular and well attended Women’s Networking Reception, to be held at this year’s Technical Meeting in San Antonio.
Attendance is open to all women who are registered Technical Meeting attendees. Join us on Wednesday, December 3 from 4 p.m.-5 p.m. for a casual evening of networking at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio with colleagues and friends. No speaker, no program, just great opportunities.
Information on the room where the reception will be held will be carried on the 2025 ASBA Technical Meeting mobile app when it becomes available.
*Sponsorship still available (at time of publication) Women’s Reception Member: $2,500 | Non-Member: $3,500 Company will be recognized as sponsor of the women’s reception. Limited to one sponsor.
SPONSORS
frasurereps.com
Let’s
FEATURED ARTICLES
Need Info on the New NFHS Flag Football Rules? Here It Is
Mary Helen Sprecher
Perhaps the most eagerly awaited youth sports development of the summer concerns the inaugural set of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Flag Football Rules. Now, the wait is over and the rules are available for purchase on the NFHS fulfillment site at www.NFHS.com.
NFHS has noted that flag football is the nation’s fastest-growing emerging sport, and that while the new rules were written for both boys’ and girls’ competition, the growth of the girls’ game over the past several years drove the urgency for national playing rules.
“The popularity of flag football – for boys and girls – has been growing at the youth levels for the past 10 years,” said Dr. Karissa Niehoff, CEO of the NFHS. “In 2023, about 500,000 girls ages 6-17 played flag football – a 63 percent increase since 2019.”
Additionally, the number of participants in girls’ flag football more than doubled from 2022-23 to 2023-24. A total of 42,955 girls participated in flag football in 2023-24 compared to 20,875 the previous year – a 105 percent increase.
Because so many states are adding programs, says Bob Colgate, NFHS Director of Sports and Sports Medicine, creating rules was more important than ever.
“Every state used to have their own rules with different size fields, different size teams, and teams playing across state lines.
Now, we have one set of national rules and that should make things easier.”
Some states, he notes, have been hesitant to add flag out of a concern that it might pull athletes from other sports being presented in that season.
“States have to look at it on a case by case basis,” he says. “In some of our states, they just don’t have the numbers of athletes they need to add it in.”
Of course, that won’t stop athletes from joining rec leagues, local teams and travel programs; expect growth from these programs as well.
Field Sizes
Three configurations of fields are possible under the new rules. All are currently posted on the NFHS flag football page: www. nfhs.org/activities-sports/flag-football/. (Scroll to the bottom of the pages and you’ll see the diagrams listed under “Flag Football Resources.”) States using NFHS rules will get to choose which field they want to designate as their official field dimensions:
• 120 ft. wide x 240 ft. long
• 120 ft. wide x 300 ft. long
• 160 ft. wide x 300 ft. long
Photo courtesy of NFL FLAG
Each field size additionally has two 30-foot end zones.
The diagrams, which can be found online at the link above, are written for 7-on-7 play, which, according to Colgate, is the most popular format, although he allows that some states may be playing 5-on-5.
Courtesy of the National Federation of State High School Associations, used with permission
The reason for having three field sizes, says Colgate, was that with 34 states currently offering flag, differing field sizes had been used. NFHS wanted “to make the transition [to having rules] as easy as possible.”
Since in many cases, high schools have turf fields, cones can be used to designate the sidelines, end zones, etc. Grass fields, notes Colgate, can be marked for flag football at the discretion of the athletic director.
A synopsis of game rule information can be found at this link: www.nfhs.org/articles/first-nfhs-flag-football-rules-book-other-fallsports-rules-publications-now-available
Expect growth to continue as flag football gains even more visibility with the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. ★
Flag Football Field Diagram #3
FEATURED ARTICLES
Two Indoor Sports Recommended for NCAA Championship Status
Mary Helen Sprecher
The NCAA recently recommended that Divisions I, II and III sponsor legislation to create championships in two indoor sports, STUNT and Acrobatics & Tumbling.
Both are women’s team sports that use elements found in cheer, but do not include the crowd-leading aspect. Sports are contested in gymnasiums and their championships, which could come as soon as spring 2027, could represent an opportunity for the Indoor Sports Surfaces Division and for manufacturers of equipment used, such as mats.
Acrobatics & Tumbling
According to the website of the National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association (NCATA), teams compete in a standard basketball or volleyball arena with a hardwood surface. The competition floor is made up of 13 mats of carpet-bonded foam, which are 5cm (2 in.) thick and measure 1.8m x 12.8m (6 ft. x 42 ft.) each.
A warm-up area is located on each side of the competition area. Each warm-up area is made up of 2 mats, 5cm (2 in.) thick, measuring 1.8m x 12.8m (6ft. x 42 ft.). The warm-up mats are located 2.4m (8ft.) outside the competition mats and 1.2M (4 ft.) from the competition sidelines. A line of tape should be placed 91cm (3 ft.) outside the competition area.
Competitions have generally been held in the approximate space of a basketball court; therefore, clearances for spectators are the same as for basketball or volleyball. There is no specified ceiling height; however, the overhead clearance for a volleyball match is sufficient for acrobatics & tumbling.
STUNT
According to the STUNT College Administrator’s Guide, the general facility requirements would be a basketball court with room to lay down the standard 16.4m x 12.8m (54 ft. x 42 ft.) floor, and with a minimum ceiling height of 7.6m (25 ft.)
Additional equipment includes four extra mat panels for team practice areas, scoreboard, audio and public address sound system, team benches consisting of a single row of 15 to 20 chairs on both sides of the performance mat, necessary tables and chairs for staff, as well as two water stations.
The sport of STUNT was developed by USA Cheer. ★
FEATURED ARTICLES
Coming to the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women Program: Flag Football
Mary Helen Sprecher
In a move that is likely to spur colleges to add or improve fields, the NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics has made a recommendation that Divisions I, II and III sponsor legislation to add flag football to the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program.
With the committee’s vote, the recommendation will move through the NCAA governance structures. All three divisions will now have an opportunity to sponsor legislation to move the sport forward. The divisions will review updated statistics, current sports sponsorship numbers, financial considerations, potential timelines and other relevant topics before making a final decision on whether to add flag football to the Emerging Sports program.
Once in the program, a sport must have a minimum of 40 schools sponsoring the sport at the varsity level and meet minimum contest and participation requirements (as reflected in the NCAA Sports Sponsorship and Participation Rates Database) to be considered for championship status.
“The growth of flag football will be exciting to watch in the NCAA as women’s sports continue to generate more visibility and opportunities for female student-athletes to excel academically and athletically,” said Ragean Hill, chair of the Committee on Women’s Athletics and executive associate athletics director at Charlotte. “The Committee on Women’s Athletics wants to thank
Photo by Erick BP on Pexels
RCX Sports Foundation and USA Football for submitting the application. CWA looks forward to flag football being added to the Emerging Sports for Women program and watching the sport’s exciting journey to NCAA championship status in the future.”
Flag football has been one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. At least 65 NCAA schools are sponsoring women’s flag football at either the club or varsity levels this year, with more slated to join in 2026. Flag football also has been added as a sport for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Currently, there are three sports in the Emerging Sports for Women program: equestrian (Divisions I and II), rugby and triathlon. ★
Facilities are Starting to Specify ASBA
Distinction in Their Bids. Are You Prepared?
Designed to recognize those ASBA Supplier Division Member Companies that understand the standards of design, construction and maintenance of sports facilities and gives a distinction to those companies that contribute to and share in the betterment of ASBA and the industry.
Designed to recognize individual members of ASBA’s Professional Division who demonstrate commitment and dedication to the tennis, track, fields and indoor facility construction industry through involvement with ASBA and related organizations and the completion of built projects.
Learn more about the requirements and join the distinguished list of Supplier and Professional Certificate of Distinction holders: www.sportsbuilders.org/page/certificateofdistinction
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS ASBA?
As part of our continuing effort to promote ASBA as an industry resource in sports construction issues, ASBA has had/will have a presence at the following events.
JULY - Board Meeting & Awards Judging
The ASBA Board of Directors, awards judges and the ASBA staff met in Nashville, Tennessee on July 29 and 30 for the annual summer Board meeting and awards judging.
SEPTEMBER - US Tennis Association
ASBA will be represented at the USTA/NRPA Parks Partner Summit in New York, New York on August 2324; and the USTA Contractors Summit on August 25; both held in conjunction with the US Open.
National Recreation & Parks Association
ASBA will have a presence as an exhibitor at this year’s NRPA Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida, September 16 through 18. If you’re planning to be at NRPA, stop by ASBA’s Booth #245 to say hello.
OCTOBER - FSB
ASBA will have a presence as an exhibitor at this year’s FSB Tradeshow in Cologne, Germany on October 28 through 31. If you’re planning to be at FSB, stop by ASBA’s Booth at Hall 10.2 Aisle F No: 079.
DECEMBER - ASBA Technical Meeting
ASBA’s members, leadership and staff will gather at the Grand Hyatt in San Antonio, Texas for ASBA’s Technical Meeting and Tradeshow on December 2 through 5. Please note the new weekday pattern of this year’s meeting. Check www.sportsbuilders.org for detailed schedule information. ★
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PLAYING BY THE RULES
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ASBA periodically recounts rule changes that may affect the way facilities are constructed, marked or appointed (including equipment that is either experimental, recommended or mandatory.)
Rule changes affecting athletes (uniforms, sportsmanship, transfer, NIL issues, etc.) or the game itself (what constitutes a foul, etc.) are not covered here.
Information presented here is only reviewed briefly; full information can be gained through the governing bodies mentioned.
NFHS: Multiple Notes Regarding Rules
Rules on NFHS Digital: According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), all rules publications will now be carried on NFHS Digital, the organization’s new mobile platform, available for users of both iOS and Android devices.
Baseball: Beginning with the 2027 season, NFHS states that a double first base will be required in high school baseball games to minimize the risk of collisions by runners and fielders and to prevent running lane violations.
The double first base must be white and a contrasting solid color. The white portion of the base is located in fair territory while the colored half is located in foul territory, split by the first base foul line. There is to be no space between the two portions of the double base.
For more information, consult the NFHS Baseball Rules.
Backstroke Ledges: Additionally, NFHS recently announced changes to rules concerning backstroke ledges in swimming competitions; while ASBA does not address this sport, it encourages those interested to contact NFHS for more information. ★
ASBA Offering Workshops for Indoor Flooring Professionals
ASBA’s Indoor Sports Surfaces Division is committed to helping installers have employees with the knowledge, skills and training to Build It Right
Interested in signing up? There is an online registration form on ASBA’s website with detailed information on each workshop. Mouse over the top blue toolbar to the word, “Meetings.” A drop-down menu will list upcoming meetings, including this one. Information on hotels is available as well. Attendees are responsible for arranging for their own travel, hotel and additional meals.
Swedesboro, New Jersey
“Floor Preparation, Cushioned Vinyl Sports Flooring, & Polyurethane Pad & Pour Installation,” will be offered from September 9 through 11 at the MAPEI Swedesboro Plant in Swedesboro, New Jersey.
Billings, Montana
The following workshops will be conducted at the Yellowstone Boys & Girls Ranch: Indoor Sports Surfaces Gym Floor Sanding School, September 29-October 2, 2025
Indoor Sports Surfaces Gym Floor Paint and Finish School, October 6-9, 2025
TRENDING TOPICS
ASBA keeps an eye on subjects that are getting attention and that may affect those at the sports facility level. Here are a few of those.
ASBA Award-Winning Facility Featured in Florida
Photo Exhibition
In Florida, a collection of photographs celebrating “Volusia’s Great Outdoors” opened in Daytona Beach at the Ocean Center’s ECHO Gallery.
Among the photos featured were Pictona at Holly Hill, a 2023 ASBA award winner in the Outdoor Pickleball Facilities category. (Nidy Sports Construction can take a bow.) Other featured facilities included the Patricia Wilson Field at Stetson University.
The exhibition, which opened in June, will run for eight months.
Here’s Something New About the New Pope:
He’s a Sports Fan
Pope Leo XIV, the former Cardinal Robert Prevost, plays tennis (in fact, he really enjoys it, though he is quick to note that he is an amateur). He watches college hoops when his alma mater, Villanova, is playing. And he’s a big White Sox fan (hey, he’s from Chicago, after all).
It’s early days yet, so the sports world is still waiting on news about whether he supports the Chicago Bears as well. In the meantime, though, Vatican City has its own private tennis court where the clergy, as well as the Swiss Guards, have played in the past.
High School Turf Education Programs are Growing
A recent article in SportsField Management noted the rise of high school turfgrass education programs. Among the schools covered were Atlee High School, Thomas Dale High School, Brentsville District High School and Louisa County School District in Virginia, South Forsyth High School in Georgia and Corona Del Mar and Atwater High School in California – as well as many others.
Programs are popular as well. When Thomas Dale High School launched its turfgrass management offerings in 2001, it had 26 students in the program. Today, the program has two teachers and 160 students. In many districts, students are able to work on their schools’ facilities, and some have interned with professional teams.
Greater Emphasis on Golf in Small Spaces
Sir Nick Faldo, the six-time major champion and his design company, Faldo Design, have joined forces with Himalayas Golf to launch ‘Golf in Small Spaces,’ an initiative designed to make golf more accessible and enjoyable by developing compact golf facilities suitable for urban environments and areas with limited land availability, such as putting facilities, indoor practice areas, smart ranges and backyard-style layouts.★
MEMBER NEWSLINE
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Padel N9NE Announces U.S. adidas
Padel Flagship Facility
Padel N9NE has officially opened at the San Diego Tech Center by Alexandria, marking a new era for padel in the United States. With eight USPA-endorsed adidas 165 MPH courts by AFP Courts, Padel N9NE is the first club nationwide to offer panoramic padel courts built to meet all U.S. wind zone requirements, including Category B, C and D conditions.
Designed as an adidas flagship destination, Padel N9NE combines world-class gameplay with premium amenities, featuring stadium courts, a concierge-supported clubhouse and seamless integration with a high-performance gym by Exos. It is set in Sorrento Valley, a hub for innovation and research near UC San Diego and reflects the future of padel infrastructure in America.
The facility is surrounded by five onsite restaurants and expects future wellness expansions to elevate the player’s experience while remaining focused on its core: best-in-class padel.
Padel N9NE is more than a club; it’s a blueprint. As interest in padel surges across the U.S., this project offers developers, clubs and architects a model that combines technical excellence, safety and lifestyle in one replicable, visionary platform. ★
ASB GlassFloor Showcases Volleyball at a High-Tech Level
For the first time ever, an official international volleyball match was played on the ASB GlassFloor.
The event took place on May 25 at Munich’s BMW Park and celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Bavarian Volleyball Association. The match, a thrilling five-set showdown between Germany and Italy, captivated fans both in the arena and online.
The facility is equipped with the world`s first permanent high-tech glass floor since the 2024/2025 FC Bayern Basketball season. The event provided not only a celebration of athletic achievement but also a glimpse into the future of sports technology and fan engagement.
The ASB GlassFloor is a high-tech, full LED sports surface that allows for dynamic visual effects, real-time stats and rapid court design changes. It is integrated with touchscreen control and can display training diagrams, virtual lines and animations for various sports and events.
Bakko Backboards Celebrates 48 Years in
Business
Bakko Backboards, the oldest and largest manufacturer of tennis rebound walls, is celebrating 48 years in business and going strong.
Bakko has noticed some trends in the last couple of years: Projects are getting larger and there has been an increase in business among schools, tennis facilities and parks and recreation departments.
Instead of customers asking for one backboard, Bakko is seeing demand for four, six and eight backboards per order/facility. Bakko also sees a trend in customization, including custom colors and logos of schools, clubs and parks and recreation departments. ★
Frasure Reps Lights Up New Facility for Murray Pickleball Association
It provides optimal playing conditions for athletes, enhances sponsor visibility with exceptional presentation surfaces and creates a captivating multimedia experience for fans. Designed for player safety, it offers excellent elasticity and grip, helping to reduce injury risk.
ASB GlassFloor was previously used in events like the NBA All-Star Weekend and University of Kentucky’s Big Blue Madness. ★
In April, the Murray Pickleball Association unveiled their new five-court pickleball facility to the public. Located in Murray, Kentucky, this is the first phase of the project; five more courts will be built in phase two.
The courts are illuminated with Zone Large 78L LED fixtures and produce average light levels ranging from 65 to 75 footcandles, providing lighting suitable for tournament-level play.
Per their website, The Murray Pickleball Association plans to host clinics, leagues and tournaments for citizens of all ages, fostering community engagement through the sport of pickleball.
To make this project possible, the Murray Pickleball Association raised over $750,000 to cover the construction costs of phase one. ★
HNP Landscape Architecture Relocates to New Office in Vestavia Hills
colorful and high-quality set of pickleball courts for the general public to enjoy.
After 25 years in the same location, HNP Landscape Architecture is excited to announce its move to a new office space in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. The transition began on June 1, marking a new chapter for the team in a custom-designed, 3,400-square-foot space that reflects the firm’s identity and creative spirit.
Grissim Metz Andriese Associates Celebrates 60 Years of Landscape Architecture
Grissim Metz Andriese Associates proudly marks 60 years of design excellence. Since 1965, the firm has shaped landscapes across Michigan and beyond, from civic spaces and campuses to athletic facilities that bring communities together.
With deep expertise in both landscape architecture and sports facility design, Grissim Metz Andriese Associates continues to collaborate with schools, municipalities and private institutions to create spaces that are functional, safe and inspiring. The team specializes in athletic facility master planning, track and field complexes and multi-sport venues that enhance the environments where people play, compete and thrive.
As the firm celebrates this milestone year, it also reflects on recent achievements, including receiving the 2024 Outdoor Pickleball Bronze Award from the American Sports Builders Association for its design of the Country Club of Detroit Pickleball Facility in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan.
Grissim Metz Andriese Associates is honored to be part of the ASBA community and looks forward to continuing the legacy of thoughtful, performance-driven design. ★
Largely designed in-house, the new office features a modern palette of grey tones, warm woodgrain finishes and leather accents, complemented by its signature synthetic turf wall emblazoned with the HNP logo. Every detail was thoughtfully selected to create an environment that supports collaboration, creativity and client engagement.
“This move gave us a unique opportunity to shape a space that tells our story,” said HNP partner, Sean Hufnagel. “We’re proud of how it’s coming together and look forward to welcoming clients and colleagues into a place that truly feels like home.”
As HNP continues to provide landscape architecture services across the Southeast, this relocation marks an exciting step in its evolution. Its staff appreciates the continued support of their partners and clients during this transition and looks forward to hosting visitors in their new home soon. ★
The pre-existing inline hockey rink was undersized for hockey purposes, but large enough to convert to four new pickleball courts. By using the Mateflex TopCourt tile specifically designed for pickleball and tennis, Mateflex provided a surface that was easy to both install and maintain, yet will also provide excellent durability, ball response and grip for players of all ages. The courts are now open for yearround use.
For over 50 years, Mateflex has been an industry leader in athletic surfaces, offering affordable, customizable and reliable modular tile options for projects of all shapes and sizes. ★
Padel Alba Reveals New Brand Identity and Website
Padel Alba unveiled a new elevated look at the Padel World Summit in Barcelona in May. The Spanish padel court builder launched a new image, logo and website that matches the status they have built in supplying premium padel courts around the world.
Mateflex Transforms Hillsborough Park with New Pickleball Courts
Mateflex Modular Tile Surfaces is thrilled to have had the opportunity to work alongside the Township of Hillsborough, New Jersey in refurbishing a previously neglected inline hockey rink at the Harold Docherty Memorial Park. Through this partnership, Mateflex was able to assist in turning this space into a brand new,
At the launch, CEO Ray Brinkmanis commented, “We have delivered padel courts for more than 20 years, always with the aim of building the highest quality courts, customized to every market. We are delighted with our updated look, including a new logo and website; it is an attempt to convey the big ambitions we have for the future of padel.”
The new identity reflects Padel Alba’s roots in precision manufacturing with a nod to the premium segment they are looking to fill with their range of panoramic and full panoramic courts.
All courts can be viewed in 3-D on the new website at www.padelalba.com.
Padel Alba’s top-of-the-line court is the
Panoramic 125, designed specifically for the U.S. market to withstand continuous wind speeds of 125 mph. The company is currently working on a court that can resist continuous windspeeds of up to 165 mph. ★
PICKLETILE™ Launches INFINITYFLEX™
Modular Court Divider System
INFINITYFLEX™ is the latest innovation from PICKLETILE™, offering a premium modular divider system engineered for performance, flexibility and style. Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, it features powder-coated aluminum framing and high-impact polycarbonate panels, delivering a lightweight yet durable solution ideal for temporary or semi-permanent installations.
INFINITYFLEX™ offers unmatched versatility. Each fully assembled section stands 40 inches tall and weighs approximately 60 pounds, creating a balance of strength, stability and ease of handling.
The system installs without anchors or permanent foundations and can be configured for multiple layouts, making it an ideal solution for clubs, municipalities and event operators looking to adapt spaces or expand capacity with minimal disruption. INFINITYFLEX™ is available in four-foot and six-foot panel configurations and ships in branded packaging, with co-branding opportunities available for distribution partners.
The product is already generating strong nationwide interest. PICKLETILE™ initially did a product rollout with select club and commercial partners, then added full availability in July.
INFINITYFLEX™ blends architectural-grade materials with on-the-go versatility. It is the
ideal solution for anyone seeking a sleek, functional alternative to permanent chain link fencing. ★
SafeGard Modular Rail Padding Cuts Installation Time Without Sacrificing Quality
The SafeGard Modular Rail Padding by Putterman Athletics offers contractors a game-changing solution to a common challenge: finishing rail padding quickly without sacrificing quality. Designed with speed and flexibility in mind, this product allows builders to close out projects quickly without the typical three- to four-week wait time for custom padding.
This system delivers a custom-look finish using standard components, saving both time and labor. The eight-foot foot padding features 3 ½-inch OD tubular foam with a ¾-inch wall thickness. It is wrapped in 12-inch wide vinyl covers (18 oz.) and is available in custom lengths. The vinyl covers come hemmed with black grommets and attach easily using Ty-Raps or rope.
With multiple vinyl color options and logos available, including custom graphics, SafeGard Modular Rail Padding provides both performance and aesthetics. As a bonus, it’s fully recyclable, aligning with sustainable building practices.
For sports builders seeking a professional finish with a faster turnaround, this product is a reliable, cost-effective solution that speeds up installation without compromising appearance or protection. ★
Quality Court Announces New Tennis Court Project Quality Court Industries, LLC (QCI) recently built eight new outdoor post-tensioned tennis courts for Southwest Community College in Summit, Mississippi.
QCI provided extensive turnkey service, including the post-tensioned slab construction, installation of the acrylic surfacing system and striping, LED court lighting and court accessories, including windscreen with custom logos.
The college’s athletics program can now enjoy a facility that provides premium play opportunities for the home team and opponents alike. ★
Sports Turf Company Completes Track & Field Renovations at Carroll High School
Sports Turf Company converted Carroll High School’s existing natural grass field to an AstroTurf artificial turf system. The system installed will stand up to high traffic and heavy rainfall, giving the Eagles a consistent surface for competition.
“We are grateful to provide Carroll High School with facility renovations that are sure to make an impact for their athletic programs moving forward,” Sports Turf Company President Todd Wiggins said. “While economical, the systems installed can withstand heavy traffic from different sports in virtually any weather condition.”
In addition to the field renovation, the existing track was renovated with a Rekortan B synthetic surface. Rekortan B is a high-quality, cost-effective surface that provides good force reduction for athletes. ★
ASBA MEMBERS
New Members & Certified Builders
Builder
• Abbey Construction Co., Inc.
• Australian Courtworks, Inc.
• Clifton Construction
• Dominican Tennis Supply, M&M, S.R.L.
• Eastern Turf Maintenance
• Empire Netting and Fence
• Netting Professionals, LLC
• Pine State Asphalt/Athletic Courts
• Precision Sports LLC
• Premium Surface Solutions
• Professional Floor Systems
• WGV Corp d/b/a Pro Court Construction
Professional
• InMotion Recreation, Inc.
• LAND3 Studio, LLC
• Sayre Associates, Inc.
• The LA Group
• ThenDesign Architecture (TDA)
Provisional
• Court Kings
Supplier
• Kinder Brothers Supply
• Manley Bros. Of Indiana, Inc.
• naturaLED (Fanlight)
• Sportsbeams Lighting, Inc.
• True Pitch Mounds
New Certified Builders
Kevin Cunningham, CTB Miller Sports Construction
Kevin Holmes, CFB-S FieldTurf – Tarkett Sports
Nick Pappas, CFB SCG Fields, LLC
Richard Phelan, CTCB Court Contractors Ltd.
Hector Puentes, CTB TGS Sports, LLC
Richard Sepanski, CFB Evergreen Siteworks
Kevin Wozniak, CFB-S Sprinturf, LLC
Jeff Zingo, CTCB Resurface Inc.
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