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 Arizona Awaits Winter Meeting – February 21-25, 2008 Quick word association quiz. What does February mean to you? Read more... TM
2007 – Another Great One |
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 Quality
Control: Formula for SuccessDarrel Snyder, CTCB As members of the American Sports Builders Association, we are dedicated to the development of higher standards in the construction and maintenance of sport facilities. Whether designers, builders or manufacturers, we aspire to accomplish the same thing – customer satisfaction. To accomplish this goal, we follow time-tested established steps and procedures, and then evaluate our work to determine if specific standards or benchmarks are being achieved. Read more... |
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Elections 2007 -
New Officers and Directors Installed May we quote you? ASBA to Partner with ASTM Website Search Improved USTA Technical Committee Report
Board Happenings Obituaries Frank McDavid FEMCO Corp. founder Frank McDavid died August 5 from colon cancer. He was 61. FEMCO, a past member of ASBA, manufactures and distributes tennis court equipment. McDavid was an avid tennis player in the Richmond, Virginia area and served as commissioner and chairman of the Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Contributions may be made to Which Dollar Inc., 235 Arcadia Street, Richmond, VA 23225 or www.whichdollar.org. Committees Awards Recognize Distinguished Facilities USTA Technical Committee Report
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Boise State Partners with NFL to Study
Turf
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I would personally like to thank you for electing me as your Chairman. It was a hard fought campaign, but………..Oh, I ran unopposed. On a more serious note, though, I really am honored by the confidence you have placed in me to help you continue to move our organization forward. As you know, the Technical Meeting in Austin was the last official meeting for Carol Hogan and her management company although their responsibilities continue through the Winter Meeting, the July Board Meeting and transition activities through September 2008. We are very fortunate that Carol has agreed to continue in a technical writing capacity after her “official” departure. I am pleased to announce that your Board of Directors has chosen the new management company of King Stringfellow Group. Fred Stringfellow will assume the responsibilities of Executive Vice President of the ASBA after the aforementioned transition period. We are also pleased that Cynthia Jordan will join KSG and continue to act in the capacity of Coordinator for ASBA. David Pettit also will continue as Counsel to ASBA. Thanks again and again to Carol who is facilitating this transition!!! During our post-Technical Meeting Board Meeting, where each board member reports comments and observations to the full Board, we were excited at the number of volunteers who offered to help with the work of the association. We will be following up with each of you. The offer to help is the first step. How far you go is up to you.
MEETINGS Arizona
Awaits
Cue the music: “One of these things is not like the other/One of these things just doesn’t belong…” Unless you’re heading for ASBA’s Winter Meeting, that is. The meeting, scheduled for Feb. 22-25 at the Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf and Tennis Resort in Tucson, AZ, is a guilt-free spring break for the industry. Why? Because it has the great weather and relaxing surroundings everyone associates with a mid-winter vacation – and it benefits not only the association but all segments of the industry. Consider this. You can stay home and shiver, or you can make tracks for Arizona. There are industry sessions that need your input, books that need your expertise and association programs that could benefit from your direction. Oh, and there’s golf and tennis, not to mention sightseeing, warm weather and just plain relaxation. This is your chance to catch up with members in a relaxed, informal setting, all while working on industry-related projects. It’s a great opportunity to make the most of downtime, and to get some great ideas for the season ahead. And what a great location. The Hilton El Conquistador is bursting with world-class facilities. There are 45 holes of golf, tennis on 31 lighted courts, luxurious spa treatments, on-site equestrian facilities, hiking off the beaten path, off road biking, birding and swimming. Don’t miss The Springs water oasis, featuring a 143 ft. waterslide and a children’s fish-shaped pool, along with several hot- and cold-jetted tubs. Members should have received information by mail, but if not, the program and registration are posted online at www.sportsbuilders.org.
If Austin was best described as a city with a great blend of the old and the new, then it was only fitting that ASBA held its Technical Meeting there. The meeting, which ran December 1-3 at the Hyatt Regency, brought together old friends, new contacts, tried and true business philosophies and innovative technologies. It had old favorites (like the tennis and golf tournaments – see the adjacent article) and brand-new ideas. There was the trade show – always a favorite event – and the annual industry awards (presented this time during the Opening General Session and breakfast). The agenda for the meeting included sessions like “Subfloor Preparation for Indoor Sports Surfaces,” “Concrete 101: Components, Mix Design, Additives, Fibers, Shrinking Compounds, Curing,” “How to Negotiate Unacceptable Clauses to a More Acceptable Form,” “Asphalt Mix Design for Sports Surfaces,” “Soils Testing: Stabilizing Poor Soils” and “Track Edges: Footings, Sidewalk Details, Construction.” Topics covered tennis, track, fields and indoor facilities, as well as various business-oriented topics. Winners of the ASBA awards program (which gets more competitive each year) were announced as well. This year, for a change, awards were presented at the Opening General Session, with the facilities of the year being honored at the closing night dinner. Want to see photos of all the winners? Go to www.sportsbuilders.org and follow the link. Between sessions and after hours, the attractions of Austin beckoned. Austin, known as the ‘live music capital of the world,’ boasted plenty of restaurants, clubs and hangouts, as well as culture in the form of restaurants, shopping and interesting architecture. It also had another type of nightlife – Mexican free-tailed bats, which congregated under the Congress Avenue Bridge. Locals and tourists visit the bridge each evening to watch the bats’ exodus into the night air. But if the backdrop of the Technical Meeting brought opportunities to escape outside once in a while, it also brought reasons to stay indoors. At the Austin meeting, ASBA bid farewell to Carol Hogan, its retiring executive vice president and made acquaintance with the new management firm. Hogan, who ends a 20-year tenure with the association next fall, gave a closing address at the final dinner along with a PowerPoint presentation showing snapshots from the association’s past. Missed this meeting? You missed a lot. Make sure you don’t miss the next ones. There’s the ASBA Winter Meeting at the Hilton El Conquistador in Tucson, AZ from Feb. 22-25, 2008. Then from Dec. 7-9, there’s the 2008 Technical Meeting at the Astor Crowne Plaza in New Orleans, LA. Members will receive information on both meetings automatically; others can have their names added to the list by calling 866-501-ASBA (2722) or by e-mailing info@sportsbuilders.org. Special Thanks to Our Technical Meeting Sponsors: Armor Crack Repair -- System Bags and Water NGI Sports -- Printed Programs Nova Sports, USA -- Lanyards Upman Enterprises -- Portfolios, TM Sports Always a Highlight Work hard, play hard. That pretty much sums up the ASBA Technical Meeting. And nothing brings members out to play like the association’s golf and tennis tournaments. Whether in hard-nosed competition, sheer determination not to lose, or simply showing off their athletic prowess (or lack thereof), members and guests were ready to prove themselves. The tennis tournament took place at Rippner Tennis at South Austin Tennis Center. The facility, voted “Best Tennis Center in Austin” by the Austin Chronicle Readers' Choice in 2007, saw a total of 15 players in the tournament. Tom DeRosa, CTCB (DeRosa Tennis Courts, Mamaroneck, NY) was chairman. The final of the tournament pitted soft court reps Danny Dobbs (Dobbs Tennis Courts, Inc., Austin, TX) and Pat Hanssen (Lee Tennis, Charlottesville, VA) against hard court personnel Rich Benson. CTCB (Tenni-Trac Sport Surfaces, A Div of Louisville Paving Co., Inc., Louisville, KY) and Kevin Hamilton (DecoTurf, Andover , MA.) The soft courts took the tourney, 6-2. A “B” match was also played, and the finalists were Denny Pasteraro, Rich Bustamante (Tech Tennis, Inc., East Norwich, CT), Kevin Tee (Vance Bros. Inc., Kansas City, MO) and Tony Medvetz (Home Court Sports, Indiana, PA). DeRosa sent a special shout-out to thank Rich Benson for sweeping all the leaves off the court before play could commence. This year’s ASBA Golf Tournament was played at Avery Ranch Golf Club, and was chaired by John Welborn (Lee Tennis, Charlottesville, VA). Players enjoyed spectacular vistas and top-notch facilities. And when the dust settled, the winning foursome was that of David Fried (Visionaire Lighting, Rancho Dominguez, CA), Kirk Peden (Hill Country Courts, Spicewood, TX), Chris Richert (Douglas Sports & Nets, Eldridge, IA) and Carvin Pallenberg (RiteWay Crack Repair, Guilford, CT). Second place went to the foursome of Trimmer Dettor (FDC-The Fast-Dry Company, Pompano Beach, FL), Paul Harris (Plexipave System, Div. of California Products, Andover, MA), Pete Smith (The CourtSMITHS, Toledo, OH) and Randy Futty (Lee Tennis, Charlottesville, VA). The award for Longest Drive was won by David Burke (NGI Sports, Chattanooga, TN). Sarah Morehead (Atlas Track & Tennis, Tualatin, OR) took the honors for Closest to the Pin. The dubious honor of Worst Shot of the Day went to Ernie Graham (DLA Group, Inc., Lititz, PA). Worst Shot of the Day? Well, according to John Welborn, the honor came to Graham for his distinguished “110-yard wedge shot 90 degrees right of the target. This came after much deliberation on his part over club selection and was witnessed by Morehead.”(You can always count on your friends to remember things for you.)
FEATURED ARTICLES
Note: ASBA welcomes articles on industry topics from its members, and from others in the industry. Please contact the ASBA if you are interested in writing or submitting an article.
Quality
Control: Formula for Success However, quality work comes with a price tag. It requires providing the necessary manpower, materials and equipment needed to successfully complete the task. We must compete for sales and contracts. Bidding pressure and sales resistance may constrict profit margins and profitability. Failure to stress quality over profitability may work for a short period of time. Yet our reputation is worth a lot more than a few more percentage points of profitability. Long-term success depends upon providing quality work which will enhance both customer satisfaction as well as income potential. Since quality control is an attitude as well as an action, it should be the foremost goal of every contractor. The following are 16 ways to promote and improve quality control: 1. Develop experienced crews. To improve quality control, train the installers to know the quantitative numbers. They must know measurements, mix ratios and other criteria necessary to perform the various steps as outlined in the scope of work. Training must include various job experiences and unique situations. Installation skills require time to learn and perfect. 2. Stay connected. The work crew needs to be connected with the sales person. The sales person needs to stay connected to the owner. Make sure communications are ongoing and sufficient to make any needed job adjustments. Leaving questions or doubts between people may turn into major issues at a later time. 3. Monitor the crew. Installation crews must feel they are competent enough to be in charge. They also must know that their work will be observed and evaluated. Crews will work more diligently and pay more attention to detail if their work is being observed and evaluated. The same standards set by sales and job supervisors should be shared by those that do the job. 4. Develop self-reliance. Although crews should be evaluated, they must feel confident about their skills and abilities to perform. Self-reliant crews that can perform well, without the need of continual supervision, allows more time spent on promoting new sales or dealing with other operational needs. 5. Write precise contracts. The scope of work should be specific. It established and defines the steps that will be followed. Contracts and proposals, without a clear and concise scope of work may lead to questions about final job results. Always point out any terms or procedures not covered under warranty. 6. Provide specific crew work orders. Send the crew to the job site with sufficiently clear directives. Their work orders just match the contract’s scope of work. Point out potential job issues and areas of concern so the crew is better prepared for possible problems or job needs. 7. Get feedback from each job. Communicate with the owner before, during and after completion of the job. Make sure the customer is satisfied with the work. If not, address any areas of concern. Use feedback from both the owner as well as the crew to refine and improve results on future jobs that are similar in nature. 8. Look at each job from the buyer’s point of view. If you were the owner, would you be satisfied? An honest evaluation of the work should be open-minded. If warranted, make needed adjustments to satisfy the owner. The true character of a company is how they handle customer concerns. 9. Don’t “over-sell” your abilities. Know your company’s strengths and weaknesses. Analyze the job requirements, including the customer’s anticipated results. Minimize unrealistic owner expectations by explaining realistic outcomes. Never promise what you can’t deliver. Don’t solicit work that exceeds your company’s ability to perform. 10. Develop definite work routines. Routines develop and promote consistency while minimizing mistakes. Established patterns and steps of work improve job efficiency and ultimately profits. Work routines should include site objectives as well as site protection and clean-up. 11. Evaluate job needs. Equipment and materials needs must be evaluated on a job by job basis. Proper equipment saves time and makes the job easier. Reduced time lessens crew fatigue levels and increases efficiency and profits. Not having the necessary materials and supplies distracts from job performance and requires extra time and money to pick up or re-order missing items. 12. Try new techniques. Look for and develop new ways to accomplish certain tasks. Improvements in work techniques, services or products should always be explored. Customers benefit by new and improved products or construction methods, while companies expand services and potential sales. 13. Evaluate staff attitude. Observe and take the necessary steps to improve staff morale. Be willing to listen to their individual needs and desires. A contented, loyal worker is more productive. Company efficiency and stability is vastly improved by reducing employee turn-over and the costs associated with training new people. 14. Stress quality over speed of work. Don’t fall into the trap of making the crew the scapegoat for miscalculations of the necessary steps or hours needed to complete the job. Steady, unrushed work is better in the long run than hurried work. Be willing to revise the job schedule. 15. Develop pride of work. How important is our self esteem? Crew members need to feel valued and proud of their work. Letting them know how well you appreciate what they do encourages them to work harder. Diligent workers who take pride in their work will perform better. 16. Show interest in each job. Companies that give proper attention to smaller contracts demonstrate that personal service is not dictated by the size of the job. Every job, whether small or large, should be given the necessary amount of effort needed to satisfy the owner. Each customer should feel they are important and their needs are respected. Quality control improves quality work. A dedicated and sincere effort to improve quality control equals better “business building.” It bolsters a company’s reputation, heightens employee morale, improves efficiency and, ultimately, strengthens the bottom line. Therefore, quality work and pleasing our customers should be first and foremost. It should be the spirit as well as the challenge of everyone who provides a product or service. As members of the Association, we owe it to our customers.
Awards Recognize Distinguished Facilities This year’s awards program saw an outstanding number of entries and the addition of a new category: Multi-Purpose Field Facility. (Field facilities first gained recognition in 2006 with the inception of the Sports Fields category; this additional category further refines the awards program and recognizes diversity among facilities). Awards were presented at the Opening General Reception, and were as follows: Distinguished Tennis Facilities RESIDENTIAL TENNIS FACILITIES Private Residence Private Residence The Finley Residence Dr. Balin Residential Tennis Court OUTDOOR TENNIS FACILITIES Rockefeller University Outdoor Tennis Facility Tennis Facility at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club Tennis Facility at Windstar on Naples Bay Tennis Facility at L’Hermitage Tennis Facility at Trump Palace Tennis Facility at Oconomowoc High School Goddard “Eisenhower” Tennis Complex Tennis Complex at Maize, KS Middle School Mesa Community College Tennis Facility at Vivante in Punta Gorda Outdoor Tennis Facility at Arthur Ashe Youth and Education Center The Cloister Tennis Center at INDOOR TENNIS FACILITIES Indoor Tennis Facility at Arthur Ashe Youth and
Education Center Distinguished Indoor Multi-Purpose Facilities University of North Dakota-Wellness Center
OUTDOOR TRACK FACILITIES Dilboy Stadium Westfield State College - Alumni Stadium Sandy Creek High School at Patriot Stadium Running Track at Carroll County Central High School Monarch Stadium’s Outdoor Track at Los Angeles
Valley College John McDonnell Track Facility, University of Arkansas Running Track and Field Events at Fraser High School University of New Mexico Tennis Facility at “The Nick” Recreational
Park Dartmouth Memorial Stadium Track and Field Track Facility at San Mateo College Pojoaque Track and Field Track at Tse Yi Gai High School Running Track at Our Lady of Mercy High School INDOOR TRACK FACILITIES Indiana Wesleyan University-New Indoor Sports Complex Distinguished Multi-Purpose Field Facilities Gillette Stadium-NFL Playing Surface Harvard Stadium Field Renovation Sharyland Stadium Multi-Purpose Turf Facility at Doral Park Dream Catcher Park Outdoor Multi-Purpose Field Facility: San Francisco Fields-Silver Terrace Distinguished Sports Fields Clyde Abshier Stadium Barry Field Synthetic Turf Football Field at Father Gabriel Richard High School Synthetic Turf Football Field at Plymouth Educational Center Synthetic Turf Football Field at Fraser High School Football Field Facilities at San Mateo College Baseball Field Facilities at San Mateo College Baseball Field Facilities at Canada College Soccer Field Facilities at Canada College Baseball Field Facilities at Skyline College Soccer Field Facilities at Skyline College Citizens Bank Fields at Progin Park Synthetic Football Field at Tse Yi Gai High School Within each category, one facility was chosen from among all winning entries to represent the best of athletic facility construction. The winners, who were honored at the Closing Dinner at the Technical Meeting, were as follows: TENNIS FACILITIES OF THE YEAR: Private Residence INDOOR: OUTDOOR: The Cloister Tennis Center at INDOOR MULTI-PURPOSE FACILITY OF THE YEAR University of North Dakota-Wellness Center TRACK FACILITIES OF THE YEAR OUTDOOR: John McDonnell Track Facility, University of Arkansas INDOOR: Indiana Wesleyan University-New Indoor Sports Complex
Synthetic Turf Football Field at Fraser High School MULTI-PURPOSE TURF FACILITY OF THE YEAR: Harvard Stadium Field Renovation Nemeth Recognized; Sportsline Named Contractor of the Year Along with the ASBA awards for distinguished construction, the ASBA Technical Meeting is also the site for two other honors: the Industry Merit Award (given by ASBA), and the Builder/Contractor of the Year (given by Racquet Sports Industry Magazine). The Industry Merit Award, presented by ASBA, is conferred upon an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the Association and the industry. This year’s Industry Merit Award winner was Ron Nemeth. Nemeth has worked with BASF Construction (Schweiz) AG, Division of Conica Technik (formerly Degussa Construction Chemicals, a Division of Conica Technik). He also worked with Advanced Polymer Technology, G-T Sports Enterprises and Balsam, all present or former members of the Association. A former athletic director and a Certified Track Builder, Ron has served the Association in various capacities including his time spent on the Board of Directors, multiple terms as track construction manual review chairman, four years as Track Technical Chair, three terms as Secretary-Treasurer, and service on numerous other committees. He was responsible for review and revision of the association’s track certification exam, and has long been one of the most popular and respected consultants in the industry. Nemeth and his wife, Judy, have been frequent attendees at ASBA’s meetings through the years. Racquet Sports Industry Magazine’s Builder/Contractor of the Year Award is a part of that publication’s “Champions of Tennis” awards. Awards are presented by the magazine in honor of excellence, and in honor of outstanding contributions to the tennis industry. Awards are announced annually in the November/December issue, and honor what editorial director Peter Francesconi terms the “often unheralded heroes of the sport: those who are making a difference in tennis, and in the business of tennis.” This year’s honoree was Sportsline, Inc. of Villanova, PA, and its owner and president, Rob Werner. Francesconi noted that Sportsline exemplified the qualities of the award winner because it “not only excels at all the things that make a sports-building business successful, but also through its president is very involved in the industry itself, serving on ASBA boards and committees over the years. Their on-site work is superb, say customers and suppliers alike, who praise them for their quality, integrity and excellent service.” Werner, who is a Certified Tennis Court Builder (CTCB) as well as a Certified Track Builder (CTB) in the association, has served as the association’s Track Division President, and is a frequent attendee at ASBA meetings. His work has been honored at ASBA’s awards programs multiple times. USTA Technical Committee Report Some of the programs in 2007 were: Tennis Courts: A Construction and Maintenance Manual - the joint publication between the USTA and the American Sports Builders Association details in-depth information regarding construction and maintenance of tennis courts including lighting, fencing and court amenities. The book was reviewed in 2007 by the Joint Editorial Board as an effort to update information. A new edition will be available in 2008. Tennis Courts is utilized by the USTA as a guideline for the Tennis in the Parks (TIPS) initiative. Facility Awards Program – 18 facilities were recognized in the 2007 program (22 applications were received). The program has been acknowledged by the USTA Community Tennis staff as a valuable tool in promoting high standards in court construction. This year, the Awards were presented during the Technical Committee meeting. While the current program will be continued, the sub-committee is reviewing the format and considering an additional award for one public facility that stands out among all the applications submitted. Ball Testing - Ball testing is two-fold: testing manufacturer-submitted balls and off-the-shelf balls from the Sections. An “assimilation” program has been added for 2008 and transition balls will be tested. As part of the 2007 program, our Technical Consultant was involved in testing and writing specifications for Stage 3 balls for the Quick Start format (known to many as the “36/60 initiative”). Surface Testing - Court surfaces on US Open courts and US Open Series courts were tested to ensure surface pace consistency between all venues. The Committee hopes to enhance this program by purchasing improved and more accurate testing equipment. Tennis, Science and Technology (TST) Congress – The Technical Committee had four representatives at the TST meeting in England in Sept. 2007. The Congress is sponsored by the ITF as a forum to present new information and research relative to court surfaces, balls, racquets, sports medicine and the game. TIPS – The Committee retains an involvement in the technical review of applications for grants. Additional Activities - The Committee is in the process of establishing a “Technical Library”, i.e. archiving articles and technical-related material; net tension research is being explored and could offer new perspectives effecting the game (net cords and let serves); and a web page for technical information is being developed. In summation, the USTA Technical Committee has been
actively involved in existing and new projects to enhance the Committee’s
value to the USTA and to the tennis industry.
ASBA NEWS A
Note from Ron Now, as reality is setting in, I am experiencing an even bigger chill. To be identified with Al, Robert, Sheldon, Jerry, Jeff, Uncle Kevin, Peggy and Donna is not only quite an honor but a huge challenge to me. As I said Monday at the podium, Judy really gave me the opportunity to do what I feel that I do best and that is to help people. That is me. I want to make people better, the workplace better and life better. I hope that over my life I have achieved this to some degree. I said Monday that my work has been fun. My father viewed life and work this same way. My father was my guide. I am so proud of him. Judy and I share this award with him. The ASBA Board of Directors has recognized me for being a positive influence not only to our association but also to the industry of which we all are so proud. Thank you again for this recognition. Elections 2007 Another regular feature of the annual Technical Meeting is the installation of the newly elected officers and directors. George Todd, Jr., CTCB was installed as Chairman. Todd is the President of Welch Tennis Courts in Sun City, FL. Previously he served the Association as Secretary/Treasurer and, before that, as a Builder Director. Todd attended Stetson University and the University of South Florida, majoring in Business Administration. He career includes time spent as a Division Manager with Speedling, Inc. and as Vice President at Todd International and Hydro Grid Tennis, Inc. He is a Certified Tennis Court Builder. John Graham was installed Secretary/Treasurer. A graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a BS in Business and Economics, Graham has completed additional studies in accounting, public relations, mergers and acquisitions, and valuation of companies. He currently serves as Managing Director for DecoTurf, after a varied career including a stint as Finance Director for the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, Donald Beyer. On behalf of the Association, Graham has served as an Associate/Affiliate Director and, recently, has taken on the chairmanship of the Web Site Committee to oversee the upgrading of the Association’s website. Mark Brogan, CTCB has been elected and installed as President of the Tennis Division. Since 1995, Brogan has been the President/Owner of Pro-Sport Construction. Prior to his election, he served as a Builder Director and chaired the Awards Committee for the past several years. Brogan attended St. Joseph University and Towson State University. His previous experience includes five years as foreman for G. J. McGuire Co. and ten years as project manager for Julicher Sports. John Schedler, CTB has been re-elected as President of the Fields Division. Previously he served as a Builder Director and as chairman of the Track Technical Committee. He is employed by FieldTurf Tarkett, Montreal, Canada. Schedler is a graduate of Oregon State University. His previous experience includes six years as the project manager for Balsam Corporation, four years in the same position for PEMCO, two and a half years as vice-president of the Track Division for Martin Surfacing, two and a half years as the operations manager for Southwest Recreational Industries and a stint with American Civil Constructors. Randy Futty was re-elected to the position of Associate-Affiliate Division President. Futty, who previously served as an Associate-Affiliate Director, works with Lee Tennis in Charlottesville, VA. He is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a degree in civil engineering and pursued executive education through the University of Michigan. He has been active as a member of its Awards Committee, as well as a speaker at meetings and a contributor to various technical articles having to do with fast dry courts. Among those who will be continuing in their present offices as Division Presidents are Sam Fisher, CTB, (Fisher Tracks, Inc., Boone, IA), President of the Track Division; Robert Cohen, CTB, (Sports Surfaces Distributing, Inc., Robert Cohen Co., LLC, Albuquerque, NM), President of the Indoor Division, and Alex Levitsky, RA, PP (Global Sports & Tennis Design Group, Fair Haven, NJ), President of the Association’s Professionals Division. Gerry Wright, CTCB (Court One, Youngsville, NC) will remain on the executive committee in the advisory capacity of Past Chairman. New to the board will be Associate/Affiliate Director Rob Righter (Nova Sports USA, Milford, MA) and Dan Wright (Sports Turf Company, Whitesburg, GA). David Nielsen (Leslie Coatings, Inc., Indianapolis, IN) was re-elected to the Board as a Builder Director. Also returning to the Board in the position of Builder Director will be Gerry Perry, CTCB (Gerald Perry Tennis Courts, Springfield, MO). Others remaining on the Board of Directors will be Builder Directors Pete Smith (The CourtSMITHS, Toledo, OH) and Mike Vinton, CTCB (The Vasco Group, Massillon, OH), as well as Associate-Affiliate Director Robert Dougherty (BASF Construction Chemicals Schweiz AG, Div of CONICA Technik, Chicago, IL). One of ASBA's most important programs is its technical articles, which are written for trade magazines in various segments of the industry, including tennis, track, indoor and fields facilities. We are always looking for our members to comment on, and be quoted in these articles. This is an excellent chance to help raise ASBA's profile, and in an ancillary capacity, to increase visibility for your company. If you would like to be quoted in these articles, please send an e-mail to Mary Helen Sprecher at mhsprecher@verizon.net Please indicate your area(s) of expertise: Tennis, Track, Indoor, Fields so that we do not bother you with excess e-mail. If you have previously sent Mary Helen an e-mail asking to be added to her e-mail list, please confirm now that you would like to remain on the list. In addition, if your e-mail has changed and you have not been receiving questions, please contact her with your current e-mail address. Thank you -- we look forward to hearing from you. Just like its predecessors, the tennis and track construction manuals, the latest book published by ASBA, Synthetic Turf Sports Fields: A Construction and Maintenance Manual, has met with praise throughout the industry. When a new book is published, ASBA sends review copies to trade publications and related organizations. As a result of this effort, ASBA has been approached by ASTM International (formerly the American Society for testing and Materials) to collaborate on the next edition of this book. While the details of the collaboration are still being negotiated, it will include the incorporation of relevant ASTM construction-related standards into the book as well as review of the manuscript by representatives of ASTM’s Committee F08 on sports surfaces and marketing of the publication by ASTM. A royalty will be paid to ASBA for each copy of the manual sold by ASTM. The turf manual will be reviewed at the 2008 Winter Meeting; representatives of ASTM have been invited to participate. It is hoped that this publication can be expanded to include both natural grass and synthetic turf for the Second Edition. To participate in the review, plan on attending the Winter Meeting February 21-25 (see article elsewhere in this Newsline) or send materials, comments and/or your contact information to Carol Hogan c/o ASBA headquarters, 8580 Baltimore National Pike, #307, Ellicott City, MD 21043, chogan@sportsbuilders.org. A website committee, chaired by John Graham (DecoTurf, Andover, MA) and including Aimee Desrosiers (DecoTurf, Andover, MA), Sam Fisher, CTB (Fisher Tracks, Inc., Boone, IA), Alex Levitsky, RA, PP (Global Sports & Tennis Design Group, Fair Haven, NJ), David Little (Sparton Enterprises, Inc., Barberton, OH), John Schedler CTB (FieldTurf, Montreal, PQ), Matt Strom, CTCB (Leslie Coatings, Inc., Indianapolis, IN) and John Welborn(Lee Tennis, Charlottesville, VA), has begun its efforts at reviewing and improving the Association’s website. Since most potential customers find ASBA and its members online, the committee’s number one priority was to insure that it was easy for them to find a builder, designer or manufacturer or other information on the site. Under the enhanced search, three databases are searched: 1. The builder/manufacturer database; 2. The general site content database; and 3. The pdf file database (handbooks/forms., etc.) Results are returned on one page in two categories – member results on top and everything else, based on degree of relevance, second. Keyword searches can be performed from any page using the search box in the left navigation. Searched can be narrowed by geographical area on the results page. The entire site database, members, general content and pdf is re-indexed each day at midnight, automatically, to keep the site search up to date. This search and the search in the find a builder/manufacturer section are keyword based, so it is important that a member’s listing contain any and all keywords that member might expect a prospect to use in a search relevant to that member. USTA Technical Committee Report Some of the programs in 2007 were: Tennis Courts: A Construction and Maintenance Manual - the joint publication between the USTA and the American Sports Builders Association details in-depth information regarding construction and maintenance of tennis courts including lighting, fencing and court amenities. The book was reviewed in 2007 by the Joint Editorial Board as an effort to update information. A new edition will be available in 2008. Tennis Courts is utilized by the USTA as a guideline for the Tennis in the Parks (TIPS) initiative. Facility Awards Program – 18 facilities were recognized in the 2007 program (22 applications were received). The program has been acknowledged by the USTA Community Tennis staff as a valuable tool in promoting high standards in court construction. This year, the Awards were presented during the Technical Committee meeting. While the current program will be continued, the sub-committee is reviewing the format and considering an additional award for one public facility that stands out among all the applications submitted. Ball Testing - Ball testing is two-fold: testing manufacturer-submitted balls and off-the-shelf balls from the Sections. An “assimilation” program has been added for 2008 and transition balls will be tested. As part of the 2007 program, our Technical Consultant was involved in testing and writing specifications for Stage 3 balls for the Quick Start format (known to many as the “36/60 initiative”). Surface Testing - Court surfaces on US Open courts and US Open Series courts were tested to ensure surface pace consistency between all venues. The Committee hopes to enhance this program by purchasing improved and more accurate testing equipment. Tennis, Science and Technology (TST) Congress – The Technical Committee had four representatives at the TST meeting in England in Sept. 2007. The Congress is sponsored by the ITF as a forum to present new information and research relative to court surfaces, balls, racquets, sports medicine and the game. TIPS – The Committee retains an involvement in the technical review of applications for grants. Additional Activities - The Committee is in the process of establishing a “Technical Library”, i.e. archiving articles and technical-related material; net tension research is being explored and could offer new perspectives effecting the game (net cords and let serves); and a web page for technical information is being developed. In summation, the USTA Technical Committee has been actively involved in existing and new projects to enhance the Committee’s value to the USTA and to the tennis industry.
BOARD
HAPPENINGS During our most recent Board Meeting, the members of the Board undertook the following actions: 1. Postponed a proposed bylaws amendment to redefine membership categories
in order to solicit additional member input. Changing of the Guard The only permanent thing is change, right? Even when – or maybe especially when – it was something you thought could never change. After a 20-year tenure managing the American Sports Builders Association, executive vice president Carol Hogan is retiring. Hogan’s decision to leave behind the association management business left ASBA’s leadership with an important choice – finding someone new to lead the association into the future. Following an extensive search, the association’s board of directors has selected the King Stringfellow Group as its new management company. King Stringfellow, headquartered in Bel Air, Maryland, is a full-service management firm, similar to Hogan’s company, Franklin/Thomas Association Management. Starting in the fall, King Stringfellow will be responsible for providing meeting and trade show management, program marketing, member communications, financial management and more. The association will move to its new headquarters in late summer. ASBA members who didn’t meet Fred Stringfellow, the next executive vice president, at the Technical Meeting will have their next chance when he visits the Winter Meeting in Tucson, AZ. (For information on this meeting, see the article elsewhere in this newsletter). The first chance to meet more of the association’s new staff will be at the next Technical Meeting, to be held in New Orleans, LA. And speaking of the staff, maybe the old axiom also applies that “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” Cynthia Jordan, ASBA’s coordinator, will be moving to King Stringfellow and will continue being involved with ASBA’s meetings and operations. Until the official ‘changing of the guard’ (which will take place late in September 2008), Carol and Cynthia remain in charge in the ASBA’s offices, and should be contacted for all questions and association-related needs. Carol, Cynthia and the board of directors have developed a transition team, and will be working to coordinate the movement of operations to ensure that ASBA’s needs continue to be met. Stay tuned for more information on the exciting new developments that will be vitally important to ASBA’s future. Just Doing My Job I was taken by surprise at the 2007 Technical Meeting final dinner when Gerry Wright asked me to come up to receive a gift. Had it not been for my shock I would have used that occasion to thank the many association Treasurers I’ve worked with over these twenty years. From Dick Funkhouser in 1988 to George Todd in 2007 – I have had the pleasure of working with many outstanding association leaders. Standouts among them include Industry Merit Award Winners including our most recent inductee – Ron Nemeth. I also learned much from having the pleasure of working with John Bardeen, Lex Kessler, Gordy Pierce, Jim Little and Dave Marsden – just to name a few. Lucky for me I met Carol in 1983 when we were both serving on a non profit school board and have worked with Carol and managed associations for nearly twenty-five years now. I must say that it felt strange accepting a gift from the “fun association” – the one of our clients with whom we all enjoyed working. It’s been quite a ride – though it’s not over quite yet. I’ll still be around through the fiscal year ending 9/30/08 and throughout the transition to King/Stringfellow. Thanks not only for the gift but for the challenges along the way and the memories. I was “just doing my job” but through doing that job have gained enormous respect for those of you who volunteer your time and your talents – truly a selfless act that is especially hard to come by these days. I wish the Association every continued success – both professionally and fiscally and I will miss working with you all. No Way to Say Thanks As most of you know, this is my 20th and last year as Executive Vice President of ASBA. I could not let this moment pass without taking just a few moments to reflect. No one I knew wanted to be an Association Executive. But, life is what happens while you were making other plans. Through a curious course of events, that’s what I became and in 1988, I was invited to make a proposal to the United States Tennis Court & Track Builders Association. So I gathered up my courage and I went to Charlottesville and made the proposal – the first proposal I ever made by myself – my contact, my lead, not a woman’s group. I put on my conservative navy blue suit and my not so conservative bright red heels and I went. I’ve been told that many of the Board members already had made up their minds to go in a different direction. But something changed their opinion. It must have been the shoes. It couldn’t have been me – I was making it up as I went along -- all smoke and mirrors. And so we came together on August 18, 1988, USTC&TBA and me. There was a Technical Meeting set for Montreal, but no program. The outgoing management didn’t want to surrender the files, the money or even the hotel contract, and the first time I met David Pettit, at the transition table, he was hugging the people sitting on the other side. Scientist Steven Wright said “Experience is something you don’t get until just after you need it.” Isn’t that the truth? USTC&TBA had 172 members, an annual budget of $200,000 and $54,000 in Members Equity. We’ve come quite a way – you and me. Today, ASBA has 350 members, an annual budget of $600,000, and more than $390,000 in Members Equity. But that hardly tells the story. Working with this group has, without question, been the highlight of my professional life. For years and years, when I was managing multiple clients, I said, “I wish I could just work for ASBA.” And for the last three years, I have. Thank you. You gave me the chance to do so many things I never knew I could, never imagined I would. The first time Chris Trickey came over, then representing the LTA, he said to me, “Maybe they’ll send you over to visit us.” And I replied, “They’d never do that. They just don’t think of me that way.” But I was wrong. I’ve been given the chance to go to England many times and also to France, Spain and Germany, and in the US to meetings with the Sports Turf Managers Association, ASTM, USTA, USATF, the NCAA and NFHS representing the Association. Thank you for your trust and thank you for the gift of travel. When USTA hesitated for over four years to bring out a new version of Tennis Courts, and ASBA, then USTC&TBA, discussed the possibility of doing our own book, you gave me the chance to write it. Who knew? I’m now working on my third book on your behalf. Thank you for your faith and for allowing me to stretch my horizons. You’ve hung in there with me through the hard times – change of companies, change of locations (twice), change of husbands. Thank you for your loyalty and for letting me continue the work I love even as my life changed around me. There really is no way to thank you for the gift of these past 20 years. I have always told my children, “You’re going to have to work a long time. You better find something you love.” Lucky, for me, I did. I am sincerely grateful to each of you for that gift.
MEMBER NEWS
SportsEdge Joins With Hydraway Palm Coast Tennis Center
Grand Opening George Todd, president of Welch Tennis Courts, Inc. (Sun City, FL) was on hand to participate in the day’s activities and pose for pictures as was Sheldon Westervelt from Global Sports and Design Group. Welch Tennis and Global Design headed the construction and design team for the new center. The Grand Opening was graced with Pro exhibitions featuring famed tennis stars Tom Gullikson, Scott Melville, Brian Gottfried, and Mal Washington – all former Wimbledon finalists. The local enthusiasm for the new Palm Coast Tennis Center has been nothing short of remarkable. Over 200 people signed up to become members even before the tennis courts were completed. Welch Offers Clay Court Seminars Occupations of attendees typically include maintenance personnel, club managers, tennis pros, and other tennis professionals. A certificate is presented to each attendee validating their seminar participation and USPTA members earn three full credits as well. Topics included general clay court knowledge and specific challenges such as algae and hardpan. The elite expert construction and resurfacing team of Dave Welch and Bob McGuire provided hands on experience. Their combined decades of clay court experience was reflected in the many on court demonstrations featuring the latest tools, techniques, tips, and procedures. The next clay court seminars sponsored by Welch Tennis will be in May 2008 at locations to be announced. For all information regarding these seminars contact Deb Carlson at Welch Tennis Courts, Inc. Lee Tennis Names New General Manager and
Director of Sales Futty and Hanssen have been recognized for their leadership initiatives within the tennis community. Together they will continue to focus on creating Har-Tru, HydroCourt™, and ClayTech™ playing experiences for players by further educating and engaging pros, club owners and players throughout the country about the numerous benefits of sliding tennis surfaces. Since his arrival to Lee Tennis in 1992, Futty has been instrumental in leading various innovative initiatives for Lee Tennis in the areas of engineering, sales and marketing. In his new role, Futty’s leadership responsibilities will include overseeing and leading sales, marketing and operations. Hanssen’s career with Lee Tennis spans 7 years. As director of sales, he will assume the responsibility for the management of Lee Tennis’ inside and outside sales team while being integral to the marketing and communications efforts that promote the benefits of building, owning and playing on clay courts. LSI Industries Named to Forbes 200 Best Small Companies Leslie Adds Strom News from FieldTurf Tarkett · MLB Team of the Year: Colorado Rockies Former Top Soccer Executive Kevan Pipe has joined FieldTurf Tarkett as a consultant handling soccer in Canada and internationally. Pipe will interface with FIFA and will coordinate FIFA projects worldwide. Prior to joining FieldTurf Tarkett, Pipe was associated with the Canadian Soccer Association for more than 25 years. On Saturday, December 15, Nebraska’s Cornhuskers played the first major college basketball game on FieldTurf Tarkett’s new basketball surface, Sportable. The Sportable system is a premium removable floor which provides shock absorption, frictional resistance and high consistency in ball reaction. Nebraska also hosted the first Division 1 football game on Field Turf in 1999 at Lincoln’s Memorial Stadium.
The following companies have joined the ASBA or renewed their membership since the last newsletter. Please add their names to the appropriate section of your membership directory.
Miles Minson, CTCB Raymundo Baldonado, CTB Colin Donovan, CTCB
FYI NAHB Study Reports on
Life Expectancy http://www.nahb.org/fileUpload_details.aspx?contentID=72475 NAHB also offers for sale a number of studies of consumer preferences
in housing features including amenities such as tennis courts and swimming
pools.
Boise State
Partners with NFL to Study Turf The NFL has awarded an $115,641 research contract to fund the study. A new traction-testing device will allow researchers to measure traction of shoe-turf combinations on real fields throughout the league. The study will aim to help football players avoid injuries such as turf-toe, high ankle sprains and high ankle fractures and to improve performance. In the NFL, more than 40 percent of stadiums have artificial turf surfaces.
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Mark
your calendar for the ASBA Winter Meeting in Arizona. 
