Buyer's Guide for Athletic Field Construction

The synthetic turf industry today is “booming.” There are more turf fields being installed than ever before, at locations that include everything from the local park to the NFL. Why the boom?

One reason is that the cost has come down. The current generation of synthetic turf is considerably less expensive than earlier versions. Additionally, there are many more options, so that a turf field can be built within the budgets of most organizations and institutions.

At the same time that the cost has been coming down, the product has been improved. Even some who were adamantly opposed to the older short pile nylon turf products have become advocates for the new long pile, in-filled turf, which looks and feels much like natural grass.

Another advantage of synthetic turf that is attracting attention is its lower maintenance cost as compared to natural grass. While turf is not maintenance-free, it requires much less care than is required to keep natural grass in optimum condition for play.

In some areas of the country, drought and/or water restriction is another force driving the installation of synthetic turf. Unlike natural grass, turf requires no regular irrigation, though for some sports at the highest levels, players may prefer a field that has been watered prior to play.

But, perhaps the most attractive characteristic of synthetic turf fields is that they can be used day-in and day-out without excessive wear. In many areas of the country, there simply are not enough fields for play. Where a natural grass field may be unusable when muddy or frozen, a synthetic turf field can be used, safely and without damage, in almost any weather. Where grass fields must be rested to recover from heavy use, synthetic turf fields are immediately available for the next activity. In short, the installation of synthetic turf maximizes the productive use of a field, providing many more athletic and recreational opportunities for a school or community.

With turf fields becoming less expensive, more user-friendly and offering greater use at a better cost per hour of use ratio, what’s the downside? This is a very new industry and, thus far, largely unregulated. To get the most value from a sizeable investment, an owner must take care in defining needs, exploring available options and making appropriate choices.

Define Your Needs
Early in the project, an owner must decide on its scope. What sports or activities will take place on the field – football, soccer, band practice, lacrosse or others? The specific sports to be played on the surface may influence the appropriate length of turf, as well as the depth and type of infill.

At what level will these sports be played? The level of competition will determine which governing body and, therefore, which rules will prevail. Governing body rules will specify the necessary field dimensions and surface types, as well as the size of required runover areas.

Will a track surround the field? If so, which field events are planned and which of them, if any, will be placed in the infield?

Most multi-purpose fields will require some compromise between what is optimal for one program or sport versus the performance characteristics and requirements of another. Carefully defining needs and establishing priorities will go a long way toward insuring that the facility, once built, performs as well as possible.

Develop a Budget
How much can you afford to spend? Developing a budget may be the most difficult step in the construction process. You may have to make some concessions, but in order to make informed choices, you need to determine priorities.

Remember that as in most projects, it is easy to spend more than you had in mind. Working within a budget involves considering various options and making informed choices, but choices don't have to mean compromising the end result. Knowledge of what factors are most important to the facility you are planning and a desire to seek creative solutions can bring the project in at a reasonable cost.

In budget planning, consider not just initial cost but long-term cost. Before committing to a turf project, be certain that you can afford the schedule of maintenance recommended by the supplier of your chosen turf system, as well as a reserve for eventual repair and/or replacement. It may be wise to consider a maintenance contract with the installer or with an expert maintenance company to keep your turf in the best possible condition and to extend its useful life.

Consider a Design Professional
It is often desirable to employ a licensed design professional, consultant or other expert to assist in planning, building or retrofitting a synthetic turf field. Depending on the scope of the project, employing the services of an expert can actually help control job costs by better translating the needs of the owner into proper direction for construction, and by helping to avoid costly mistakes. A professional architect, engineer or landscape architect, trained and experienced in synthetic turf construction, or an experienced installer, will help you identify your needs and refine that information to the specific requirements of your site.

An expert can assist you in determining the scope of work to be included in the job, in planning the facility, in determining a realistic budget for the project, in evaluating and comparing bids, in overseeing the work in progress and in solving any problems that occur during construction. However, be sure to choose an expert with specific related experience.

Choose a Site
Where will you build? Before you contemplate new construction, be certain that you have an acceptable site. Whether new construction or replacement of a natural grass field, numerous factors to be considered make the design phase critical. If a running track surrounds the field, consideration must be given to meeting the needs of the track program, as well as the requirements of the sports and activities on the field. The number of sports (football, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, etc.) and the level of play will affect the size of the field.

Choose a Surface and Develop Working Specifications
Another important choice in planning a field is the specific type/brand of synthetic turf. Today, there are many choices. At any given time, there may be more than 50 advertised brands, with new brands being offered every day and a nearly equal number disappearing.

It is important to research the brands you may be considering. Where is the product made and by whom? What is the relationship between the manufacturer and the installer, if any? Who carries the warranty and how long have they been in business? An experienced design professional may help you sort out and evaluate the advertising claims of various brands.

Make Specific Choices Regarding Additional Facilities, Amenities and Accessories
A fine field begins with a well-built base and a quality surface, but it doesn't end there.
Will the construction project include benches, bleachers, fencing, lighting, scoreboards, a new track or track repair and reconstruction, construction or relocation of field events? Most owners want a complete project and, often, it is more economical to construct it all at the same time than piecemeal.

Hire a Qualified Contractor
Choosing the right contractor can determine the ultimate success of your facility. A knowledgeable and experienced contractor can help you, the owner, to make the right decisions resulting in a quality project. Turf field construction is a highly specialized field within the construction industry. It is vital that the contractor you choose be familiar with the current marketplace, as well as with the type of surface you intend to install.

If you, the buyer, are to make the right decisions regarding a field project, becoming a knowledgeable consumer is the first step. Asking questions is not only smart, it is essential. The investment of time and energy now can yield a huge return in the future, in terms of a quality facility, and in the hours of enjoyment that will be derived from it.

This article is an edited version of the Buyer's Guide for Synthetic Turf Field Construction reprinted with permission of the American Sports Builders Association from its Web site at www.sportsbuilders.org by the American Sports Builders Association, 7010 W. Highway 71, Suite 340, PMB #312, Austin, TX  78735.  Copyright 2006.  All rights reserved.

Understanding Athletic Flooring
By Mike Niese and Ken Thomas

With literally thousands of choices, making the right choice with regard to athletic flooring can be a challenging task. This is especially true when considering new product innovations and sifting through all the offerings in the market. 

So, where does one begin? What criteria are available to assist decision makers?

Decisions begin with knowledge. Gathering product information from all potential sources is vital. Information can be sourced via flooring manufacturers, flooring installation companies, industry associations, neighboring facilities, various Web sites and other reliable industry contacts.

When learning about products, look for validation of claims. And, take all selected flooring systems for a test drive. Get your users on the floors that are being considered.  

Once you determine the key characteristics that make sense for your athletes and facility, prioritize them in order importance based on the value they bring to your athletes and institution. The criteria you select will help keep you focused as you proceed with investigating potential products for your facility. 

Surface Friction
Surface friction is possibly the single most important performance aspect of any indoor sport surface. Regardless of the activity, the surface has to provide a consistent balance of slide versus traction. In many ways, the surface is the “silent partner” of all performers.  The ability to run full speed on the court requires firm footing at the moment of acceleration. Conversely, to stop and instantly change direction requires the surface to react to those forces and allow the player’s foot to slide or pivot. 

An unsafe surface grips the shoe and prevents its release from the surface. This failure to release during the turn leads to numerous injuries in the lower extremities and can cause the player to fall unexpectedly and suffer upper body and/or head injury as well. 

It is not uncommon to see the majority of these injuries take place on floors that have been improperly maintained or the coatings are worn to the point of uselessness. Great, time-tested surfaces allow the owner to recoat or refurbish the floor to restore the original condition. The best bet is to invest in a floor that allows refurbishment in lieu of replacement and protect the original investment of the owner. 

Shock Absorption and Deflection
Much has been written about the need for floors to be shock absorbing and safe. While there is no objective evidence to prove that a shock-absorbing floor prevents injury, it is a widespread belief that providing a proper floor with ample shock absorption can reduce the incidence and even the severity of injury, should one occur. 

The interaction between the athlete, the shoe and the surface all combine with the specific activity on that surface to dictate the nature and severity of the injury.  It is not practical to assume that you can affect or change the physical condition of the player. Nor can you control the type of shoe or the age/condition of the shoes he chooses to wear. However, there does exist an opportunity to choose the proper sport surface on which he or she will be practicing and playing. 

Choosing the proper surface will not eliminate sports injury, but it will reduce the incidence of injury by eliminating one potential cause found in this complex interaction of variables.

Ball Rebound
Consistent ball bounce is critical to games like basketball. No player wants the distraction of worrying if the ball will return off the floor and back into his control. Ball handling skills are enhanced by proper ball bounce and proper sound.

Loading
It is vital for an athletic floor to have the ability to withstand anticipated loads for the intended space and demonstrate no evidence of damage or deterioration under such loads.

Whenever possible, involve the flooring contractor and manufacturer in the planning process and determine the maximum load requirements necessary for the floor to withstand. Some designs will handle heavier loads than others. Many systems can be modified to handle larger than normal loads, provided the anticipated loads are known prior to installation of the flooring system. Otherwise, temporary floor covers may be necessary for protecting the surface coatings on the floor when equipment and portable seating is scheduled for use.

Mike Niese is the vice president of technology & research for Robbins, Inc., www.robbinsfloor.com, and Ken Thomas is the vice president of marketing for Robbins, Inc.

Product Roundup

Graphic Scorers Tables by Future Pro
Future Pro Graphic Scorers Tables blend safety, function and school pride. Floor and bleacher tables have seating for four. Dynamic full color sport pride graphics are printed on the padded front panel, and school mascot name is printed on each side pad. Padding is vinyl over 2" thick urethane foam. These 16" deep tables fold to a super narrow storage width. Built-in, floor friendly castors make for easy transport. Includes 110 volt receptacles for computer, possession arrow etc. Free possession arrow comes with each table ordered.
www.futureproinc.com

Nevco
Nevco scoreboards and accessories provide Customers with a complete scoring and display system.  Your Nevco Sales Rep can assist you in designing a customized solution for your facility.  Customers can now even design their own system online. Message centers and video displays give Customers additional ways to inform their fans, excite the crowd and generate sponsorship revenue.
www.nevco.com

Spectrum’s Practice Segment Timers
Spectrum’s Practice Segment Timers were originally designed in collaboration with coaching legend Emory Bellard and are used by more coaches than any other timer.  Easy to use, they offer 1-99 Segment/99 Minute up/down timing that is readable up to 900 feet.  Each drill segment can be set for a different time to customize your training period. Portable and durable, these timers are also popular to use in weight training, track, basketball and baseball. Model available with a one or two-sided display.
www.spectrumscoreboards.com

Athletic Locker by Design-Tec
The Design-Tec Athletic Locker provides uncompromising quality and durability.  Manufactured using solid phenolic composite panels, the lockers are water and rust resistant inside and out.  They can be steam jet cleaned or chemically disinfected.  The athletic locker’s features and configurations are especially suitable for sports facilities and athletic teams.  Standard features include an open section that can be used for equipment, laundry, and uniform storage.  A lower storage compartment stows bulky equipment and also serves as individual bench seating.  Personal items can be secured in the upper section with a user-supplied padlock or factory-supplied keyed or combination lock.
www.fabricatedproducts.net

Daktronics Tuff Sport Scoreboards
Daktronics Tuff Sport scoreboards are engineered for superior durability. A load distributing construction and 25 percent thicker aluminum allow Tuff Sport® scoreboards to withstand hits from indoor sports balls traveling in excess of 40 miles per hour. Daktronics offers endless options to create scoreboards suited for each facility’s needs. Immaculate Conception School chose to upgrade one of their scoreboards with logo/sponsor panels. Other options include programmable team name message centers and decorative accents. Boost excitement in your facility by adding a programmable message center. These message centers are great for keeping fans informed and entertained with important game information and upcoming events.
www.daktronics.com

Tru Mark Athletic Field Marker
Tru Mark Athletic Field Marker has introduced two field marking and construction-quality string winders. Both come standard with a steel post for a cordless drill and a free wheeling handle (holds 500 feet plus of twine). The "heavy-duty" all steel and ball-bearing model with plastic manual reel-in handle can be posted in the ground. The "light weight" model features a sturdy plastic frame reel. The automated string winder saves time and reduces fatigue.
www.AthleticFieldMarker.com

Pioneer’s Titan Removable Turf Paint
Do you need to convert your synthetic turf football field into a soccer field for a weekend tournament?  Would you like to add a temporary logo to center field without having to worry about damage or costly removal? Pioneer’s Titan Removable Turf Paint is ideal for painting temporary logos for Homecoming Games, League Championships, Playoffs and other special events.  It is also great for facilities that use the same synthetic playing surface for multiple sports. Titan Removable is specially engineered for synthetic turf to maintain crisp, bright lines throughout punishing field conditions. Its extreme durability allows most applications to last the entire season indoors and out. Titan Removable dries to a smooth, flexible coating making it less abrasive and less slippery than other turf paints. 
www.pioneerathletics.com

COURTCLEAN
COURTCLEAN damp mop system is the industry’s newest tool that is “sweeping” the nation. COURTCLEAN:
* Is fast and effective
* Produces a clean surface, causing traction to be at its highest level
* Prevents the “sanding” of finished surfaces caused by dirt between shoes and the floor by eliminating nearly 100 percent of unwanted debris and dust particles
www.courtclean.net

Multi-Play Sports Flooring
Multi-Play sports flooring can turn almost any surface into a court ready for play overnight. That’s because the unique post and lock system makes for a quick, easy and secure installation in less than one day over virtually any type of existing surface. It features resilience, traction, ball bounce, durability and affordability. Multi-Play is available in a solid tile or gridded tile in a number of attractive colors.
www.multiplayfloor.com

COVERMATE II
Covermaster Inc. has introduced a second-generation, custom-engineered version of their highly regarded gym floor cover handling system. Marketed as COVERMATE II, the system represents a breakthrough in handling safety. Central to this new, custom engineered system are the retractable safety outriggers, which virtually eliminate the risk of tipping when the cover sections are pulled off the rack. Since the outriggers are fitted with their own casters, COVERMATE II can be moved about the gym with the outriggers in extended position.
www.covermaster.com

Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association
The Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association (MFMA) is the authoritative source of innovative technical and general information for maple flooring and related sports flooring systems. The MFMA has combined all their information in one easy place: the MFMA Sourcebook. The MFMA Sourcebook has expanded listings of all members, library of technical information, MFMA position statements, order forms and information on MFMA’s Inspection Services
www.maplefloor.org

CoachesLocker
Are you an athletic director or school administrator who struggles with uniform and equipment replacements? Are you able to effectively spread your budget to allocate for JV and freshman programs all while keeping your varsity looking top-notch? A proper uniform and equipment purchasing/replacement program is an essential function of any athletic department, but it can be a lot to keep up with when your day is filled with other responsibilities that seem more pressing. Visit CoachesLocker’s Web site to download a free sample guideline for assembling a purchasing/replacement program.
www.coacheslocker.com