Tru Mark's Trail Blazing Blog

Ross Kurcab has created a TURF-IE Facebook fan page where he covers turf management stories in the news and other popular media outlets.

Ross stated, "I believe part of being a professional is being current with the news of your chosen industry. It can be very educational – who knew they were using recycled glass as a sub-base for natural grass fields in New Zealand?"

I totally agree that as a professional you must develop a life long learning philosophy where you search out educational outlets whether in print media, on-line media, and through personal contact. Tru Mark Athletic Field Marker also is capturing professional related turf management news and product announcements.

Ross reflects, "Don’t be afraid to comment and leave your own links. We at TURF-IE encourage stupidity, high-quality information, fun, and fellowship. I’ve primed the machine, now it’s up to you members to help paint the logo."

Please join Ross's TURF-IE Facebook fan page to learn what is in the turf management news and become better informed as a professional.
[http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&ref=search&gid=263405963071]

Labels: Sports, Trends, Turf _Tips

A report on the official study entitled: “Incidence, Mechanisms, and Severity of Game-Related College Football Injuries on FieldTurf Versus Natural Grass: A Three-Year Prospective Study”.

[http://t.love.com/289352408]

The published research concludes that college football games played on FieldTurf synthetic turf playing surfaces resulted in statistically fewer and less severe injuries than those played on natural grass. The peer-reviewed study is published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine.

This report does not necessarily support the findings reported by an 2008 NFL players opinion study report in our earlier blog, March 2, 2009.

Labels: Sports, Trends, Turf _Tips

What do you do to remove field marking paint from a natural grass turf sports field? That is the question forwarded recently.

"We are a major stadium in Australia that caters for rugby and soccer games.

As these games are televised it is important that the previous sports lines are removed.

Do you have a removable paint for natural turf?
The turf we have is Bermuda couch which is over sown in Winter with Rye seed."

Now to some options.

Most turf paints applied to natural turf are removed by mowing the lines off as the grass grows. One of the keys is to minimize the spray depth on the grass blades which would suggest a lower pressure lower volume airless sprayer system.

I’ve used Simple Green cleaning solution, environmentally-sensitive non-toxic cleaner/degreaser, to help remove field marking paint but it would need some brushing which would most likely damage the grass. I've even added a little Simple Green to the diluted paint solution without turf grass impact and the paint appeared to be removed quicker when I sprayed water under pressure (80 psi).

Another option is aerosol chalk. It is applied just like aerosol paint yet performs like traditional powdered chalk (calcium carbonate or marble dust). Once it dries it will be removed through foot traffic and water.

We also offer a bulk chalk solution that can be diluted and applied using an airless sprayer. This can be shipped by air cargo with less restrictions since it would not be pressurized. Removal would be similar to aerosol chalk.

To help break down the paint/chalk on the natural grass you could use an mechanical brush system, in addition to using the Simple Green and water. One popular model is the Stihl KM series KombiMotors Interchangeable KombiSystem, KB-KM Bristle Brush.

Labels: Product_Review, Sports, Turf _Tips

Athletic Business publishes one of the finest reference documents for grounds maintenance, sports facility personnel and youth sports volunteers. Their Sports Facility Specification Guide is one of the most used reference documents that I find myself referring to on a yearly basis. This guide lists numerous field dimensions that is needed by personnel line striping and setting up a field for the first time. The guide covers 15 plus high school, college, and professional field specifications for sports such as football, soccer, lacrosse, rugby, track, field hockey, baseball, softball, and many others.

You can also gain access to several other Athletic Business white papers including, Providing Safe Facilities, How to Avoid a Lawsuit, and Making the Downturn Work for You.

Tru Mark has developed several desktop layout tools using MS Excel for soccer, rugby, lacrosse, and ultimate frisbee. Check out the description of these tools and then send an email requesting a copy of the respective tool.

Labels: Product_Review, Sports, Turf _Tips

Always on the hunt for educational material on sports turf management we have the latest 2010 Rutger's Continuing Education offering.
The Rutgers-NJAES Office of Continuing Education in cooperation with the New Jersey Sports Field Managers Association is offering an Athletic Field Construction and Maintenance short course Feb. 16-18.
In addition to this 3-day course, half-day courses are offered in these special athletic field topics: Understanding Synthetic Fields and Baseball/Softball Infield Skin Construction & Management.
Agenda
Day One
— Soils for Athletic Field Managers
— Insights into Athletic Field Problems
— Sports Field Safety
— Site Preparation and Construction Procedures
— Irrigation Systems – Design and Installation
— Selecting Turfgrasses and Establishment Procedures
Day Two
— Turfgrass Maintenance Procedures
— Operation and Maintenance of Irrigation Systems
— Weed, Disease and Insect Control
— Pesticide Application Technology
— Safe Handling, Storage and Use of Pesticides
— Disease Problems and Their Control
Day Three
— Equipment Maintenance for Performance and Longevity
— Contending With Soil Compaction
— Renovation and Repair of Existing Fields
— Infield Maintenance Procedures
— Striping, Lining and Painting
— Smart Budgeting and Getting the Job Done
For more information or to register, click here.

Labels: Sports, Trends, Turf _Tips

Where should you spend you scare resources to produce the most value and greatest support for your sports field operations? Over the past several years we've come across several excellent resources which have been incorporated into our website FAQ page as well as new products and updates to existing products. These tips are not necessarily in any particular priority. You may have experienced some time and money saving tips as well, please share these with others.

Tru Mark Athletic Field Marker Top 10 Time and Money Saving Tips.
1. Convert from aerosol to bulk latex field marking paint. When organizations grow in the number of sport fields needing line striping the best value is to use airless paint striping equipment to reduce your cost of field marking paint as well as save time and improve the quality of lines.
2. Use removable chalk for temporary lines. Either aerosol chalk or bulk chalk can be easily applied to a natural grass or synthetic turf surface without a significant amount of cleaning required to remove the lines. Normally wear and water will remove these temporary lines, just as on a dirt infield. For longer lasting temporary lines on synthetic turf please consider the TrailBlazer field marking product line.
3. Use the various Tru Mark MS Excel spreadsheet layout tools to quickly and accurately layout any sports field to include: soccer, lacrosse, rugby, Ultimate frisbee. No matter the size of the field the desktop tool will calculate the different intersections on the field of play for pulling a string and line striping.
4. Mark the playing field intersections with easily located markers. Use a metal field anchor to quickly located an intersection using a magnet or marking whiskers that can be seen at the mowed grass level. Eliminate the time consuming effort of hunting for a buried intersection at the start of a new season.
5. Use a filled on-site yet sealed sand bag for ballast and barriers. Tru Mark's different style sand bags are designed to be filled on location and sealed to prevent spillage for indoor as well as barrier purposes. Whether holding down a batting tee, door or car stopper, or a door frame or environmental barrier These sand bags will save a lot of time over their years of service.
6. Always strain field marking paint prior to use. Bulk latex paint needs to be stirred prior to mixing with water and after water is added. If the supplier can shake the bulk latex paint prior to delivery that is even better. During the pouring to the diluted paint into the paint delivery container the flow should be strained with at least a 30 mesh screw. Catching the undissolved solids will prevent plugging of equipment, especially the spray tip(s) during field striping operations. Tru Mark offers a paint cleaning and mixing kit, including a screened funnel, to help customers.
7. Join a professional organization to help with your life-long learning opportunities. Whether it is a turf grass and landscaping organization or a youth sport association you will make new connections and opportunities to learn from others. Now with improved communications capabilities these learning opportunities have expanded to more remote learning features. For example, Sports Turf Managers Association is a well respected national professional organization with state chapters and a certification program.
8. Keep on hand the common replacement parts for your field marking equipment. There is nothing worse then being broke down due a $10 to $40 part. When buying a piece of equipment check with the supplier and confirm part numbers of the common replacement parts. Try and keep at least one spare on hand at all times. During the cleaning operation get into a habit of replacing those replacement parts, e.g., spray tips, screens, check valves, pump valve kits. That way you can inspect these items on a more regular basis.
9. When selecting field marking equipment look for products that provide longevity in the operation and parts, especially those parts that receive a significant amount of wear. For example, the paint shoe assembly where the paint spray is limited to a specific area and many times comes in contact with the striping surface should be made of high quality materials that are not easily broken or bent.
10. Prevent rain outs and excess wear areas by purchasing and deploying good quality field tarps and protective covers. A baseball field tarp is essential to maintaining proper soil/dirt moisture for pitching mounds and plate areas. This is especially important during summer months and times of raining conditions. A well maintained tarp can save a tournament or double header from being canceled. Football sideline experience excess wear so protect this area with field cover, minimize turf replacement or track replacement costs.

Labels: Product_Review, Sports, Trends, Turf _Tips

In 2006 US Lacrosse Women's Division Board of Governors voted there are now hard boundaries, there is still flexibility in the size of the playing area. The maximum playing area remains at 140 x 70 yards and the minimum playing area remains at 110 x 60 yards. The goals shall be placed no more than 100 yards and no less than 90 yards apart. There must be a minimum of 10 yards and a maximum of 20 yards of space behind each goal line to the end line.

Here are some US Lacrosse website references that you should find useful when laying out a woman's and girl's lacrosse pitch/field: Women's Lacrosse Field Dimensions (2009) (page 5), and Girl's Lacrosse Field Dimensions (2009) (page 89), and How to Line a Field (US Lacrosse).

Labels: Product_Review, Sports, Turf _Tips

Most synthetic turf paints are formulated to stick to the different synthetic turf fibers, e.g., nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene. Also many of these synthetic turf paints are designed to be removed using a special cleaning agent which is formulated for their respective ingredients.

If you use a standard natural turf paint on synthetic turf it will start flaking off as soon as it experiences foot traffic because it doesn’t have the binders/adhesives in the formulation.

Most bulk synthetic turf paints are designed to be applied without dilution whereas most natural turf paints are diluted before application. The synthetic turf paints are normally applied (undiluted) with a high pressure airless sprayer (puts out at least 900 psi at the pump) to help atomize the paint.
http://www.athleticfieldmarker.com/Products/Paint.html#BulkSynthetic

Labels: Product_Review, Sports, Turf _Tips

SportsTurf Managers Association (STMA) has been doing research and documenting the differences and benefits between natural grass versus synthetic turf sports fields. Some recent publications help communities and sports turf manager tell the story to those that will be paying the bills as well as using the surfaces.

STMA's Natural Turf Benefits Informational Sheet.
"It is becoming more common that high schools and parks and recreation departments are replacing their natural grass playing surfaces with synthetic fields. The reason is often due to the belief that synthetic surfaces are less expensive and easier to maintain than natural surfaces. Synthetic is not an effective replacement if lower maintenance costs are the goal. In addition, it is not a solution to natural grass fields if they are being replaced for aesthetic reasons because they are worn out in the center at the end of the season. The following resource provides a detailed look into the benefits, disadvantages and cost effectiveness of maintaining natural grass fields for recreation."
http://www.stma.org/_files/_items/stma-mr-tab2-3300/docs/naturalgrassfields.pdf

STMA has produced a MS PowerPoint slide presentation that can be modified for an individual facility purpose. This 32 slide presentation puts some of the technical language in layman's terms to help a city council, school board, and booster club understand the whole picture between the debate on natural grass and synthetic turf. The presentation makes some excellent points on environmnetal benefits, participants health benefits, injury, player preferences, construction costs, maintenance costs, and uses a case study illustration.

As Fall sports get under way, it is important to make certain your fields are safe and playable. STMA has put together educational bulletins to help your facility be at its best.

• Football/Soccer Field Safety and Maintenance Checklist
• Baseball/Softball Field Safety and Maintenance Checklist
• Football Practice Techniques that Help to Minimize Field Wear
• 8 Steps to an Easy Field Facelift
• Top 10 Tips on How to Create a Successful Partnership with your Field Provider

When it comes to field marking tips Tru Mark Athletic Field Marker has produced helpful information for a variety of field marking tasks, from a desktop field layout tool (soccer, rugby and lacrosse), laying out field stencils to include the amount of paint needed, items to consider when selecting a field marking unit, and painting strategies.

Labels: Sports, Trends, Turf _Tips

Here's a new technology that benefits the sports turf industry and makes for safer field of play. Raptor Nails--Engineered Polymer Composite Nails--are relatively mower and landscaping equipment safe.

• They are similar in dimension to a 60 penny nail (6 inches in length and 1/4 inch in diameter) at 1/5th the weight and are not susceptible to corrosion and oxidation.
• Manufactured by Utility Composites Intl, Ltd, these nails are UV resistant, and virtually unaffected by chlorine, acids and solvents such as gasoline and oil with about twice the tensile strength of nailed wooden connections.

These nails are a great combination with the multi-colored marking whiskers for helping establish sports field intersections, keeping twine tight when line striping and holding tarps and protective field covers in position as well as custom field and large block letter stencils.

Labels: Product_Review, Sports, Turf _Tips

During the first annual Midwest Regional STMA conference at Iowa State University, Ames, IA two students put on a demonstration of the custom logo field painting process.

The referenced photo album steps you through the process with some explanations of what was being performed and specific guidance to help field operations staff when doing the same operations on their fields.

They reiterated the importance of shaking the aerosol can well before using and storing them upside down to improver their overall performance.

Have a printed image of the custom on hand is helpful to eliminate mistakes before they happen.

Painting a white background will help your other colors standout.

Where possible you should consider using a plant growth regulator (PGR) to eliminate the need to repaint these custom logo as often. Read a related Tru Mark blog entry for more PGR details.

Check out additional field painting strategies that were documented as part of a 2004 STMA conference. Also there are rules of thumb on the amount of paint to use for field painting, especially field logos. Read more answers to frequently asked questions on field stencils, painting, and storing stenicls.

Labels: Demos, Sports, Trends, Turf _Tips

Tru Mark had the opportunity to repair a Wind Weight Tarp, 26 foot diameter (TAF 3426), for the home plate area. Several holes were discovered during the inspection.

A local tarp and awning company, Norfolk Awning Co., 710 W. Norfolk Ave., Norfolk, NE 68701, (402) 371-0440, Ron Skiff, was consulted on the proper material and procedures to be used. He asked that a sample of the material be provided so he could match the patch material and the correct adhesive cement.

The following is the list of material and process used to repair a Wind Weight Tarp. A photo album is available for tarp repair items used and application process.

Supplies include:

• tarp patch material as the same as the tarp,
• adhesive cement to match with tarp material,
• scissors for trimming the patch material,
• roller for creating a uniform pressure across the patch,
• flat solid surface, and
• cleaning material to include towel(s) and cleaning solution such as Simple Green.

Procedures followed to complete the tarp repair:

1. access the bottom of the tarp surface,
2. identify and clean the surface of the tarp with water (and cleaning solution),
3. create patch (rounded edges),ensure plenty of overlap to the damaged area,
   
4. apply adhesive cement to both the tarp and patch(rough side if available),
5. apply patch and then compress from center to outside edge using a roller if possible, ensure you have the solid flat surface under the tarp so the patch is applied evenly,
6. let adhesive cure for 15 to 30 minutes,
7. check workmanship.

Do not limit the amount of adhesive applied to both the tarp and patch. The rolling device will remove excess adhensive when pressure is applied from the center to the edge to the patch.

Labels: Demos, Product_Review, Sports, Turf _Tips

Each summer the University of Nebraska Baseball Academy conducts several Day Camps in various towns throughout the state of Nebraska. Day Camps are All Skills Camps on the road. Day Camps run from 9am – 3pm. This camp is open to 7 year olds through High School seniors. If you are interested, please contact Renee Brinkmann at the Nebraska Baseball Office (402) 472-2269 or rbrinkmann@huskers.com. She would be happy to discuss the details of this summer camp in Norfolk.

Come meet some Nebraska Baseball players and coaches. Husker Baseball souvenirs are available on-site.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009 from 9am - 3pm
Memorial Field in Norfolk, Nebraska

Camp cost is $55. Save $5 by registering on-line at http://www.bigredacademy.com
Renee Brinkman, Nebraska Baseball Academy at 402-472-2269
Tammy Butterfield, Theisen Construction at 402-371-4564

Hosted by Norfolk American Legion Post 16

Check out the field maintenance operations which include the Tru Mark provide Wind Weighted Tarps for the pitcher's mound (18 ft.) and home plate (26') area.

Labels: Product_Review, Sports

2008 NFL PLAYERS PLAYING SURFACES OPINION SURVEY

This survey was conducted by the NFLPA at team meetings during September through November 2008. A total of 1565 active NFL Players from all 32 teams voluntarily filled out survey forms.

Players put a lot of value in grass playing fields that are in good playing condition and those that keep the field in good condition. The statistics indicate that grass fields provide increase career longevity and minimize injuries.

One interesting comment provided in the survey.

~ If a cow cannot eat it, we shouldn't be playing on it.

Labels: Sports, Trends

STMA Regional Conference and Exhibition to be Held at Iowa State in June 24-25; Second Regional Conference Coming to the Northeast

STMA, in partnership with eight chapters from the Midwest, will be bringing national level education and a trade show to Ames, Iowa, June 24-25, 2009. Topics will include weather fundamentals for Sports Turf Managers, fertilizers, communicating with user groups, project management and operations management, and environmental stewardship. Attendees will be afforded an intimate look at the Iowa State University athletic facilities, as well as an in-depth view of some of Dr. Dave Minner’s sports turf specific research plots. STMA encourages attendance by Sports Turf Managers and crew alike, and will be providing education for all levels of experience.

Registration costs for the two-day Midwest Regional event will be $75 for an STMA Member (National or Chapter Only) and $95 for a non-member and will include meals. STMA has also negotiated significantly reduced hotel rates. Exhibition space will be $195 per 200 square feet for an STMA Member and $295 for a non-member and will include an 8’ table for a tabletop display and two full conference registrations. Additional space and a product demonstration area will be available for a fee.

Additionally, there will be a second STMA Regional Conference on a date and a location to be determined in the Northeastern U.S. Back by popular demand, STMA and six chapters are partnering to bring the second consecutive Regional Conference to the Northeast, after last year’s extremely successful event in Philadelphia, Penn. at Lincoln Financial Field and Citizen’s Bank Park.

According to Dr. Mike Goatley, STMA Conference Education Chairman, You will not find a better sports turf specific educational experience outside of the STMA Conference and Exposition held every January,” than these two Regional Conferences.

Put June 24-25 on your schedule and start talking to your employer about making sure that you are able to attend this incredible educational opportunity if it is in your area of the country. Also, keep checking back at STMA.org and your inbox for updates on the second Regional Conference in the Northeast. If you have any questions, please contact STMA at 1-800-323-3875 or STMAInfo@STMA.org.

Labels: Services, Sports, Turf _Tips

Industry grew 20 percent for 2008 according to Synthetic Turf Council in a report published January 22, 2009.

The reports states that, "The environmental impact of synthetic turf fields is significant. It is common for grass sports fields to require a minimum of 15,000 gallons of irrigation water per week during growing season and thousands of pounds of fertilizers and pesticides annually. Assuming a 33 week growing season, the installation of over 1,000 new synthetic turf fields last year conserved an estimated 500 million gallons of water and reduced the use of fertilizers by well over 1.25 million pounds. With approximately 4,500 synthetic turf fields currently in use, the total amount of water saved in 2008 exceeded 2.2 billion gallons - enough water to supply the average home for 75 years."

Many synthetic turf customers are evaluating the cost savingw of applying permanent and removable turf paints to these synthetic turf surfaces versus having lines permanently sewn into the turf fabric. This is especially true for multi-purpose fields. Tru Mark Athletic Field Marker provides a variety of synthetic turf paints, bulk latex and aerosol, to support the customer's requirements.

Labels: Sports, Trends

New products and pricing are available for Aer-flo Inc. products, manufacturer of wind weighted tarps, protective covers for turf, sidelines, and track surfaces.

A 2009 addition is the non-wind weight tarps, major league style (round) which are replacing the wind weighted "standard" tarps (octagon shaped). These new tarps come in sizes 18', 20', 26', and 30' diameters. These tarps come with grommets that are spaced every 36 inches. The standard color is forest green while custom colors are priced at 10% more than the standard color pricing. Consider the Tru Mark Sand Bags for holding these tarps in place, the 10# and 20# weather protected bags with inserts and a carrying strap make for quick and safe placements.

Custom sizes are available for both the non-wind weighted and wind weight tarps.

Aer-flo suggested retail pricing does not include shipping and handling charges. However, Tru Mark Athletic Field Marker does offer its customers a total price including shipping and handling for each of the wind weighted and non-wind weighted tarps. Tru Mark also offers pricing to include shipping and handling on the Cross-Over Zone Turf and Track Protectors and Bunt Zone Infield Protectors. These products are shipped normally by package carrier unless there is a multiple item shipment. Other products requiring a shipping and handling price quote since they will be shipped by LTL common carriers include Bench Zone Sideline Turf and Bench Zone Sideline Track Protectors.

Aer-flo does offer custom logos for their tarps and protective cover products. These logos are now printed on material (vinyl) that is then heat welded to the underlying material whether it is a tarp or protective cover. This far superior printing and attachment method will ensure long duration of bright colors and material performance.

To get a custom logo quote please send an image of the art work, JPEG preferred format(.jpg) but others are usually accepted (.bmp, .gif, .pdf) as long as there is sufficient detail. Custom logos add 10 business days to the manufacturing process. For estimating purposed these custom logos will be priced at $4.00 per square foot or less depending on size and detail. Send a price quote request to TruMarkAthletic@gmail.com.

Labels: Product_Review, Sports, Turf _Tips

Did you ever wonder what technology the broadcasting people are using to display the first down line (yellow) as well as current down marker line (blue)?

Well here are a couple references, one a very good video presentation of the "yellow line" technology and the other with a description of the different integrated technologies used to project these lines.

Labels: Sports

What does it take to convert a Toro mower chassis into a self-propelled riding line striper? Well with some Tru Mark Athletic Field Marker parts and some ingenuity by Brad Foster of the Vancouver School District, Vancouver, WA a new line striper was born.

The school district purchased some Tru Mark and commercial parts to outfit a new line painter. The total cost of the parts (Tru Mark) were less than $2,000, to include two 20-gallon tanks, pumps (Shurflo 12-volt 3.3 GPM no flow control), switches, tank and pump connectors, brackets and hoses, spray assembly parts for the line striper assembly. Brian spent several hours creating and installing mounting brackets on the Toro chassis and configuring on the parts, connections, and hoses. He also added a line guide to the front of the unit to add more "guidance" for the operator. Check out more of pictures of the converted Toro mower to a field marking line striper.

We continue to receive interesting requests from current and prospective customers. We would be interested in learning about your project and how we can help.

Labels: Demos, Services, Sports, Turf _Tips

During annual Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) conference there are workshops to help ground maintenance staff save time and money for their organizations. One of the more recent "how to" work shops covered field marking strategies without using manufactured field stencils.

Mike Hebrand of Athletic Field Design has developed two formulas for two very common shapes that you'll likely paint on sports fields. The formulas require that you know the traditional measurements of the shapes beforehand and then have string and stakes (and a tape measure) available to layout the dimensions of the stencils before you paint them.

Check out these ellipse and star/pentagon freehand formula descriptions.

Labels: Sports, Turf _Tips

National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and Inter-Association Task Force (ATC) Consensus Statement released Guidelines for Preparedness and Management of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Among High School and College Athletes

“Unfortunately sudden cardiac arrest can be mistaken for other causes of collapse, which can lead to treatment delays,” said Ron Courson, ATC, task force co-chairman. “Increased training will help rescuers correctly identify SCA and prevent critical delays in beginning resuscitation. In fact, access to defibrillation within three to five minutes is essential, because each minute lost reduces the chance of survival by approximately 10 percent.”

American Heart Association scientific statement, 03/13/2007, 12-step screening may help reduce sudden death in high school and college competitive athletes. The screening includes 12 questions about personal and family medical history and a physical examination to uncover aspects of a potential athlete’s health that could signal a cardiovascular problem.

Labels: Sports

SportsKnowHow.com web site provides Rules and Governing Body information for a variety of sports. Besides Tru Mark Athletic Field Marker this is a good place to start your web research.

Athletic Business Magazine web site has an excellent listing of sport field design specifications that are in PDF format.

Labels: Sports, Turf _Tips