Cover Story continued
Regardless of field type, items such as padding on vertical surfaces close to the field, anchoring of goal posts and goals, and drains should be inspected and conditions documented.
A field inspection checklist is a great way to be sure to not overlook any elements of your field inspection. It also provides a record that the field was inspected should an injury occur and the safety of the field be questioned. You can make your own checklist or use one that has already been created. The Sports Turf Managers Association has created a thorough field checklist (Fig. 10) that is available on their website – www.stma.org. For synthetic turf fields, inspections should include items such as infill depth, degree of paint build-up, seam and inlay inspection, fiber condition, and field hardness. Natural turf field inspection items typically include amount of turf cover, amount of weeds present, surface evenness, and field hardness.
REFERENCE Hoiberg, A. H., and D. D. Minner. 2013. Seedbanking potential of Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass in athletic fields. Int. Turfgrass Soc. Res. J. 12:p. 641-648.
Football/Soccer Field Safety and Maintenance Checklist
www.stma.org
Football/Soccer Field Safety and Maintenance Checklist Prior to practice or a game, assess the following field characteristics and make the necessary corrections to the statements marked, ‘No/Needs Attention’ before allowing players on the field. If your field is experiencing major problems, including excessive wear, drainage issues, design flaws, etc., contact the STMA at ph. 800-323-3875, or STMAinfo@STMA.org for a referral to a local STMA chapter volunteer in your area for advice.
FIG. 10. Football Field Safety Checklist Available from STMA.org.
Playing Surface – All Types
Playing Surface – Natural Grass
Yes
Yes
No/Needs Attn
o
o
o
o
No/Needs Attn
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Comments
Maintenance equipment, such as rakes, hoes, etc.have been removed from the field. Litter and unsafe debris have been removed from the field and player/ spectator areas.
Irrigation heads are installed as per manufacturer’s recommendations with no protrusions on the playing surface. If there is an automatic system, the runtimes for the stations should be scheduled as per game times
The field was constructed according to recommended industry specifications.
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Comments
There is at least 75 percent coverage of turfgrass on the field.
There are no bare spots with a hard soil surface exposed.
Playing Surface – Synthetic Turf
Goals and Goal Post
Yes
No/Needs Attn
Yes
No/Needs Attn
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o o
o o
Comments
There are no worn areas on the synthetic material.
There are no rips or tears on the synthetic material. Seams are secure.
The synthetic material is not buckling or bulging. Synthetic fibers are standing upright.
Comments:
There is adequate infill material that is evenly spread.
There are no holes or mounds made by moles, gophers, or other animals.
There are no ruts or trenches caused by equipment use or field wear.
There has been communication between the maintenance staff and coach/ facility user.
No/Needs Attn
o
o
Concrete for goal posts is below the surface.
o
o
Goals posts are adequately padded.
There are not sharp edges, protrusions or fractures on the goal. Goals are anchored securely.
All bolts, screws, and connections for the goal are intact and securely tightened.
The footwear that is being worn by players is acceptable.
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Comments:
(If your field does not have bleachers/facility, skip this section)
Yes
Fences are securely set in the ground. Fence posts are outside of the playing area.
There are no concrete footings exposed above ground.
Fencing is securely attached to its posts.
There are no large gaps in the fencing or between the ground and the fence. Top and bottom tension wires are in place to secure the fence.
The wire ends of the fence are not exposed at the top or corners.
Yes
No/Needs Attn
o
o
If multi-use field, lines are distinguishable between sports.
o
o
o
o
Lines are correctly marked per the appropriate governing body.
o o Comments:
Field Markings Yes
No/Needs Attn
o
o
o
o
o
o
Comments:
Lines are bright.
There is a minimum of 25 ft. around the field for players to run safely out-of-bounds.
There is a minimum of 50 ft. between fields (if multi-field complex).
All catch basins are adequately covered. The transition area to the track is easily identifiable and level.
No/Needs Attn
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
There are no damaged areas that protrude, are sharp or loose.
Out-of-Bounds/Transition Areas
Turfgrass is uniform in color, height and density.
There are no weeds with thorns, bristles or burrs.
Bleachers/Facility
(If your field does not have fencing, skip this section)
Yes
Water is readily available for washing away undesirable fluids.
Soil is well drained with no standing water.
Turfgrass has strong root system, limiting “blow-outs.”
Football/Soccer Field Safety and Maintenance Checklist Fencing
Goal posts are straight and securely anchored.
Comments:
2
Your Resource for Safer Fields • Brought to you by the Sports Turf Managers Association and its charitable Foundation, The SAFE Foundation • ph. 1-800-323-3875 • www.stma.org
The plank or railing end caps are securely in place.
There are no splinters or worn areas (wooden bleachers).
There are no hazardous protrusions or sharp edges.
The supply and location of waste cans is adequate. There is appropriate signage notifying players and spectators of rules, appropriate behavior and deficient conditions.
There are public telephones or a staffed office for emergency situations. Areas under repair are identified and posted appropriately.
(If your field does not have lighting, skip this section)
Yes
No/Needs Attn
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Comments:
1
Guard rails are securely in place.
Lighting
Lighting has been installed/inspected by a trained engineer or technician. All lights are working.
General
The light’s beam adequately and uniformly covers the field.
The lighting foot candles meet industry recommended specifications.
Yes
No/Needs Attn
o
o
Comments:.
Your Resource for Safer Fields • Brought to you by the Sports Turf Managers Association and its charitable Foundation, The SAFE Foundation • ph. 1-800-323-3875 • www.stma.org
Nuts and bolts are tight and in sufficient number.
There is a flag or other signaling system to alert players to leave the field if inclement weather or other danger is imminent.
3
Your Resource for Safer Fields • Brought to you by the Sports Turf Managers Association and its charitable Foundation, The SAFE Foundation • ph. 1-800-323-3875 • www.stma.org
D I G I TA L
M A R K E T P L AC E Scan the QR code: Download your favorite QR reader to your phone and scan the code to learn more about these companies.
For franchise information go to www.weedmanfranchise.com or call (888) 321-9333
26 | VIRGINIA TURFGRASS JOURNAL November/December 2021 www.vaturf.org
Andy Rushing arushing@cgcfields.com Phone: (704) 634-9799 Toll Free – Office: (866) 753-1707
www.cgcfields.com
