Issuu

COURTS FEATURE: Padel: A Primer

FIELDS FEATURE: The Rise of SmallSided Sports Fields

FACILITIES FEATURE: Connectivity in Sports Facilities

Build It Right

Summer 2022, Issue 1

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Leaders in the manufacture and sale of world-class athletic field equipment

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Awarded 30+ patents for our innovative designs

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Winner of multiple American Sports Builders Association (ASBA) Game Changer awards and numerous industry accolades

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Proud member of ASBA, STC, ASTM, CEFMA, & SFMA (formerly STMA)

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 David Clapp, CTB, CTCB

ASBA Executive Director Fred Stringfellow, CAE

Editor

Mary Helen Sprecher

2331 Rock Spring Road Forest Hill, MD 21050 Tel: 443-640-1042 Fax: 443-640-1031 Email: info@sportsbuilders.org

Build It Right is a publication of the American Sports Builders Association © 2022. All Rights Reserved. For more information or to order additional copies, contact the ASBA headquarters office. Unless otherwise noted, all images are copyright ASBA and their respective owners. Unless otherwise noted, all articles are copyright ASBA. Direct requests for reprint to the ASBA headquarters office. The American Sports Builders Association prints Build It Right to provide its members and other interested parties in the sports design, construction and supply profession with a forum for the discussion of topics of interest to the entire industry. The ideas and opinions expressed in Build It Right are solely those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the view, positions or policies of ASBA, its members, its board of directors, officers or staff. ASBA is not responsible for any claims made in any advertisements, and does not endorse any manufacturer, supplier or vendor. ASBA does not warrant the performance of any member or member employee or subcontractor. Some images and content art © Adobe Stock Images, Pixabay, Unsplash and Pexels

TABLE OF CONTENTS 05

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

HEADLINE NEWS

INDUSTRY NEWS

MEETING NEWS

FEATURES

DIVISION NEWS

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS ASBA

PLAYING BY THE RULES

WHAT ASBA NEEDS

MEMBER NEWSLINE

IN EVERY ISSUE

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN David Clapp, CTB, CTCB

out product as quickly as they can, and professionals are already receiving notifications for work yet to be done later this year or perhaps next.

Greetings. We hope you will enjoy this new format for the ASBA magazine (formerly Newsline) and the expanded coverage it allows us to provide to you, the members of ASBA who drive our association. You should notice more content on individual members’ businesses as well as more association and industry news. As always, your input is valued. You may provide feedback to me (david@baselinellc.com) or to Fred Stringfellow (fred@stringfellowgroup.net) should you have ideas for the magazine or else if you want to submit information for the next edition. It seems like just yesterday we were having our Technical Meeting in Orlando, yet here it is, halfway through the calendar year toward another Technical Meeting in early December. Everybody is in the throes of full-blown production of work. Manufacturers are churning

ASBA has been busy as well. We had our Winter Meeting in Sonoma, California back in February during which time we planned the program for this coming year’s Technical Meeting. March saw us have a Regional Meeting down in Miami, Florida, and just last month, the Board of Directors had their annual summer meeting. We conducted a workshop on strategic planning, the results of which will help guide us as an association on the areas and topics upon which we should concentrate for the next 3 or 4 years. An outside facilitator guided our workshop, and the “big picture” ideas that came out of strategic planning were exploring the current and future states of ASBA in the areas of membership, partnerships, education & programs and awareness.

tunity; and ways that ASBA can support the industry more broadly by expanding our partnerships. We as a board are still in the process of developing concrete measurement steps to assess our performance in these areas, but you can expect to hear more about these areas of emphasis in the coming months and even years. ★ Sincerely,

David Clapp David Clapp, CTB, CTCB

Some of the things discussed and considered were the ways our members access ASBA’s programs; the potential for making the public more aware of sports design and construction as a career oppor-

sportsbuilders.org

ASBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS

DIRECTORS

ASBA STAFF

Chairman David Clapp, CTB, CTCB Baseline Sports Construction

Todd Dettor Fast-Dry Courts, Inc. & 10-S Tennis Supply

Executive Director Fred Stringfellow, CAE fred@stringfellowgroup.net

Secretary/Treasurer Megan Buczynski, PE, LEED AP Activitas, Inc.

Jordan Fisher, CTB Fisher Tracks, Inc.

Associate Director Nikki Augsburger nikki@sportsbuilders.org

Past Chairman Mark Heinlein, CFB The Motz Group

Tim Gerrits, ASLA GMB Architecture + Engineering Anthony Graham MAPEI Corp.

Director of Meetings/Member Services Cynthia Sanchez cynthia@sportsbuilders.org

Dale Hendrickson TD Sports, Inc. – Sport Court of Southern CA

Director of Education Kaylee Derby kaylee@sportsbuilders.org

Fred Kolkmann, CTCB Fred Kolkmann Tennis & Sport Surfaces, LLC

Program Manager Kristin Evans, QAS kristin@sportsbuilders.org

David Painter STOCKMEIER Urethanes USA, Inc.

Association Coordinator Jordan Langeheine, QAS jordan@sportsbuilders.org

Professional Division President Craig Honkomp, PE, PS, LEED AP Sportworks Field Design

Jameson Sheley, CFB-S, CTB Byrne & Jones Sports Construction

Financial Manager Amy Chetelat, CAE amy@stringfellowgroup.net

Supplier Division President David Burke NGI Sports

Chris Sullivan, RLA Verde Design, Inc.

Legal Counsel David H. Pettit, Esq. Flora Pettit PC

Courts Division President Randy Resley Sport Court of the Rockies, LLC Track Division President Paul Nagle, CTB The Astroturf Corporation Fields Division President Kirk Grego, CFB Mid-America Golf & Landscape, Inc.

Build it Right | Summer 2022, Issue 1

HEADLINE NEWS Welcome to a New Era for ASBA Mary Helen Sprecher

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On behalf of ASBA, its Board of Directors, volunteers and staff, I am delighted to introduce ASBA’s new magazine, Build It Right. This magazine is the successor to Newsline, our longstanding newsletter, and is intended to help illustrate the many changes ASBA has undergone. In this magazine, you’ll find not only the content you have come to rely on – Association news about upcoming meetings, new programs and membership-related content – but even more: • •

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Technical Articles covering specific industry issues of interest to members Industry Views and Voices: Our column featuring news and views from other associations and organizations What ASBA Needs: Opportunities for you to become involved with ASBA – at your own speed and on your own time Division Reports: News from presidents of ASBA’s membership divisions: Courts, Fields, Tracks, Professionals

and Suppliers, detailing new and ongoing projects and objectives Playing by the Rules: Rule changes affecting sports facilities, in terms of design, construction, marking or supply

In short, you’ll find everything you’ve come to expect – and much more. ASBA has continued to move forward, mirroring the progress of the sports facility industry, and this magazine reflects that growth. Who could have thought, more than 50 years ago when this association came into existence, that our members would be building not just tennis courts and running tracks but professional sports fields for baseball, softball, soccer, field hockey and lacrosse, as well as indoor arenas that would host tens of thousands of fans for NCAA basketball games? Who could have imagined esports stadiums and beach volleyball facilities – built in land-locked areas, no less? And honestly, who could have foreseen the rise of synthetic fields with a multitude of infill options, multi-field sports parks – and the need for connectivity so folks at home could follow games online? These advancements and plenty of others have become part of our reality – but they’re just the beginning. Sports evolve and ASBA has

not only kept pace but kept on the leading edge of technology. This magazine is part of ASBA’s progress. It showcases what our members do, and it helps track all the Association offers these days – very different from when it started out. We’ve not only included your company news, but we’ve made it easy for you to give us your information online using a form found on the Association’s website – see the Build It Right Magazine page under the News tab for more information. What could make this better? YOUR input. We want to hear from you. What would you like to see in these pages? Are there subjects you think should be covered? Would you like to write something? What issues do you believe are important to members, and to the industry as a whole? Sound off now! As the editor of Build It Right, I have a vested interest in hearing from you and in implementing your suggestions. My e-mail is maryhelen@sportsbuilders.org and I look forward to hearing from you. Welcome to the new chapter in ASBA’s history. With your help, the best is yet to come. ★

sportsbuilders.org

INDUSTRY VIEWS

An Interview with Dan Santorum, Professional Sports Registry CEO

Industry Views is a new column in Build It Right. Each issue will feature a Q&A with an industry member whose work is helping drive evolution in the industry.

Dan Santorum’s name is already familiar to those in the tennis world, since he has served as CEO of the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) for more than three decades. But it might have come as a surprise when a new registry was announced: the Professional Pickleball Registry, or PPR. Saying that Santorum has been staying busy, however, would be an understatement as, under his leadership, two new registries – the Professional Platform Tennis Registry (PPTR) and Padel Coaches Registry (PCR) have also made their bow. ASBA spent some time with Santorum to find out about the new programs and the motivation for starting them. American Sports Builders Association: You have been moving in different directions. Dan Santorum: We have. We were the first to jump into the pickleball pool. In fact, that’s an analogy I like to use. When I spoke at the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA), I had a picture of a pool and I told people there were four types of people in the pickleball pool. First, you had the people in their lounge chairs who don’t want to make the jump yet; they’re happy 8

where they are. I would characterize those people as tennis players. The next group is the person sitting on the edge of the pool and just dipping their toes in. Maybe they’re using blended lines, for example. The third group has the people ready to just dive into pickleball and make a big splash. The fourth group is made up of people who are already in the pool, all smiling and all happy. We’re always told not to jump into water where you can’t see the bottom – we jumped anyway. We were taking a huge chance – we didn’t know how USTA was going to react. But right now, we’re finding that there are no limits and no bottom. ASBA: It seems like you got ahead of the curve and stayed there. Santorum: Back when this started, I told people it was important to embrace pickleball. Nobody has ever told me that was bad advice. When I spoke at ASBA’s Technical Meeting, I said there are four pillars of the racquet sports industry – coaches, manufacturers, clubs and court contractors. These groups, and the federations that support each one, have all benefitted from pickleball. ASBA: Well, nobody has really

Build it Right | Summer 2022, Issue 1

benefitted from trying to ignore pickleball, or hoping it would go away. Santorum: It’s true. Clubs that have added pickleball are doing better. Manufacturers who have diversified have made more money. It’s in the best interest of coaches to get certified in pickleball. Yes, there are tennis purists who don’t want to give up their sport – but nobody said they had to. What we said was that we had to go with the trend. That’s what we’re trying to tell others to do. To go back to what I was saying earlier about water, you have to follow the current. If you swim against the riptide, you’re going to drown. ASBA: Pickleball has come across as a very user-friendly sport that welcomes newcomers. Santorum: Something I really want to share is this. If you calculated the number of people in this country who have the physical ability to play tennis – and I have asked over 300 people what they thought the percentage would be – the answer

that kept coming back was no more than 20 percent. It’s a sport that takes a high skill level and that’s a limitation for it. It also makes it fun to watch.

The only downside of the sport itself is the scoring system. If a sport is tougher to learn how to keep score than to play, it hinders the growth. We need to approve an alternative, like we have with no-ad scoring for tennis. I’m not saying you have to change things but sometimes, you have to get out of your own way.

By comparison, the percentage of people able to play pickleball is usually estimated as being between 80 and 85 percent. That’s a gap of 60 percent, meaning people who can’t play tennis. The number of potential pickleball players is so much bigger. Plus it’s social and fun – the ambassadors for the sport of pickleball have made it as popular as tennis was in the 70s. And if you think about it, you don’t have to play pickleball well to have fun playing it.

ASBA: What was the pushback like when you debuted the PPR? Santorum: I’m one of those people who doesn’t listen to the noise. If you do that, you’ll never get out of bed. ™

ASBA: Are there threats to pickleball’s growth?

Santorum: Yes, we have the Professional Platform Tennis Registry (PPTR) and Padel Coaches Registry (PCR).

Santorum: Yes, the biggest thing that could hurt pickleball is the infrastructure. There are not enough courts for all the people who want to play. We’re not in favor of taking away tennis courts so we’re encouraging people to find places for courts. When I spoke at CMAA, the question I heard most was, “How many courts should we build?” And I would tell people, “Whatever number you’re thinking of, double it, maybe triple it.” Something else I think people aren’t thinking about yet is that maybe someone can get started playing pickleball and take up tennis as well. I think the USTA sections need to get on board and support pickleball as well. If you try to go against it, you’re wasting your energy and your time. We try to tell people, “We’re all in this together. We have to support each other.”

ASBA: And now you have two other registries.

ASBA: Earlier, you talked about the percentage of people who could play tennis vs. the percentage of people who could play pickleball. Where do you think padel and platform tennis stand, in terms of those percentages? Santorum: I’d say about 50 percent of people would be able to play padel, and 50 percent would be able to play platform.

PADEL COACHES REGISTRY

Something we’re doing is making it more cost-efficient to have multiple certifications, sort of the way you can bundle your phone, cable and internet charges and keep them cheaper – as opposed to paying separately and paying more. ...Continues on page 10

sportsbuilders.org

INDUSTRY VIEWS

An Interview with Dan Santorum, Professional Sports Registry CEO ...Continued from page 9

our PSR 4-Stars.

The Professional Sports Registry (PSR), for coaches who are certified in two or more sports, is set to debut this summer. We strongly believe it can be the most valuable acronym out there. We’re calling PTR and PPR certification, meaning tennis and pickleball, our “Dual Impact” professionals. PSR members who have those two certifications, and who add our PPTR, or platform tennis, certification, will be called our Triple Threats. Those who have our padel certification, PCR, in addition to those three, will be called

ASBA: How are people responding to the PSR program? Santorum: Every day, the number keeps increasing as coaches add multiple certifications. It’s an exciting time. We like being able to manage it all, in the same office. We’re not planning to overexpand. ASBA: Looking down the road, what are you seeing? Santorum: Tennis is already an NCAA sport. I think pickleball will

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Build it Right | Summer 2022, Issue 1

be one before the end of the decade. ASBA: It sounds like you’re keeping your options open. Santorum: We have four silos here, but we have the umbrella to bring them together and help people benefit. If everyone stays off in their own silos, nothing gets accomplished. Every year, more and more people are coming to our talks. They see where the trends are going. ★

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Where the Sports Design & Construction Industry Comes Together The American Sports Builders Association (ASBA) Technical Meeting & Tradeshow will be held at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, California this December 2-5, 2022. Members and guests of the sports design and construction industry from around the world will come together for learning, networking, and business development opportunities.

Industry-Leading Education With 30 concurrent sessions selected by ASBA members across each division (Courts, Tracks, Fields) plus technical information, there is something for every member of the sports design and construction industry. Certified Builders can earn up to 12 eligibility points.

Business Development Opportunities at Every Turn Whether you’re exhibiting or walking the tradeshow floor, you’ll find the Technical Meeting is the place to be to make new and cultivate those existing business relationships to take your business to the next level.

Unparalleled Networking One of the most valuable benefits of attending the Technical Meeting & Tradeshow is the opportunity to learn from others in the industry. The program is designed to facilitate connections in the session rooms and exhibit hall as well as during meals and evening functions.

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

*All session/event names & times are subject to change

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2 9:00AM Golf Tournament (optional activity–$160/person)

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3 8:00AM General Registration Opens 1:00PM–4:00PM Tennis/Pickleball Tournaments (optional activity–$50/person) 3:45PM–4:45PM Women of ASBA Networking Presentation/Reception

5:30PM–7:30PM Welcome Reception

SUNDAY DECEMBER 4 9:15AM–10:45AM Division Meetings/Awards 11:00AM–12:00PM Concurrent Sessions 1: • 1A: Concrete Overview, Mix Designs, Moisture, and Surface Preparation • 1B: Performing and Communicating an Asphalt Inspection for Running Tracks • 1C: Case Study:

Build it Right | Summer 2022, Issue 1

Modernization of a Historic Field: LSU • 1D: Zap the Generational Gap Part 1 1:15PM–2:15PM Concurrent Sessions 2: • 2A: LED Lighting • 2B: Forensic Investigation of Asphalt Surfaces • 2C: Case Study – Martha’s Vineyard, One Year Later • 2D: Zap the Generational Gap Part 2 2:30PM–3:30PM Concurrent Sessions 3: • 3A: Case Study – Poor

Access/Land Locked • 3B: Site Visit – Track Evaluation and Geometric Inspection • 3C: Advancements in Synthetic and Natural Surfaces, Testing Regulatory Changes • 3D: Enhanced Asphalt Specifications 3:45PM–4:45PM Concurrent Sessions 4: • 4A: Multi-Use Facilities • 4B: Site Visit – Track Evaluation and Geometric Inspection • 4C: Wear and Maintenance of Synthetic Fields, What Builders Should Know • 4D: Case Study: Fowler High School – The Greatest Show Under Turf 5:00PM–7:30PM Exhibitor Reception

MONDAY, DECEMBER 5 8:00AM–9:00AM Breakfast Meetings 9:15AM–10:15AM Concurrent Sessions 5: • 5A: Pickleball • 5B: How Rubber Granules Affects the Physical Properties of Running Track Systems • 5C: Intro to Natural Grass, Understanding the Basics • 5D: An Economist’s View: Supply Chain Issues 11:30AM–12:30PM Concurrent Sessions 6: • 6A: Indoor Multi-Use Equipment/Flooring/ Components • 6B: Track Systems 101 • 6C: Building On The Basics, An In Depth Look at Natural Grass Construction • 6D: Structuring and Managing Employment Arrangements/ Relationships

1:45PM–2:45PM Concurrent Sessions 7: • 7A: Asphalt Best Practices • 7B: Track Color Limitations: Managing Owner Expectations • 7C: Addressing the Environmental and Toxicological Concerns Around Synthetic Turf Sports Fields - What is Happening in Europe • 7D: Indoor Sports Flooring & Site Evaluation Best Practices 3:00PM–4:00PM Concurrent Sessions 8: • 8A: ASBA Resources/ Marketing Efforts • 8B: How to Read a Geotechnical Report 6:00PM Reception/Dinner

For the complete schedule, sponsorship/exhibitor opportunities and more general information about the conference, visit: sportsbuilders.org/technicalmeeting Or scan the QR code!

sportsbuilders.org

FEATURED ARTICLES Padel: A Primer

Scott Grote | All Racquet Sports LLC

Photo by Tomasz Krawczyk on Unsplash

According to the website of the Lawn Tennis Associationi, Mexican businessman Enrique Corcuera set up the first-ever padel court at his home in Acapulco in 1969. He surrounded his “racquets” court with walls and a metallic fence on all sides to prevent the ball from escaping onto his neighbor’s land. He called the sport Paddle Corcuera – and so it all began. Spanish entrepreneur Alfonso de Hohenlohe, a friend of Enrique’s, was the driving force behind making padel an international sport. While visiting Mexico in 1974, Hohenlohe enjoyed this new game so much he decided to import it to 14

a high-end club in Marbella, Spain where he built two padel courts. This marked the beginning of the game’s popularity in Spain where today there are 20,000 courts and over 5 percent of the population plays the sport. In 1991, the International Paddle Federation (FIP) was formed, and in 1992 the first world championships were held in Madrid and Seville. In 1993, the Sports Council of Spain recognized paddle as a sport, and changed its spelling to padel for pronunciation purposes in the Spanish language.

Build it Right | Summer 2022, Issue 1

In 2005 the first professional world tour, Padel Pro Tour, was created. In 2013, this was renamed as the World Padel Tour – a circuit that still runs today with 16 events held around the world. Today the sport of padel is played in over 90 countries, with 51 associations, and close to 20 million players. Padel is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and its popularity in the U.S. is rising, driven by demographic shifts. The Court and Game The padel court is approximately one-third the size of a tennis court. The unique aspect of padel is that

Photo by Artur Kornakov on Unsplash

the court is surrounded by glass on the ends and a combination of glass and wire mesh on the sides. These structural elements are part of the game as the ball is often played off them. A net divides the court in half, and the game is played in doubles. Padel courts are typically constructed of three main elements: Glass, Steel, and Turf. There are many different styles of courts, and they are generally sold as a “kit” to be assembled on site by an experienced padel court installer. Although they may look different depending on the padel court kit manufacturer, they should be consistent in maintaining the actual playing dimensions and maintaining the rules set forth by ARS, FIP, and the USPA. Until recently, padel court kits were typically manufactured in Spain. However, court manufacturers have now begun producing courts in Italy, France, and here in the USA. Assembly of these kits is highly

specialized as compared to other types of court and field construction. This is mainly due to the tight tolerances of the glass panels and steel structure. Dimensions: The actual footprint of the court is a rectangle with interior measurements of 32 ft. 6 in. (10m) x 65 ft. (20m) with a 0.5% tolerance. Equally important are the dimensions of the walls surrounding the court. The height of the walls of the court is 13 ft. (4m) on the “U”-shaped ends and 9 ft. 9 in. (3m) with a 0.5% tolerance. Structure: The structure of the court is generally made of a combination of posts, beams, or pillars. These components are bolted to a concrete slab and provide support for the glass walls and mesh panels. Selecting structural components is an important part of deciding which court kit to use. The type of structural components will determine how the court will withstand wind loads and meet local building codes (if applicable).

These components are usually coated and treated to withstand weather conditions. Coatings vary depending on the geographic zone within which the court is being installed. Typically, these components are constructed of steel. However, recently aluminum and wood have been used for some court kits. Walls: The walls of the court are constructed of glass and wire mesh. The glass is typically 3/8 in. (10mm) or ½ in. (12mm) thick, is tempered, and has polished edges. It typically has holes or notches in it so that it can be fastened to the structural components. Neoprene tape is used between the glass and structure to prevent breakage. ...Continues on page 16

sportsbuilders.org

FEATURED ARTICLES Padel: A Primer two net posts and the court surface ensuring that there are no spaces between the edges of the net and the posts or turf. It is made of nylon or other with a weave tight enough that a ball cannot pass through it.

Photo by Oliver Sjöström on Unsplash

...Continued from page 15

Wire mesh panels make up the sides of the court and on the ends above the glass. It is typically 2 in. x 2 in. (5cm x 5cm) welded (not woven) steel wire that is 1/8 in. (3.175mm) thick. It generally has a frame or flange around it so that it can be fastened to the structure. It is coated to withstand weather elements the same way the structural steel components are. Turf: Padel is typically played on artificial turf/synthetic grass, although there is no governing rule that says it must be. The turf fibers range in length from ¼ in. to 5/8 in. (6.35mm to 15.8mm) depending on the types of turf used. There are two types of turf that are generally considered acceptable: Mono-filament turf and fibrillated turf. Mono-filament turf is common on older courts in Europe. It has a straight fiber and uses lots

of sand infill (about 20lbs /sq. ft.) to stand up the fiber and weight down the turf so it does not move. The sand is visible on the court. More recently, fibrillated turf is becoming more popular and is the main type of turf used here in the USA. The fiber is twisted and variegated and therefore uses much less sand (5lb per sq. ft.). This is the type of turf used on the World Padel Tour. Net: The net of a padel court divides the court in half. It is attached to two net posts no taller than 41 in. (1.04m) that sit immediately outside the playing surface in the center of the court opening. The height of the net is 36 in. (91.4cm) on the ends and of 34 ½ in. (87.6cm) in the center. This center sag is by gravity; no net strap is used. The net fills the space between the

Build it Right | Summer 2022, Issue 1

Lights: Unlike a tennis court, the lights of a padel court are part of the structure of the court and extend from the posts that hold up the glass and wire mesh. There are four light poles on each court. Each pole holds one or two light fixtures depending on the lighting package being used. Lighting fixtures used for padel should be selected based on the following criteria: • The ability to light the court with enough brightness and intensity to play in darkness • The ability to light the court evenly and without shadows from players • The ability to light the court evenly and without shadows from players • Provide lighting without causing “hot spots” for players when they look at them. • Lighting the court without providing spillover lighting outside the court Foundation: The foundation of a padel court can vary depending on the type of installation and the location/municipality where the

court is being installed. In many installations, a local engineer will need to be used to stamp and approve the size and specifications of the footing.

weather and wind load requirements. The clear-playing, unobstructed ceiling height of an indoor court is 19 ft 6 in. (5.94m) at the minimum; however, a clear-playing, unobstructed ceiling height of 24 ft. (7.3m) or more is preferred. ★

A typical foundation for a new court installation consists of the following: •

•

A Concrete slab 34 ft. 6 in. x 67 in. (10.5m x 1.7m) on a 4 in. (10cm) stone base. Slab to be 3500 PSI (minimum) concrete and reinforced with 6 x 6 #9 wire mesh or 16 in.(40.6cm) O.C. 3/8 in. (.95cm) rebar mat. 16 in. x 16 in. (40.6cm x 40.6cm) perimeter footing poured monolithic with the court slab. Footer should contain four ½ in. (1.27cm) rebar with stirrups at 6 ft. (1.82m) O.C.

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Slab should slope 1% side to side OR be poured using pervious concrete and poured completely flat.

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Slab should be finished with a light broom finish.

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Slab should be considered “super flat” and not have depressions more than 1/8 in. (3.175mm) over 4 ft. (1.21m).

A padel court can also be installed over top of an existing tennis court or asphalt pad, providing it meets the slope and flatness specifications mentioned above. In this case a 24 in. x 16 in. (60.9cm x 40.6cm) concrete footing is cut into the existing base and installed. Care must be taken to make sure the transition joints between the

“What is the History of Padel?” Lawn Tennis Association, 2020: www.lta.org. uk/about-us/tennis-news/news-andopinion/general-news/2020/november/ what-is-the-history-of-padel/ Photo by Artur Kornakov on Unsplash

new footing and existing pad are smooth and level. The structure of the padel court is attached to the concrete slab using wedge anchors or threaded rod with epoxy. Because of the precision and tight tolerances used in padel court construction, using embedded anchors is not possible for most courts. Permitting: Local zoning of the municipality where the padel court is being installed will determine if a zoning permit or building permit is necessary for court construction. Care should be taken to make sure that all aspects of the court construction conform to the zoning and building code if a permit is required. It may be necessary to involve an engineer or surveyor to assist in the permitting process.

SPECIAL FEATURE: 2026 World Cup Fields We are looking for member companies who have contributed to fields that will be used for the World Cup in 2026. If your company designed, built or supplied or contributed to any aspect of these fields, we’d like to interview you for a future article. Please contact our editor, Mary Helen Sprecher, at maryhelen@sportsbuilders.org

Indoor Courts: Indoor courts are the same size and dimensions as outdoor courts. However, they are not subject to having to withstand conditions outdoor courts do like

sportsbuilders.org

FEATURED ARTICLES The Rise of Small-Sided Sports Fields: How Builders Can Leverage Their Popularity to Create New Revenue Streams Mary Helen Sprecher

Little League. 36- and 60-foot tennis courts for the Net Generation. Small-Sided Sports Fields.

implementing new standards nationwide, known as Player Development Initiatives, or PDIs.

Soccer tour, another event owner, operates small-sided tournaments. And they’re far from the only two.

Notice a pattern here? Sports governing bodies, starting with baseball, have discovered that kids learn the game better when they can play it in size-appropriate areas. The advantages of downsizing play areas are numerous: kids are happier and feel a stronger sense of accomplishment when they get more touches on a ball and don’t have to chase it across an enormous area, they’re less tired and discouraged by all the running – and their skill level increases more quickly, meaning they are more eager to stay in the game.

US Soccer notes, “PDIs affect youth players from age six and under (U-6) up to 12 and under (U-12) with different standards for each age group.” (The different standards include field sizes, goal sizes, game times, offsides and whether or not there is a goalkeeper). The field diagrams found on US Soccer’s site fully explains the variances.

To obtain US Soccer’s diagrams of fields and markings, go to www. ussoccer.com/stories/2017/08/ five-things-to-know-how-smallsided-standards-will-change-youthsoccer

On the youth soccer travel tournament circuit, independent event owners such as 3v3 Live are putting on events nationwide. Warrior 5v5

Nationwide, more tournament operators are looking for fields they can mark for various types of small-sided sports, and that means builders, as well as those who mark fields, can achieve new revenue streams, provided they are aware of what’s in demand. Here is a brief recap of what is happening at the three most popular youth sports played on rectangular fields. Soccer: Play formats can include 3v3, 4v4, 5v5, 7v7, 8v8 and 9v9 (as opposed to traditional 11v11). In August of 2017, US Soccer began

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Lacrosse: USA Lacrosse has noted the trend, and has developed a field layout diagram which, according to Brian Logue, senior director of communications, “can used for a variety of purposes. It can used for 4v4 games for 8U and below and up to 7v7 for youth boys and

8v8 for youth girls up to 12U under USA Lacrosse Youth Rules.” (Another emerging format is 6v6; one branded small-sided tournament format is 6-on-Lax, from Halo Lax; other event owners have similar small-sided formats). To obtain diagrams of fields and markings, go to www.usalacrosse. com/field-diagrams

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...Continues on page 21

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FEATURED ARTICLES The Rise of Small-Sided Sports Fields: How Builders Can Leverage Their Popularity to Create New Revenue Streams Field Hockey: USA Field Hockey has introduced GAME ON HOCKEY (also known as GO Hockey) and organizers promote the fact this format allows one full-size field (100 yards x 60 yards) to be divided into eight GO Hockey playing fields. Additionally, USA Hockey’s website includes illustrations of Go Hockey field layouts on not only traditional hockey fields but tennis courts and basketball courts (gym floors can also be used).

...Continued from page 19

To obtain diagrams of fields and markings, to: www.teamusa.org/USA-FieldHockey/ADM/game-on The formats are as valuable a The formats are as valuable a teaching tool for coaches as they are a competitive advantage for field owners and managers who offer them. However, because it is field builders who understand surface technology (and thus, the correct materials for lining) far better than anyone else, it is they who stand to be able to market their skills more effectively. Demand is rising for these fields, particularly in the sports tourism sector, where sports parks will be expected to provide appropriately lined fields so that games can be sanctioned by the national governing bodies. Small fields are big business and can pay big dividends. ★ sportsbuilders.org

FEATURED ARTICLES Connectivity in Sports Facilities: Now More Important Than Ever Mary Helen Sprecher

Connectivity in sports facilities has become something that moved from a “wish list” item to a “must have.” In addition to hosting users who want to stay in touch with their mobile devices (and post to social media), sports facilities are expected to be able to offer live streaming of events. Another aspect where connectivity becomes crucial is when facilities begin hosting esports tournaments. An overview of the changes to the industry, and to facility design and construction, follows. Live Streaming While live streaming of events was certainly taking place prior to 2020, it was the pandemic that sent demand for it through the proverbial roof. Organizations, realizing that audiences still wanted to watch sports – particularly at the youth level – responded. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), for example, had a groundbreaking program in which NFHS state association member schools could receive two free Pixellot cameras to use to broadcast sports, drama productions and other events. Pixellot equipment is powered by artificial intelligence that automatically focuses on the action, allowing it to be used without the need to

hire additional staff with technical knowledge. This made it a wildly popular option. As of the 2021 scholastic year, NFHS Network had over 11,000 active Pixellot cameras in schools, which represented yearover-year growth of 228 percent. Accordingly, the NFHS Network announced it had more than tripled its sports-producing venues during the 2020-21 scholastic year. Recording and streaming not only allowed family members to see athletes in action, it meant coaches at the college level could keep tabs on prospects. Therefore, streaming, something once considered a highend amenity, became an absolute need in the eyes of schools, parents, coaches and others. And even with sports taking place in front of spectators again, the demand continues. Tournament facilities are expected to have streaming capabilities, as are arenas and other playing facilities. Facilities being constructed or retrofitted will require the correct connectivity for streaming services. To broadcast live events, it is essential to have a fast and reliable internet connection (or a Wi-Fi hotspot) for live streaming. How fast? Professional livestream companies recommend an upload speed of no less than 2-5 megabits per second (Mbps) for livestreaming

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video. Note: A hardwired connection will always be faster and more reliable for delivering content, so it is the preferred option. The vendor chosen to provide streaming services for the facility will be an invaluable reference when it comes to connectivity. Esports: The New Chapter in Indoor Venues As the competitive gaming industry continues to proliferate, designated esports facilities are increasingly being built both on campuses and in major cities. The latter venues serve to attract large tournaments, which in turn, draw spectators and generate economic impact. The former host intercollegiate competitions and additionally serve as training facilities for university teams. And with an increasing number of colleges offering esports teams and scholarships, it is obvious the market for such facilities will continue to grow. Because of the wide variety of events that may be hosted, it is impossible to produce a template for esports construction in this article; however, design professionals and contractors do specialize in these facilities. Specifications for hosting tournaments at the highest level of competition can be obtained from the

International Esports Federation (ISEF), in its ESEF 13th Esports World Championship Official Rulebook.i However, for existing indoor arenas where competitive esports are to be hosted (examples might be a convention center, movie theater, multi-purpose sports arena, etc.), specific needs must be met, according to a Cvent Socialtables document, “Esports Venue Requirements: The Essential Guide.ii Game-Ready Technology: While it almost sounds too obvious, any facility that is to host an esports competition must have high-speed broadband internet. Whether competitors number in the dozens, hundreds or thousands, the connection must be strong enough to support all users. A latency issue, even for a split second, can cost a player the entire game, which is why de-

pendable, consistent connectivity is essential. Robust Power Supply: A stable and robust power system will be essential, as there could be hundreds or even thousands of competitors who need to maintain the charge on their computers. For example, in a movie theater that has been retrofitted to become an esports facility, there must be power strips along every row (and perhaps within rows). The Right A/V: According to the Cvent Socialtables document, dedicated esports venues will have massive LED screens and digital leaderboards so everyone can see the game and who is winning. If a venue does not have this, there needs to be adequate space to have such equipment brought in. Spectator Seating: For a compet-

itive tournament with open attendance, it will be necessary to have appropriate seating for spectators and a seating layout with unobstructed views. Auditorium and theater seating are ideal layouts for esports; however, many attendees will bring devices they want to charge as well. It is recommended to have power strips in place. Licensing: Video games have copyright protections that are rigorously guarded, meaning game creators and publishers have the right to approve (or disapprove) the use of their games in public tournaments. Because of the rising popularity of these events, however, most publishers sell licenses to esports tournament organizers and third-party leagues. Facility owners will need to contact the software in advance of the event to learn about any documentation necessary to obtain the correct license and permissions to play the games. ★

ESEF 13th Esports World Championship Official Rulebook: iesf.org/wp-content/ uploads/2021/08/EWC21-OfficialRulebook-Aug-2021.pdf ii Cvent Socialtables-Esports Venue Requirements: The Essential Guide: www.socialtables.com/blog/eventplanning/esports-venue-requirements/ i

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DIVISION NEWS COURTS DIVISION

Division President: Randy Resley, Sport Court of the Rockies, LLC

The new publication, Courts & Recreational Facilities: Construction and Maintenance Manual, is nearing completion. The first call for advertising has gone out with an anticipated publication date of January 2023.

meeting on June 30 in London, England. Sustainability was a major topic of discussion, in terms of what ITF is doing to help tennis facilities improve sustainability efforts. ASBA will be appointing a member to the ITF’s sustainability working group.

The USTA published a Statement of Guidance for Public Facilities approach to tennis and pickleball with three options: 1.) Sport Specific Sites 2.) Non-Traditional Spaces 3.) Shared Use of Tennis Facilities

Resley will be re-evaluating the list of awards and naming conventions within the merged Tennis and Courts and Recreation Divisions and

ASBA posted the Statement of Guidance in May 2022. The Division discussed forming a task force to evaluate and offer guidance on the impact of noise while playing pickleball and the impacts to playing other sports, residences and operations of facilities. The Task Force’s goal would also include evaluating best practices for noise-mitigating methods, and recommended distances of pickleball courts from other spaces/courts, which could be put into a position paper or statement of guidance to our members. Division President Randy Resley and Executive Director Fred Stringfellow participated in the ITF Foundation’s Court Surfaces Board of Directors

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presenting a recommendation at the next Board of Directors meeting. The Division is working with presenters on presentations for the Technical Meeting in December. ★

FIELDS DIVISION

Division President: Kirk Grego, Mid-Atlantic Sports Construction

Work on the Fundamentals of Field Building certificate course is underway, with availability anticipated by end of year. Edits and updates to the Sports Fields: Construction and Maintenance Manual are ongoing, with final revisions expected in 2023 and publication in early 2024. Representatives from the Fields

Division and Track Division along with Executive Director CEO Fred Stringfellow enjoyed a productive meeting in Indianapolis in May with representatives of NCAA, NFHS and USA Track & Field. Among items that were discussed and are being considered is a change in the dimension of bases for baseball at the NCAA level to mirror the changes taking place within MLB. We will

stay abreast of the situation and inform members once a decision has been made.★

Nagle will be establishing a task force to further consider the issue along with some recommended approaches for the Board’s consideration.

cession planning as current Division President Paul Nagle’s term expires in December 2022. ★

TRACK DIVISION Division President: Paul Nagle, AstroTurf Corporation

The Division is making good progress on the review and rewrite on the Track Construction & Maintenance Manual, and we plan to have it complete in early November for 2023 publication. During the June Board of Directors meeting, Nagle explained that many high schools are including World Athletics’ specifications in their requests for bids to build a new track. With Board of Directors approval,

Division representatives had another successful meeting with the governing bodies and it appears the NFHS and the NCAA will be moving forward with a few rule changes that ASBA has recommended. The Division is also working on suc-

sportsbuilders.org

DIVISION NEWS PROFESSIONAL DIVISION Division President: Craig Honkomp, Sportworks Design

PROFESSIONAL DIVISION

Professional membership in ASBA continues to grow – with 84 Professional Members, up from 66 just two years ago. The Division held its first-ever quarterly Professional Division virtual meeting on March 22 with 25 participants. The group reviewed a track case study and discussed pavement cores, dynamic cone penetrometer tests, interior drainage details, and geotextile under the pavement. The

Division plans to continue the quarterly virtual meetings. The Awards Committee, which reports to the Professional Division President, reviewed 54 award applications for this year’s program.

were recently made to the ASBA website and have been shared with Division Presidents for use in ASBA’s Construction & Maintenance Manuals, if applicable. ★

There are six (6) active ASBA delegates for ASTM, some of whom attended the May 2022 ASTM meeting. The Professional Division shared relevant ASTM updates that

SUPPLIER DIVISION Division President: David Burke, NGI Sports

SUPPLIER DIVISION

Suppliers are continuing to see sales growth despite ongoing rising cost and supply struggles.

are still forcing manufactures to forecast further in advance and delay shipments.

Many industry suppliers have expressed similar demand in 2022 thus far compared to 2021, despite unfavorable market conditions. Limitations in raw materials supply

Logistics continue to be a struggle. Finding trucks is not always easy, and the skyrocketing fuel costs are causing unprecedented trucking cost. Labor is still in short supply. ★

Build it Right | Summer 2022, Issue 1

YOUR GLOBAL PARTNER FOR SPORTS FACILITIES Hardcourt Sports Surface Installation Systems

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WHERE IN THE WORLD IS ASBA? As part of our continuing effort to promote ASBA as an industry resource in sports construction issues, following are some of the recent and upcoming events at which ASBA has had/will have a presence: MAY - Track/Fields Meetings with NCAA & Governing Bodies ASBA’s Track and Fields Divisions, led by Paul Nagle, Jordan Fisher, Kristoff Kristoff Fisher, Eldridge, Eldridge, Kirk Grego, Kirk Grego, Mark Heinlein, Mark Heinlein, Jim Catella, Jim Catella, Megan Buczynski Megan Buczynski and Executive and Executive DirectorDirector Fred Stringfellow, Fred Stringfellow, met with met representatives with representatives of NCAA, of NCAA, NFHS NFHS and USAT&F and USAT&F in Indianapolis on May 12 on in May 12 in Indianapolis. Indianapolis. This annual This trackannual andtrackfield-related and field-related event is intended event is intended to strengthen to strengthen communications communications between ASBA’s between builder ASBA’s and builder and designer designer members members and the andorganizations the organizations whowho set the setrules the rules for our for our sports, sports, as well as well as toasreview to review any any rules rules changes changes being being considered considered by by those those organizations. organizations. JUNE - June Board/Awards & Strategic Planning Meeting The ASBA Board of Directors, awards judges and the ASBA staff met in Asheville, NC on June 14-15 for the annual summer Board meeting and awards judging and worked through a facilitated strategic planning session to chart the Association’s course forward. International Tennis Federation Courts Division President Randy Resley and Executive International Tennis Federation Director Fred Courts Stringfellow Division President attendedRandy the ITF Foundation Resley and Executive Court Surfaces Director Board Fred meeting Stringfellow in London, attended UK on the ITF June 28. Foundation Court Surfaces Board meeting in London, UK on June 28. AUGUST - US Open Tennis Championships/USTA Courts Division AUGUST - US Open President Tennis Randy Championships/USTA Resley and Executive Director Fred Stringfellow Courts Division willPresident attend the Randy US Open Resley in New and Executive York City and Director meetFred with USTA representatives. Stringfellow will attend the US Open in New York City and meet with USTA representatives. SEPTEMBER - National Recreation & Park Association (NRPA) Annual Meeting SEPTEMBER - National Recreation & Park Association (NRPA) Associate Annual Meeting Director Nikki Augsburger will attend the NRPA Annual Meeting inDirector Associate Phoenix,Nikki AZ on Augsburger September will 20-22. attend Planning the NRPA to be Annual at NRPA? Contact Meeting in Phoenix, nikki@sportsbuilders.org AZ on September 20-22. Planning to be at NRPA? Contact nikki@sportsbuilders.org DECEMBER - ASBA Technical Meeting ASBA’s members, DECEMBER - ASBAleadership Technicaland Meeting staff will gather at the JW Marriott Desert Springs ASBA’s members, in Palm leadership Desert,and CAstaff for ASBA’s will gather Technical at the Meeting JW Marriott and Tradeshow Desert Springs inonPalm December Desert,2-5. CA for ASBA’s Technical Meeting and Tradeshow on December 2-5.

PLAYING BY THE RULES 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, 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.

National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Basketball: Shot Clock Adjustments were also made to the Shot Clock Guidelines in the Basketball Rules Book as states begin to implement its use by state association adoption this season. The committee reiterated that the Shot Clock Guidelines are strongly suggested, but not required. According to the latest updates, four states have adopted full use of the shot clock since last year’s rules changes: Iowa, Minnesota, Montana and Utah. Three others have adopted it for limited use: Nebraska, South Carolina and Florida. Ten state associations previously had implemented or approved a shot clock prior to the NFHS rule change: California, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Washington and the District of Columbia. Idaho has tentatively approved a shot clock; a second vote was held in June, but those results have not yet been published. “High school basketball from a playing rules perspective is in a good

place,” said Billy Strickland, executive director of the Alaska School Activities Association and chair of the Basketball Rules Committee. “The Committee spent a significant amount of time during our April meeting discussing future rule proposals, an increase in physicality within the game and unsportsmanlike behavior by spectators, as well as the upcoming implementation of the 35 second shot clock in several states.”

Swimming and Diving: Pool Markings Although ASBA does not have a division that covers swimming and diving facilities, NFHS has made some notable changes to rules regarding facility markings, nonslip surfaces and other aspects. Those interested can access this information by going to the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org, clicking on “Activities & Sports” at the top of the home page and selecting “Swimming and Diving.”

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Men's and Women's Basketball: Experimental Technology Rules The NCAA Men’s Basketball Rules Committee, as well as the NCAA Women’s Basketball Rules Committee, are continuing experimental technology rules for conferences to allow teams to view live video and pre-loaded video on their bench for the upcoming season if the conference submits a waiver request. The experimental rule will also be allowed in multiple-team events and the 2023 National Invitation Tournament. Note: This ruling, if adopted, could necessitate additional power outlets in team areas. ★

Football: Team Box Team Box May Be Extended By State Association Adoption: By state association adoption, the team box may now be extended beyond the 25-yard line. sportsbuilders.org

USTA Statement Of Guidance PUBLIC FACILITIES APPROACH TO TENNIS AND PICKLEBALL

As the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the United States and in concert with park professionals, USTA is putting forth a Statement of Guidance for the development, expansion, and renovation of public facilities and spaces related to tennis and pickleball. This guidance is presented within the context and understanding that tennis and pickleball are currently experiencing significant participation increases throughout the country and that both have ardent supporters advocating for their respective sport. USTA offers the following as a Statement of Guidance: PARTICIPATION STATISTICS • Tennis – The 2021 total of 22.6 million tennis players is a 4.5% increase from 2020 and a 27.9% increase from 2019 (4.9 million additional players over that 2-year span). • Pickleball – The 2021 total of 4.8 million pickleball players is a 14.3% increase from 2020 and a 39.3% increase from 2019 (1.36 million additional players over that 2-year span). OPTION #1: SPORT-SPECIFIC SITES With citizen participation for both sports at all-time highs and trending toward continued growth, the ideal solution to increased demand is the development and/or expansion of sport-specific public sites. The development of tennis and pickleball facilities as singular-focused sport-specific sites and courts will provide optimum opportunity for use, harmony, and revenue generation for each sport that may be unavailable in shared-use scenarios. These facilities should be offered either as one central facility complex or as separate sport-specific developments to best meet the needs of the citizens.

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OPTION #2: NON-TRADITIONAL SPACES In the event that Option #1 is not possible, both tennis and pickleball can be played and enjoyed by citizens in non-traditional spaces. Look at all public hard surface areas for possible conversion, such as multi-sport court sites and/or vacant parking lot locations. When contemplating any type of conversion affiliated with public facility infrastructure, safety must be at the forefront of all considerations.

OPTION #3: SHARED USE OF TENNIS FACILITIES In the event that Options #1 and #2 are not possible, in the interest of equitable offerings for both tennis and pickleball, shared usage through blended lines on existing tennis courts is advisable for park locations of two (2) or fewer tennis courts. For park locations of three (3) or more tennis courts, every effort should be made to utilize Option #1 or #2 due to the sustained growth and increasing public demand for both sports.

As you move forward with any decisions, or if you have any questions throughout the process, USTA would like to reiterate that it is are here to serve as a consultative resource to you. For further information contact: United States Tennis Association (USTA) - Facilities@usta.com

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WHAT ASBA NEEDS Want to Volunteer? Here’s Your Chance!

ASBA has a number of volunteer opportunities available, including those that you can do at your own speed…

WANTED: POSITION PAPERS

ping, Regulating Pace, Pinholes, Rust Spots

You have the expertise. You have the knowledge. But if you’re not quite ready to sit down and write a full article, ASBA still has an opportunity for you. The Association publishes a series of Position Papers, which are one-page technical documents on subjects of interest to those in the industry. And right now, we’re seeking people to help us write them. (And if you need help putting your ideas together, we can help with that).

Track: Asphalt Acceptance, Equal Quadrant vs. Non-Equal Quadrant Tracks, Raised Curb vs. Flush Curb, Runways in D Areas, Water on Tracks

ASBA’s current library of Position Papers can be found on the website, www.sportsbuilders.org, on the page for each division. (Using the top mouse over to Resources, then select “Division Resources” from the drop-down menu; position papers are one of the options you will see immediately). Position papers can be downloaded and printed out free of charge. They can be an invaluable source of information to members as well as to others in the industry. And – bonus – you can use them on your resume and/or put them toward Certification points.

Fields: Qualifying/Pre-Qualifying Sports Field Contractors Courts & Recreation: Concrete Compounds and Sealants, Jobsite Conditions, Static and Rolling Loads, Surface Tolerances and Testing While ASBA has a great inventory so far, we’re currently in need of new material, particularly as pertains to new technologies for the industry. Have an idea for a Position Paper and want to write one? Get in touch with the appropriate Division President and offer your suggestions. A few guidelines: • •

Position papers on file address topics including (but not limited to):

•

Tennis: Birdbaths, Asphalt Strip-

•

Position papers should be limited to a one-page discussion of the topic Position Papers should not include brand names or proprietary systems Position Papers should address an issue other industry members are familiar with Position Papers should be

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•

the writer’s original material (rather than borrowing from a previously published article or presentation). Position Papers can be counted toward Certification points, since they include technical writing.

ASBA welcomes your interest in its Position Papers. Read some of them today and get started in writing some of your own. All ideas and inquiries are welcome!

HAS YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION CHANGED? Need to update your address? Have you changed your e-mail or website? Is there a new employee you’d like to list? Please help ASBA keep its records updated by letting us know! This is the information that we will be using for ASBA’s Membership Directory – please make sure we have the most updated and accurate information. To update any information, please contact Kristin Evans at kristin@sportsbuilders.org.

WHAT ASBA NEEDS WANTED: YOUR QUOTES FOR ARTICLES One strong benefit of ASBA membership is the fact that ASBA is recognized as a technical leader in the industry. Want proof? Articles written on behalf of ASBA, and quoting ASBA members, are everywhere. Just as an example, you’ll find ASBA’s articles in the following publications: Racquet Sports Industry,

Sportsfield Management, Coach and Athletic Director and Parks & Rec Business, among others. ASBA being recognized as an industry expert is outstanding, since that great reputation extends to our members as well. In addition, members’ participation in these articles can heighten their profile.

line at maryhelen@sportsbuilders. org (note new address) and ask to be added to the list. Include any specific expertise you have, such as courts, track, fields or indoor facilities. ★

Want to be quoted in these articles in the future? Drop ASBA’s technical writer, Mary Helen Sprecher, a

sportsbuilders.org

Learn More About ASBA’s Certificate Programs ASBA offers two certificate programs. To learn more, go to ASBA’s website, www.sportsbuilders.org. On the top blue toolbar, mouse over to “Programs” and a drop-down menu will appear. Click on the item reading “Certificates.” From there, you will be able to learn more, and to download the appropriate applications.

Certificate of Distinction ASBA currently offers two Certificates of Distinction, one for Design Professionals and one for Supplier Companies. Both differ from certification in that they do not require members to pass a test, nor are they a credential that is awarded. However, they do recognize commitment and dedication to the Association and the industry.

The Design Professional Certificate of Distinction program provides professionals a distinction by illustrating the individual’s commitment and dedication to the courts, track, fields and indoor facility construction industry through involvement with ASBA and related organizations and the completion of built projects. The Supplier Certificate of Distinction program is designed to recognize those ASBA Supplier

Division Member Companies that contribute to and share in the betterment of the ASBA. ASBA Supplier Division Member Companies that meet and/or exceed the participation goals and requirements will receive this recognition, which must be renewed on an annual basis and ASBA Supplier Division Member Companies must meet the minimum total qualifying point requirement every year to maintain their recognition.

Pickleball Certificate In recognition of the growth of pickleball, and the corresponding need for court builders with pickleball facility-specific expertise, the Association has launched two new continuing education offerings. “Fundamentals of Pickleball Court Construction” Online Course To encourage and demonstrate quality construction, ASBA has created the Fundamentals of Pickleball Court Construction course available to anyone wanting to learn more about pickleball court construction. The course includes information on court dimensions and design, building new courts, lines, lighting, ADA compliance and more.

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For individuals who would like to take the course and are not currently a Certified Tennis Court Builder (CTCB), ASBA recommends the Fundamentals of Tennis Court Construction course as a prerequisite, as that course concentrates on the construction of a court. Once completed, the Fundamentals of Pickleball Court Construction course will focus on the differences between the courts, lighting, fencing and more. Taken together, the two provide an excellent background for builders. Both the tennis court and pickleball

construction courses are FREE to ASBA members and are available to nonmembers for $199 each. Pickleball Certificate Program for Current Certified Tennis Court Builders Individuals who are currently Certified Tennis Court Builders (CTCB) can earn this certificate as an addendum to their current certification.

pickleball courts and pass the online course exam. Upon successful completion, CTCBs will receive a Certificate and the builder’s name will be listed on the ASBA website as a Certified Builder with a Pickleball Court Builder Certificate. Builder members receive a discounted price of $400 for the course and certificate. Nonmember pricing is $600. ★

To apply for the certificate, individuals must show three years of experience in all aspects of building

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MEMBER NEWSLINE ASB Announces GlassFloor From October 1, 2022, official basketball games of the highest category can be played on an LED glass floor, according to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). Traditionally, Level 1 competitions have only been played on wooden floors, but with advances in glass floor technology meeting standards of player safety and performance, competition organizers will soon be able to choose between FIBA-approved wooden or glass floors. In addition to the fact that this floor is significantly healthier for athletes due to its joint-friendly nature, it also opens up countless new entertainment, marketing and training opportunities. "We are pleased that innovations which provide a holistic experience for fans and sponsors will be allowed in more FIBA competitions. This rule change certainly opens the door for more innovative products," said Bart Prinssen, Head of Equipment & Venue Centre at FIBA. "We see FIBA as the global organization that moves basketball forward. For this, we have a shared vision. We have developed a no-compromise sports floor with the athlete in mind first and foremost," says ASB Managing Director Christof Babinsky. Currently, two glass floors, ASB MultiSports and ASB LumiFlex by ASB GlassFloor, have both been

approved by FIBA's Equipment & Venue Centre. ★ Submitted by: ASB GlassFloor, www.asbglassfloor.com

Ecore Launches First Vinyl Sports Floor with High-Performance Rubber Backing, Suite of New Athletic Surfacing Products The latest high-performance flooring products from Ecore will raise the game of today’s modern sports facilities as well as health and wellness spaces. Developed per ASTM F2772 Class I and Class II certification guidelines for indoor sports floor systems, Ecore has engineered five unique surface options – Baller Motivate Class I, Baller Rally Class II and Balanced, Restorative and Serenity Motivate Class I. Ecore’s Class I and Class II flooring products provide architects, designers and facility owners with a full range of surface solutions for any athletic or fitness space. Developed for athletic courts and multi-purpose areas, Baller Motivate Class I provides exceptional commercial-grade durability and realistic wood/court visuals. Baller Rally Class II is ideal for multi-pur-

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pose sports/courts, cardio, group exercise, dance/yoga, therapy, labs and childcare/play zones. The Balanced, Restorative and Serenity Class I health and wellbeing vinyl high-performance flooring offers sophisticated visuals and provide exceptional safety, ergonomic, and acoustic performance. Applications include cardio, group fitness, locker rooms/restrooms, common areas, sports medicine/ rehab, retail, offices and more. Available in a variety of surface colors and patterns, the Ecore Class I and Class II products also feature sound and shock absorption, and are fade resistant, easy to clean, and slip resistant wet or dry. ★ Submitted by: Ecore, www.ecoreintl.com

Grand Slam Safety Announces Revolutionary Divider Curtain Grand Slam Safety, LLC is excited to announce a patent pending application for a revolutionary divider curtain product. Traditional motorized vertical lift divider curtains require some separation from any adjacent curtains or structures to prevent the curtain from catching and causing damage to the curtain or motor. This results in divider curtain systems that do not provide optimal containment at these junction points.

MEMBER NEWSLINE The newly developed VISTA Quad Curtain with VISTA Edge Seal system addresses this long-standing problem. The new VISTA Edge Seal is a unique edge knuckle system that allows the curtain to pull away from adjacent structures as it lifts, and close against the adjacent structure as it lowers. Combined with our new VISTA Quad Curtain “D” ring system, it is possible to provide motorized divider curtains that quickly quadrisect play/training areas while offering greater safety, fewer interruptions, and less distraction through enhanced containment. The VISTA Quad Curtain with VISTA Edge Seal by Grand Slam Safety is ideal for converting indoor tennis courts to pickleball courts, and basketball or volleyball courts to smaller activity stations in a quick and safe manner. Visit our website for a quote to address any facility situation and solution. ★

Sports Club in Columbia, Maryland – a multi-phase renovation of a 92,200-square-foot athletic facility. The initial phases included full-service design renovations to the base building envelope, the swimming pool, cycling studio, multiple locker rooms, sauna, women’s gym, weight room and exercise areas. ★ Submitted by: GTM Architects, www.gtmarchitects.com TA’s Outstanding Facility Award. The 49,000-square-foot building includes six indoor tennis courts with a central, two-story clubhouse area that maximizes court views. The facility is environmentally sustainable, complete with solar panels, LED lights throughout, electric car charging stations, above code insulation, tankless water heaters, high efficiency HVAC systems and on-site bioretention facilities.

GTM Architects Designs Award-Winning Sports Facilities in the Greater DC Region GTM Architects has designed numerous sports facilities throughout the Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia region.

Other sports facility projects include the Tennis Center of College Park, MD which won a USTA Tennis Center of the Year Award and an ASBA Best Overall Facility Award, a new outdoor Pickleball facility at Owen Brown Tennis Club, and the sixcourt indoor facility at Woodmont Country Club. GTM also designed the swim school for Olympic Medalist Tom Dolan and is involved with the DC United Soccer Team’s facility upgrades.

GTM Architects designed the Long Reach Tennis Club, winning US-

One of GTM Architects recent and ongoing projects is the Supreme

Submitted by: Grand Slam Safety, LLC, www.grandslamsafety.com

GTM Photos by Kevin Weber

Har-Tru To Sponsor Citi Open® and Provide New Hard-Court Surfaces for William H.G. Fitzgerald Tennis Center Har-Tru sponsored the Citi Open® Tournament, held in Washington DC’s Rock Creek Park. The fouryear arrangement provides the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center with new hard court surfacing for the event and Har-Tru clay court material for the community courts at

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MEMBER NEWSLINE the facility. This year’s tournament ran from August 1-7. Founded in 1969 to support making Arthur Ashe’s vision of playing a pro tennis tournament in a public park fully accessible to everyone, the event gained Citi as a title sponsor in 2011. Today, the Citi Open is the only ATP 500 event in the U.S. and the longest-running U.S. pro tournament in its original location. In 2019, MDE Sports, owned and led by Mark Ein, D.C. philanthropist and entrepreneur, took over management and reimagined the historic tournament experience for players and fans. Ein was a ball boy at the tournament as a child. “My personal experience as a fan, ball boy, and now CEO of the tournament, convinced me long ago of the awesome power of tennis to transform kids’ lives,” said Ein. “The Citi Open really is Arthur Ashe’s dream come true. And I hope that spirit shines through for the players and fans who take part in this special event in our nation’s capital.” ★

Mapei Announces MapecoatTM TNS Reinforced System Mapecoat™ TNS Reinforced is a multi-layered, acrylic-based system applied in combination with a fiberglass mesh for refurbishing tennis, pickleball and other hardcourt sports surfaces. This system’s high tensile strength characteristics allow for installation over existing damaged asphalt, cement and existing acrylic substrates, without the need to conduct extensive surface repairs. The Mapecoat TNS Reinforced system forms a highly resistant and even playing surface that is ideal for any desired speed of play with consistent ball bounce. For more information, please reach out to a local MAPEI specialist. ★ Submitted by: MAPEI Corporation, www.mapei.com

Submitted by: Har-Tru, www.hartru.com

Build it Right | Summer 2022, Issue 1

Sports Turf Starts Athletic Facility Renovations at Seven Gwinnett County High Schools Sports Turf Company is proud to announce work has started on the final seven Gwinnett County High School artificial turf field and track renovations. This project is the fourth and final set of high school facilities awarded to Sports Turf Company for Gwinnett County Public Schools. The seven Gwinnett County projects include: • Peachtree Ridge High School • Parkview High School • Grayson High School • Berkmar High School • Discovery High School • Lanier High School • Seckinger High School Sports Turf will renovate all seven high schools’ existing natural grass fields to an artificial turf system that features AstroTurf’s RootZone 3D3 Decade turf system, Brock SP Series shock pad, and the organic infill, BrockFILL. AstroTurf’s RootZone 3D3 Decade is a performance artificial turf system that combines slit film and monofilament fibers with a RootZone layer of texturized fibers for optimum durability and better shock absorbency. The Brock shock pad technology is specifically engineered to optimize safety for athletes during impacts to the surface. The infill, BrockFILL, is a highly engineered wood particle infill specifically designed to im-

prove traction and reduce artificial turf heat. ★ Submitted by: Sports Turf Company, www.sportsturf.net

Sportworks Design has shaped the landscape for youth, collegiate and professional athletes. The team of land surveyors, civil and sports engineers and landscape architects use innovative 3D laser scanning and modeling technology to design award winning athletic facilities, campus site plans, synthetic turf fields and providing field performance testing. Sportworks Design is recognized as an industry leader for athletic facility design. ★ Submitted by: Sportworks Design, www.sportworksdesign.com

Sportworks Design Accelerates Growth with Hire of David Higgins Sportworks Design is pleased to welcome David Higgins, Engineer I, as the newest member of The Kleingers Group’s sports division. David joins the team after graduating from the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor’s in civil engineering. As part of his role, he will support the sports engineering experts as he did during his co-op term at Sportworks. During his co-op, he worked on several sports engineering projects, including the Yellow Springs Track and Makino Park Inclusive Fields.

Want Your Company Featured in Member News? Please send information to ASBA using the form available on our website at sportsbuilders.org/builditright. You’ll find it on the Build It Right Magazine page under the News tab that is located on the top right-hand corner of the home page. Please limit news to 200 words; ASBA publishes one news item per member company in each issue. Note: ASBA is interested in information on projects, products, new hires, retirements, company milestones – all your important news.

“David is going to be a game-changing addition to Sportworks. Having his energy and drive in our locker room is contagious, and I look forward to him sparking us to greater success,” says Brad D’Agnillo, Sportworks Group Leader.

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GET IN THE HIGH PERFORMANCE LIGHTING HIGH PERFORMANCELED LEDSPORTS SPORTS LIGHTING The ZONE features a sleek lowlow profile design The ZONE™LED LEDsports sportslight light features a sleek profile design and high performance LEDs paired with precise silicone optics and high performance LEDs paired with precise silicone optics to produce superior levels of illumination, uniformity and cutoff. to produce superior levels of illumination, uniformity and cutoff. Available in two sizes and multiple lumen outputs for any court Available in two sizes and multiple lumen outputs for any court sport application. Optional wireless control systems available. sport application. Optional wireless control systems available. Proudly made in America. Proudly made in America. ™

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IN EVERY ISSUE On the Bookshelf: ASBA’s Library All publications are available both in hard copy and via electronic download. For ordering information, go to ASBA’s website, www.sportsbuilders.org, and select the tab on the blue menu bar labeled “Publications.” Updated diagrams for many other facilities are also available using ASBA’s App. ASBA’s technical publications, including popular and well-regarded Construction and Maintenance Manual series, are constantly being updated. We invite you to make sure you have the most updated issues of the following, available in both hard copy and pdf form. Tennis Courts: Construction & Maintenance Manual (2021) This book promotes the quality construction, maintenance and repair of tennis facilities by providing information to facility owners, managers, pros, builders, architects and engineers. $44.95 Sports Fields: A Construction & Maintenance Manual (2020) This book promotes the quality construction, maintenance and repair of synthetic turf facilities by providing information to facility owners, administrators, coaches, builders, architects and engineers. $44.95 Pickleball Courts: Construction & Maintenance Manual (2020) This book promotes the quality construction, maintenance and repair of pickleball courts by providing information to facility owners, administrators, coaches, builders, architects and engineers. $34.95 Running Tracks: A Construction & Maintenance Manual (2019) This book promotes the quality design, construction, maintenance and repair of track facilities by providing information to facility owners, administrators, coaches, builders, architects and engineers. $44.95 Indoor Sports Surfaces: An Installation & Maintenance Manual (2014) This book promotes the quality construction, maintenance and repair of indoor synthetic sport surfaces by providing information to facility owners, administrators, coaches, builders, architects and engineers. $44.95 sportsbuilders.org

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Build it Right | Summer 2022, Issue 1

IN EVERY ISSUE On the Bookshelf: ASBA’s Library ASBA also stocks two publications from the National Federation of State High School Associations; these books are available in hard copy only: National Federation of State High School Associations Court & Field Diagram Guide This guide contains a comprehensive collection of diagrams and specifications of playing fields and courts used in interscholastic and recreational sports. $25.00

National Federation of State High School Associations Track & Field Rule Book To maintain the sound traditions, encourage sportsmanship and minimize the inherent risk of injury, the NGHS writes playing rules for varsity competition among student-athletes of high school age. NFHS rules are used by education-based organizations serving children of varying skill levels who are of high school age and younger. $16.00 Don’t miss your chance to advertise in ASBA’s new Courts & Recreational Facilities manual that is currently being written – if you haven’t received your information on advertising yet, contact ASBA at info@sportsbuilders.org. Hurry – deadline is September 1, 2022!

New & Certified Members NEW MEMBERS

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Acadian Structural Solutions, Inc. American Southwest Electric ASB GlassFloor Asphalt, Fabric & Engineering, Inc. DBA AFE Sports Bergo Flooring AB Binnie & Associates, Ltd BlackWater Paving, LLC

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Champion Grass by Premier Grass Australia HomeSports JEO Consulting Group Progressive AE Shaughnessy Sports Construction Tri Scapes Inc. Ultra Base Systems Worldwide Turf Inc.

NEW CERTIFIED MEMBERS • • • •

John Eren, CTB, CTCB / Classic Turf Company, LLC Joseph Martin, CFB-S / Paragon Sports Constructors Derek York, CFB / Iowa Sports Turf Christopher Carnahan, CFB / Bright View Lanscape Development

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SCAN ME TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE AGENDA, VIEW SPONSOR/EXHIBITOR OPPORTUNITIES OR REGISTER!