ASBA Members Named to USTA Technical Committee
The 2009-2010 USTA Technical Committee was recently appointed by USTA Board President, Lucy Garvin. The USTA Technical Committee works closely with ASBA and includes several key members of the organization. Read More...

Nominations Open for the ASBA Board of Directors
Nominations for Board candidates should be sent to ASBA Headquarters at
cjordan@sportsbuilders.org.  Nominations must be made in writing, endorsed in writing by one other member and received by July 21, 2009. Read More...

Tennis, Track & Field Construction Issues Hit Newsstands
What’s the best way to get the word out about the importance of well-built sports facilities?  Put articles where they’ll be read by the people who matter:  decision-makers, purchasers and administrators. Read More...

Fitness Predictions Look Good for All ASBA Divisions
The American College of Sports Medicine, or ACSM, has released its third annual poll of predicted fitness trends and the news is heartening for ASBA members, no matter which division:  Tennis, Track, Indoor or Fields. Read More...

Health and Fitness: A Lasting Investment
Worried that the economic downturn might spell disaster for the athletic market?  Not according to Forbes.com, which in January published an article entitled, “Ten Things We’re Still Buying.” Read More...

Safety Issues at the Jobsite
This is a great time to get started or update and enforce safety at your business and jobsite. Read More...

May We "Quote" You?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Read More...

FYI
Grading & Excavation Contractor Now Available in Digital Format Read More...

2009 ASBA Membership Directory

By now you should have received your copy of the 2009 ASBA Membership Directory in the mail.  As much as we try to achieve perfection, mistakes happen.  

Please be aware of the following corrections for the newly printed 2009-2010 Membership Directory.

Corrections for the newly printed 2009-2010 Membership Directory:

Advantage Courts Company (Amarillo, TX) (pages 49, 80, 97, 112)
Steve Horner, President should be listed;
Steve Nesta is not affiliated with the company.

Fisher Tracks, Inc. should also be listed in Arkansas.

Unfortunately, there was an error with some companies’ “join” dates.  Anyone who notices an error in their join date should contact Cynthia Jordan at ASBA Headquarters so that we can correct it in our database for next year’s Directory.  We apologize for any errors in this year’s Directory.

Board Happenings
Winter Board Meeting Read More...

Mark Your Calendars!
Upcoming meetings and events of interest. Read more...

I’m pleased to report that ASBA had another successful Winter Meeting recently in Puerto Rico.  In addition to the beautiful sandy beaches and charming sites in Old San Juan, a tremendous amount of work was done by the committees and divisions.

The editorial boards for the Track and Indoor books met over several days.  The 7th edition of Running Tracks:  A Construction and Maintenance Manual was finalized and will be on the streets by summer.  The first edition of Indoor Sports Surfaces:  An Installation and Maintenance Manual was also completed and should be printed and available by late spring/early summer.  Watch your mailboxes for more information about both books or contact ASBA Headquarters.

The Field Builders Certification Advisory Committee met during the Winter Meeting in a two-day Item Writing Workshop facilitated by Steve Nettles at Applied Measurement Professionals – the consultant coordinating the certification program.  Conference calls are scheduled for the Committee throughout April and May, in order to meet our deadline for the program.  The first exam is tentatively scheduled to be offered at the Technical Meeting in December.

ASBA’s leadership is in the midst of an extensive strategic planning process to help guide us through the coming years.  We conducted a focus group in Puerto Rico with several ASBA members, in order to discuss some of the issues we are facing in the marketplace and within our own companies.  You will all be receiving a member survey in April asking for your feedback.  This is a critical part of the process and I highly encourage each of you to take a few minutes to fill it out when you receive it.  The Board will be conducting a two-day planning session in July, facilitated by a professional moderator.  I will report on the outcome of this planning session when I see you in Savannah for the Technical Meeting.

Nominations are being accepted for positions on the 2009-2010 ASBA Board of Directors (see article below).  Nominations can be submitted to this year’s Nominating Committee Chairman, Pete Smith, until July 21, 2009.

I’m pleased to report that your ASBA leadership has continued to build and enhance valuable liaisons in the industry with partners like the US Tennis Association, the Synthetic Turf Council, Sports Turf Managers Association, National Collegiate Athletic Association, National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, National Federation of State High School Association and USA Track and Field, to name a few.  We have met with or have meetings planned with each of these organizations about ongoing projects and activities.  It is through these partnerships that we will do great things together.

Best wishes for a busy building season!  I hope that this is the only “fun” reading that you have time for, in the coming months. 

George Todd, Jr., CTCB
Chairman

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MEETINGS

Members Enjoy Puerto Rico at Winter Meeting 2009

Puerto Rico proved to be a warm and welcome refuge for those escaping this year’s harsh winter.  The balmy 80+ degree weather did not disappoint those who made the trip.  Participation was high in the Winter Meeting, held at the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, outside Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. An expanded schedule of social options – there were two tours, an optional off-site dinner and several networking opportunities during the meeting, ASBA members came prepared to roll up their sleeves.  While most attendees had some free afternoons to enjoy the tropical surroundings, several committees and editorial boards worked dawn to dusk to tackle the work at hand.  Two manuals (Indoor and Tracks) were completed; significant progress was made on the Field Builders Certification Exam; proposals for the Tennis Book revisions were considered and discussed by the Tennis Division in advance of the Joint Editorial Board meeting with USTA; guidelines were reviewed; and sessions were planned for the December Technical Meeting.  In short, there was something for everyone … work, play and networking. A few attendees even found time to get some exercise.  David Pettit and Tom DeRosa took top honors at the Tennis Tournament winning the 1st bracket; while Joe Sanchez and Bob Cohen took the 2nd bracket.  Rob Werner and John Schedler teamed to take the top prizes during the post-golf outing.

Members found some downtime in Puerto Rico:  Randy Futty, David Marsden, Tony Mackay, Tom DeRosa, Cynthia Jordan and Joe Sanchez

Despite some mechanical problems, a good time was had by all during a Rainforest Tour:  Mark Brogan, David Pettit, Bob Cohen, Joe Sanchez.

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Get Ready for Savannah!
2009 Technical Meeting @ Hyatt Regency Savannah, GA, December 5-7, 2009.

What will the off-season bring you?
Here are two possible options:
(a) Playing solitaire on your computer;
(b) Getting a jump-start on next season.

If you’re savvy, you’ll take option (b) which means you’ll be using the early part of December to make important contacts, look at the newest techniques and trends in the industry, catch up on all the great new products and get some good ideas for dealing with those puzzling problems common to all segments of the industry.  This means, of course, that you’ll be in Savannah, GA for the ASBA Technical Meeting.  This year’s meeting, to be held December 5-7 at the Hyatt Regency Savannah in Savannah, GA, has all the tools you need to succeed for the coming year. 

The Program Committee has been working to develop a list of topics of interest to all facets of the industry.  Programs will address the new technologies, trends and developments that everyone wants to know about.  At the same time, there will be an emphasis on problem-solving and brainstorming on those issues that all industry members face.

As a reminder, ASBA is an approved provider for AIA credits.  Members who need to maintain continuing education credits with AIA can earn them by attending ASBA sessions at the Technical Meeting.  ASBA staff can provide documentation to ASBA members following the Technical Meeting for record-keeping purposes.

The ability to learn about the newest products and services in the industry has also been one of the Technical Meeting’s most valuable components, and it returns again with the Trade Show in the Exhibit Hall.  The Exhibit Hall is used as the site for receptions and breaks, allowing for maximum contact with the people you need to meet the most.

What else makes this meeting valuable?  You get the chance to recognize the industry’s finest construction each year with the presentation of the ASBA Awards for Construction Excellence.  You get the chance to meet new members and those attending the Technical Meeting for the first time.  You get the chance to catch up with suppliers, contractors, professionals and others whom you might know only through phone or e-mail conversations.  Best of all, you get the chance to spend quality time with those people – to challenge them on the tennis court or golf course and to enjoy their company between sessions and after hours.

Oh, and let’s not forget the location.  Savannah is the home of Southern hospitality and sizzling nightlife.  It has amazing architecture, spooky cemeteries and rich history - along with global sophistication, fitness opportunities galore, incredible shopping and fabulous food.  There are dolphin cruises, carriage rides, historic homes and golf that defies description.  Want to shop?  Hit the cobblestones of River Street, try Ellis Square or go antiquing on Broughton and Bull streets.  Patrons of the arts can find museums and galleries, and history buffs can explore forts and more to their hearts’ content.

The host hotel for the meeting, the Hyatt Regency Savannah, is a luxury facility with great views, fabulous amenities and a perfect location.  It’s convenient to the riverboat and trolleys that take visitors around the area and has its own water taxi and boat dock.  Special ASBA room rates will be announced as the meeting date nears.  For now, just block off December 5-7 in your calendar:  it’s the most important appointment you’ll make and the one you’ll never regret keeping.

Savannah will provide the perfect setting for this year’s Technical Meeting.  The Hyatt, ASBA’s headquarters hotel, is located in the heart of Savannah’s Historic District.  Attendees will be within walking distance of dozens of restaurants, shops and historic landmarks and attractions.  Consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful “walking cities” in America, ASBA attendees are in for a treat.

Members will receive information about the 2009 Technical Meeting automatically.  Others should keep checking the website, www.sportsbuilders.org, for more information, or can call Cynthia at ASBA at 866.501.ASBA to be added to the mailing list.

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FEATURED ARTICLES

ASBA Members Named to USTA Technical Committee
The 2009-2010 USTA Technical Committee was recently appointed by USTA Board President, Lucy Garvin. The USTA Technical Committee works closely with ASBA and includes several key members of the organization.

The Technical Committee serves the USTA in its mission to promote and develop the growth of tennis by assuring consistency and quality in the Technical aspects of the game of tennis.  The mission of the Committee is to monitor, evaluate and, where appropriate, influence technical developments and make recommendations for related rules in order to preserve the essential character of the game of tennis and promote its enjoyment.  The Committee is comprised of excellent leaders that have served in a variety of roles throughout the tennis industry and scientific fields.

ASBA Members Gordy Pierce, of Cape & Island Tennis & Track; Randy Futty, of Lee Tennis Court Products; and Alex Levitsky, of Global Sports & Tennis, all serve on the Technical Committee.  In addition to these members, ASBA Executive Vice President Fred Stringfellow attends the meetings on behalf of ASBA.  The Technical Committee met in March at the USTA Annual Meeting.

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Nominations Open for the ASBA Board of Directors
Nominations for Board candidates should be sent to ASBA Headquarters at
cjordan@sportsbuilders.org.  Nominations must be made in writing, endorsed in writing by one other member and received by July 21, 2009.

Open positions on the 2009-2010 Board are:

Chairman;
Secretary/Treasurer;
Tennis Division President;
Supplier Division President;
Fields Division President;
Supplier Director (one);
Builder Director (one).

Interested candidates who have questions about the commitment to serve on the ASBA Board should contact one of these individuals for more information:

Nominating & Elections Chair, Pete Smith - 419.531.6292
Tennis Division President, Mark Brogan - 610.296.3033
Track Division President, Kristoff Eldridge - 508.759.5636
Fields Division President, John Schedler - 303.325.5507
Indoor Division President, Robert Cohen - 505.243.2971

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Tennis, Track & Field Construction Issues Hit Newsstands

What’s the best way to get the word out about the importance of well-built sports facilities?  Put articles where they’ll be read by the people who matter:  decision-makers, purchasers and administrators.

Thanks to two major media partners, Racquet Sports Industry Magazine and American Track & Field Magazine, a lot of prospective buyers are now learning about issues like surfacing, drainage, repair, maintenance, amenities and accessories and more.  And, having learned those important lessons, those buyers will have the knowledge to make the right decisions when it comes to construction, renovation or supplies at tennis courts and track and field facilities.

Racquet Sports Industry Court Construction & Maintenance Guide
RSI publishes its "Court Construction & Maintenance Guide" in the March issue each year.  The magazine, which is read by tennis directors, teaching pros, athletic club managers, directors of racquet sports camps and more, routinely carries articles written about construction, renovation and maintenance trends, as well as ideas on making courts more user-friendly for a variety of players.

This year’s "Court Construction and Maintenance Guide" included eight articles on topics such as court improvements, crack repair, indoor courts, ASBA’s certification program, QuickStart Tennis, maintenance and effective contractor/customer relations that result in on-time payments.  (The issue is particularly timely, given the fact that it is published just prior to the beginning of the construction season and just when outdoor courts and clubs are getting ready to re-open for the year.)

RSI, which has long offered its "Court Guide" issue, is exploring the idea of expanding to two construction issues a year, one in spring and a second to be published in the fall.  This would coincide with the time when indoor courts are starting to see a spike in attendance and when court managers are able to evaluate which courts, having lasted through a heavy playing season, will require maintenance, new equipment, etc.

American Track & Field Track Facilities Resource Guide
American Track & Field Magazine, which is read by athletic directors, coaches, track and field facility managers, maintenance staff and more, has worked with ASBA for nearly a decade, and has carried regular articles by the association for the past four years.  (Shooting Star Media, the publishing company for AT&F, also puts out other magazines, including Coaching Athletics Quarterly and Runner and Triathlete, and these have occasionally carried ASBA articles as well.)

This year, for the first time, AT&F published a Track Facilities Resource Guide, which appeared in the fall.  The issue contained eleven articles on various topics of interest to the track and field community, including facility design, field events, surfacing, drainage, indoor tracks, maintenance of tracks, maintenance of turf fields and certification.  The issue carried photos provided by ASBA members, as well as diagrams originally published in the book, Running Tracks:  A Construction and Maintenance Manual.

AT&F’s facilities guide was such a success for both the magazine and its readers that Shooting Star Media is already planning the 2009 issue and is once again planning to work with ASBA for content.

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Fitness Predictions Look Good for All ASBA Divisions
The American College of Sports Medicine, or ACSM, has released its third annual poll of predicted fitness trends and the news is heartening for ASBA members, no matter which division:  Tennis, Track, Indoor or Fields.

The fitness trends, which help define the programs and sports that will be in demand by institutions (schools, clubs, companies and more), are a harbinger of the types of facilities that will be on the grow.

One of the most important concerns shaping the sports and fitness industry is that of trying to avoid obesity in children.  This is expected to translate into more programs being offered for children.  Programs like QuickStart Tennis, which can introduce youth to racquet sports, as well as children’s soccer, baseball, softball and volleyball programs, can all help the younger set get active and stay active.  Kids’ activities that are made a component of adult events, such as kids’ fun runs that are held in conjunctions with local 5K and 10K races, can allow youth to see how much fun a running or walking workout can be and can translate into kids who move into track and field events when they hit high school age.

Another trend on the survey?  Fitness programs for older adults.  Baby boomers want to stay active and are turning to programs at health clubs, as well as in their communities, to do so.  Softball and badminton leagues, speed walking groups and tennis on lower-impact surfaces will allow aging adults to maintain fitness levels without as much risk on joints and bones.  In addition, indoor facilities can offer programs like weight and strength training, yoga, Pilates, speed walking and more, which older adults tend to enjoy.

Yet another trend spotted:  Sport-specific training.  ACSM notes that high school athletes are incorporating training into their off-seasons in order to stay in top shape for their sports.  At the same time, adults are trying to improve their games, such as through Cardio Tennis or Healthy Golf, two exercise programs that work on improving fitness levels for maximum performance and preventing injury.  Many health clubs also offer stay-in-shape programs for athletes on the off-season, either teens who are on summer vacation, or adults, who are waiting for warmer weather to return their chosen outdoor sports.

The full survey is available at http://www.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT02NzcxNDEmcD0xJnU9MjM2OTcwMzI0Jmxp
PTI2MzY4ODA/index.html

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Health and Fitness: A Lasting Investment
Worried that the economic downturn might spell disaster for the athletic market?  Not according to Forbes.com, which in January published an article entitled, “Ten Things We’re Still Buying.”

The article stated that while individuals may well make cutbacks in other areas of their lives (for example, they may hold off buying a new car or taking an expensive vacation until they feel more financially stable), there are a number of things that individuals simply will not cut.  One of these is health club memberships.  Forbes wrote:

Don't let consumers' continued thirst for technology have you thinking everyone will be anchored to the couch through the remainder of the recession, however long it lasts.  Gyms, considered by some to be an affordable luxury, aren't completely in the red, as people seem to want to stay healthy in both good and bad times.

In fact, market researchers at St. Louis, Missouri-based firm Stifel Nicolaus say overall gym memberships will increase by 4% in 2009.  And a nationwide survey conducted by Princeton, NJ-based Opinion Research Corporation, and sponsored by gym chain Anytime Fitness, found that over 60% of the 1,090 (gym-going) participants planned on keeping their current membership plan, while another 23% planned on downgrading to a less expensive option.

The fact that overall, individuals are not planning to drop their athletic club memberships can mean that clubs will not see widespread decreases in revenue, and that club facilities such as tennis courts, tracks, indoor facilities and more will need to be kept in good repair.  In addition, a continued emphasis on health and fitness means parents may well encourage their children to remain in athletic programs in school, or in camps in the summer, which can also lead to upkeep of, and possibly renovation or even new construction of, ball fields, running tracks and multi-purpose sports facilities.

The full text of the article can be found at:
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/20/consumer-spending-essentials-forbeslife-cx_ls_0120
spending.html?partner=yahoobuzz 

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Safety Issues at the Jobsite
by Richard Zaino

This is a great time to get started or update and enforce safety at your business and jobsite.  I have recently become pro-active in this area where previously I was negligent.  Like many others I feared that I didn’t have the time to set it up and was concerned as to how it could be enforced.  However, to my surprise, it is not so time-consuming or difficult but, like good health, it requires some discipline.  In the end you’ll find the pay-off is worth it.

Here are some tips for you and your employees.  Remember your goal is to keep your employees safe, cut down time and as a bonus, lower your workmen’s compensation rates.

Weekly safety meetings. There are many resources online for topics covering a variety of safety issues.  The meeting can be short, ten minutes is all that’s needed.  Employees should sign in.  Start this habit and everyone benefits, thinking safety. 

Hazard/safety assessments at the jobsite.  Make a simple checklist, this provides for employee involvement and feedback to the employer.  Think of those areas at the jobsite and make the crew accountable for the jobsite conditions. Everyone wins if accidents are avoided!

Personal Protection Equipment.  Good time to check the crew’s head, eye, ear, footgear.  Corey Hardick from C.H. Court Tech provides a duffle bag with PPE and does a bag check.  How well are your crews equipped?

So, get started, make it simple and make it safe!

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May We "Quote" You?
One of ASBA's most important programs is its technical articles, which are written for trade magazines in various segments of the industry, including design, tennis, track, indoor and fields facilities.

Please indicate your area(s) of expertise:  Tennis, Track, Indoor, Fields, Design, etc., so that we do not bother you with excess e-mail.  Note: You can appear on several lists if you have several areas of interest.
 
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.

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FYI

Grading & Excavation Contractor Now Available in Digital Format
Grading & Excavation Contractor is now available in an optional, digital format.  Still free, the new digital edition is an exact copy of our print publication without all the paper.  In addition, articles link back to the Grading & Excavation Contractor website and you can quickly find more information on products, equipment and services with the click of a button.

View a demo of the March/April 2009 digital edition
http://digital.gradingandexcavation.com/publication/?i=11792

To Subscribe to the new digital publication (click link or copy and paste to browser)
http://www.gradingandexcavation.com/subscription/index.aspx

 
School Sports Participation at All-Time High According to NFHS Study
According to a recent study by The National Federation of State High School Associations, which measures participation of all the sports kids engage in on a team level in high school, the statistics for the 2007-2008 school year are at an all-time high, with 7,429,381 kids involved in at least one sport.

The link to the survey (which is 62 pages long) is available at http://www.nfhs.org/core/contentmanager/uploads/2007-08%20Participation%20Survey.pdf

According to the survey, outdoor track and field and tennis each rank in the top ten most popular sports for both boys and girls.

The ITF Annual Publication
The ITF has published its annual publication entitled "ITF Approved Tennis Balls & Classified Court Surfaces - a guide to products and test methods."  Contained in this booklet is the updated version of the "ITF Guide to Test Methods for Tennis Court Surfaces."

The latest version of the "ITF Guide" is available to view on their website at:
http://www.itftennis.com/technical/equipment/itfguidetotestmethods/ 

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Congratulations to the following members of ASBA who have become newly certified since the last issue of NEWSLINE:

Noel Gilstrap, CTB
Atlas Track & Tennis
Tualatin, OR 97062

Todd Grimes, CTB
Atlas Track & Tennis
Tualatin, OR 97062

Bill Pronevitch, CTB
Sports Turf Company, Inc.
Whitesburg, GA 30185

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BOARD HAPPENINGS

Winter Board Meetings
February 27, 2009

During our most recent Board meetings, the members of the Board undertook or considered the following actions:

1.     The Board will be conducting a two-day strategic planning exercise in July 2009, using a professional facilitator.  In preparation for the session, Fred Stringfellow and the Strategic Planning Steering Committee conducted a Focus Group with several members during the Winter Meeting.  A survey will be sent to all members in April.

2.     ASBA will be embarking upon a membership campaign in Summer 2009 to attract new members.  Staff will work with a task force to develop promotional materials for the effort.

3.     The Board approved Palm Springs as the site for the 2011 Technical Meeting.  The meeting will be held at the JW Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert, California.

4.     Extensive marketing efforts have been taken with industry magazines to forge new relationships and strengthen existing ones.  ASBA has authored forty-two articles in the past several months which have appeared in industry publications.

5.     The Tennis Division is researching the development of a series of online educational programs for surfacers that might be offered as a certificate course.

6.     The 7th edition of Running Tracks:  A Construction and Maintenance Manual was finalized at the Winter Meeting and will be on the streets by summer.

7.     The first edition of Indoor Sports Surfaces: An Installation and Maintenance Manual was also completed at the Winter Meeting and should be printed and available by late spring/early summer.

8.     The Board reviewed session ideas submitted at the 2008 Technical Meeting.  The Divisions discussed session topics for the 2009 Technical Meeting.

9.     The Board discussed the Field Builders Certification Program currently being developed.  Discussions are underway with the Synthetic Turf Council about their potential involvement with the program. 

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MEMBER NEWS

Editor’s Note: Information contained in Memberline is submitted by members and is published without verification. Its publication does not constitute an endorsement.

• The Gregory Portland IDS in Portland, TX Turned to NGI Sports for "Green" Smart Resurfacing
• Nova Sports USA, Inc. Launching New Website
• New SPRINTURF Field Makes Kirkwood Soccer Club the Only Delaware Soccer Facility with an Indoor Artificial Turf Field
• Get Your Complete Line of STACKHOUSE Specification and Installation Drawings on the Stackhouse Athletic Website
• Universal Fabric Structures Chosen Again by the Atlantic Club to Construct Additional Indoor Tennis Facility
• Universal Fabric Structures, Inc. Supplies USTA Outstanding Facility Award Recipient
• Welch Tennis Courts Presents Clay Court Maintenance Seminars

The Gregory Portland IDS in Portland, TX Turned to NGI Sports for "Green" Smart Resurfacing
    The Gregory Portland IDS in Portland, TX squashed a temporary fix for their four worn out asphalt tennis courts deciding to ride with Nova’ProBounce in March.  School officials have long complained about expensive crack repairs, asphalt overlays that didn’t work and costly pavement reconstruction that were not effective solutions, only wastes of resources.
    The School turned to NGI Sports and their licensed dealer, General Acrylics out of Arizona for a guaranteed fix.  Chris Nastasi of GA visited the area schools and found that the area’s courts are subject to quick deterioration from the elements.  Standard overlays with post tension concrete are not only expensive, but are also hard on the body.  Chris presented the cushioned Nova’ProBounce all-weather surfacing system as a “green” smart energy choice because it does not employ high volumes of fossil fuels nor release hazardous gases.  In addition, no heavy equipment is required for the installation process and the system carries a five year warranty.
“Move ‘em on, head ‘em up.  Head ‘em up, move ‘em out.  Move ‘em in, head ‘em out ... ProooBounce.”

Nova Sports USA, Inc. Launching New Website
      Nova Sports USA Inc. (Milford, MA) has announced the upcoming launch of their new website.  Web browsers visiting www.novasports.com will find valuable tools from creating project specifications, to a design ideas section where visitors can choose and see over 100 different color combinations.  Visit our site often to see and take advantage of our new and exciting features.  Contact info@novasports.com for questions on the site launching.

New SPRINTURF Field Makes Kirkwood Soccer Club the Only Delaware Soccer Facility with an Indoor Artificial Turf Field
State-of-the-Art Sprinturf Synthetic Turf to Provide Athletes with Safe, High Performance Playing Surface
      Kirkwood Soccer Club (KSC) is now the only indoor soccer facility in the state of Delaware with a synthetic surface.  The new Sprinturf field is not only helping Kirkwood Soccer Club draw new players to the club, but it’s also helping to attract new business.
       Kirkwood’s previous indoor surfaces were commercial grade carpet – over a concrete slab.  The fast, firm surface was very different from what players experienced outdoors on the natural grass fields.  Constant cleaning was needed and the hard surface was often a source of complaints for players and referees.  Leg fatigue, skinned knees and elbows were the norm.  With the new Sprinturf field, however, those issues are a thing of the past.  The Sprinturf synthetic turf system installed at KSC’s indoor training facility is designed to emulate natural grass in pristine condition.  It is the same system used on outdoor fields.
       “We've seen other fields and the Sprinturf field makes indoor play closer to play on our natural outdoor fields as far as how the ball rolls and how the surface feels underfoot.  Other firmer surfaces, including our previous indoor field, are much faster, making it harder to keep the ball in play,” said Joe Mills, Kirkwood’s Executive Director.
       Sprinturf, one of the nation’s leading synthetic turf providers, provides artificial turf systems that look, feel and play like natural grass – but are safer and far more durable.  The company’s national headquarters are in Wayne, Pennsylvania.  In addition to providing athletic surfaces, Sprinturf also offers a variety of other synthetic turf products for playgrounds, landscaping, golf greens and tees and recreational areas.
       Kirkwood Soccer Club has been a champion of youth soccer in Delaware since 1974.  The club moved to its present location on River Road in 1992.  Executive Director Joe Mills estimates 10,000 players ranging in age from 18 months through adult use their facilities annually.  In addition to the indoor playing surface, Kirkwood maintains fourteen outdoor fields – including one synthetic surface.  The new Sprinturf field has an all-rubber infill system to ensure firm footing while providing quick release and the proper impact absorption necessary to keep the athletes safe.  
       “Safety, maximizing athletic performance and customer service has always been a priority at Sprinturf and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Joe Mills and the Kirkwood Soccer Club to upgrade their indoor facility.  With athletes of all ages playing on the surface, we were able to provide them with the perfect solution for their indoor soccer training facility and easily accommodate the multi-purpose use that Club was looking to achieve,” commented Sprinturf President and CEO, Stanley H. Greene.  Mills believes trumpeting the upcoming installation of a new Sprinturf surface in its fall marketing campaign helped Kirkwood increase the number of teams playing in its winter indoor leagues from 60 last year to 78 this year.
       Mills says Kirkwood’s new Sprinturf surface will make the indoor facility a year-round venue, “In the past, once we got to the end of March the indoor floor got very little utilization until the end of October.  Now it will be just as busy in the warm weather months as it is in the winter.”  It’s not only soccer players that are excited about the Sprinturf field.  Mills also says a local field hockey club affiliated with Kirkwood will use it and he says he’s getting calls from local lacrosse leagues and others looking to train indoors.  “It’s really opened up the possibility for some other sports to take advantage of what we’ve got.”
      Sprinturf is not Kirkwood’s first experience with a synthetic playing surface.  With 3,000 members using the club’s thirteen natural surface fields every day of the year, Kirkwood added an outdoor synthetic surface through a grant from the US Soccer Foundation in 2005.  Mills says there’s no comparing the process and synthetic turf system when it comes to Sprinturf’s sales and installation teams, “It's first class.  It’s night and day from our other experience.  Sprinturf takes a lot of pride in their work and they're really craftsmen - they refused to do anything but perfect work.  I truly feel this is the ultimate field to have.”  Mills also noted, it’s not only the players who are benefiting, “the referees who can be out there six or seven hours a night complained about sore feet after running on a thin carpet over a concrete floor.  It's really impacting a lot of people.”

Get Your Complete Line of STACKHOUSE Specification and Installation Drawings on the Stackhouse Athletic Website
      Stackhouse Athletic has just completely revised the way their specifications and installation drawings can be viewed and downloaded on their website.  All of their specification and installation drawings have been updated for 2009.  Get your complete line of Stackhouse specification and installation drawings on the STACKHOUSE ATHLETIC website.  WWW.STACKHOUSEATHLETIC.COM

Universal Fabric Structures Chosen Again by the Atlantic Club to Construct Additional Indoor Tennis Facility
      Due to increased member demand for more tennis courts, The Atlantic Club in Manasquan, NJ needed a quick solution.  Since they had faced a similar situation back in 1999, they knew exactly who to call upon this time around.  Universal Fabric Structures, Inc. (UFS), a Quakertown, Pennsylvania-based manufacturer of fabric structures, had designed and constructed a 118’x262’ facility for The Atlantic Club in 1999 that is still in use today.
       Looking to mold their new facility after the existing 5-court SPORTHALL® structure, the need to include extra viewing areas was a concern.  UFS made recommendations and received feedback from Atlantic Club personnel Kevin McHugh, COO, Clayton Taylor, Club Pro and Rick Laus, Real Estate Director.  UFS suggested construction of a wider 133-foot by 262-foot long fabric structure over the five new tennis courts.
       The wider space has allowed for the extra viewing area that was sought as well as offered areas that can be utilized for several other needs including private parties and club gatherings.  Members of The Atlantic Club have raved about the new facility and the courts are booked months in advance.  Members especially enjoy the fact that the new facility is fully insulated to keep it cooler in the summer and warmer during the winter months.  The insulation will also allow the facility to save on energy costs during the course of the year.  "One of the big advantages is that I never have to worry about the UFS buildings during inclement weather like I do with the air-supported structures we have.  The UFS structures are extremely durable and when it comes time for us to replace the bubbles I will definitely recommend using the Universal Fabric Structures team again," said Laus.
      For twenty-five years UFS has been offering quality structures engineered for sport and recreation facilities.  The SPORTHALL® provides for a clean, bright, open-air environment with the feel of being outdoors – the perfect solution for bringing an outdoor game or activity into an indoor environment.  The custom shapes, aesthetically pleasing design, retractable wall systems and translucent roof complement any surrounding to create a unique indoor-outdoor environment for year-round use.

Universal Fabric Structures, Inc. Supplies USTA Outstanding Facility Award Recipient
      Mercer County Park Commission Tennis Facility has received the 2008 United States Tennis Association Outstanding Facility Award.  The award was presented as part of the Technical Committee meeting at the USTA Semi-Annual meeting in New York City on September 1, 2008.  The facility has had a positive impact on the quality of life in the region.
       The USTA’s Outstanding Facility Award Program was established to encourage high standards in tennis facilities and to respond to and recognize those facilities whose efforts make a positive statement about the vitality of the game.
      The public tennis facility presently boasts twenty-eight courts in total, comprised of twenty-two outdoor courts, sixteen of which are lit for night games, and six covered courts with additional amenities such as an observation deck for spectators, bathrooms, lockers and offices together encompassing nineteen acres of the 2,500 acre Mercer County Park.
      Universal Fabric Structures, Inc. (UFS), a Quakertown, Pennsylvania-based manufacturer of fabric structures, was selected to supply the structure to cover the six courts and observation deck.  The structure is 354’ in length and 118’ wide and is equipped with heat and air conditioning, allowing matches to be played year round.  The building is also insulated to be more energy efficient and save on heating and cooling costs.  In fact, according to Marc Vecchiola, Tennis Director, as of December 22 they had not yet had to turn the heat on in the building.  At the time of that statement the wind-chill temperature outside was -5 degrees Fahrenheit.  However, inside the building the temperature was roughly 65 degrees.
      “This is a very unique building and it’s a tremendous upgrade for us,” Vecchiola said.  “It’s fully insulated, there is no echo effect, and it retains heat in the winter and cool air in the summer.  It’s a fantastic structure and we’re fortunate to have a building of this caliber in Mercer County.”
       Two of the six courts are situated on a lower elevation and feature bleachers that will allow for a showcase atmosphere during tournament and league play.  The facility is a regular host of many major tennis championships such as USTA Adult Sectional Championship, USTA Senior Sectional Championship, Mercer County Boy’s and Girl’s High School Championships, NJSIAA Boy’s and Girl’s High School State Championships, Northeast Conference Collegiate Championships, Special Olympics, The National Breast Cancer Awareness Tennis Outing and many more.
      Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes states, “This Indoor Tennis Center will serve generations of our residents and introduce the game of tennis to more people than ever before. In tennis terms, it’s an ace.”  
      For twenty-five years UFS has been offering quality structures engineered for sport and recreation facilities.  The SPORTHALL® provides for a clean, bright, open-air environment with the feel of being outdoors – the perfect solution for bringing an outdoor game or activity into an indoor environment.  The custom shapes, aesthetically pleasing design, retractable wall systems, and translucent roof complement any surrounding to create a unique indoor-outdoor environment for year-round use.

CLAY COURT MAINTENANCE SEMINARS  by WELCH TENNIS COURTS
     The Welch Tennis clay court maintenance seminars are growing in popularity!  These informative seminars are geared towards anyone who may have anything to do with the business of maintaining clay (Har-Tru) tennis courts.  Whether the courts are the traditional overhead-irrigated fast drying courts or subsurface-irrigated HydroGrid or HydroCourt, the guests come away with a lot of good knowledge. 
      If you have twenty years of experience, or two weeks at your facility, these clay court seminars are a wonderful day for Club Managers, Tennis Professionals and Maintenance Personnel. 
      These clay court seminars are designed to give each participant a working knowledge of Har-Tru clay tennis courts, including an explanation and demonstration of the latest procedures in court maintenance.  Emphasis is given to solving court maintenance problems and how recent innovations can be used to protect and enhance your tennis court investment.  Each participant will be given a Certificate of Completion at the end of the day. 
      This Welch Tennis Clay Court Seminar cost is $159.00 per person ($125.00 for each additional person from same facility) and includes a continental breakfast, lunch, refreshments and the day wraps up with a happy hour. 
      USPTA Members can earn three credits for continuing education for attending.  Customers signing up for court construction or resurfacing by April 20th can earn a free attendance pass. 
      Upcoming Seminars:

May 1st at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, Orlando
May 8th at Gulf Harbour Golf & Country Club, Fort Myers
May 15th at Athletic Club at Weston, Fort Lauderdale/Miami area

    Call now 800.282.4415 for invitations, registration forms, maps, hotel information and any other questions.  Ask for Deb Carlson.

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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.

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CALENDAR  

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NEWSLINE is published four times per year by the American Sports Builders Association, a trade organization sponsored by membership dues. Opinions expressed in signed articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the ASBA. Editorial contributions are requested. Deadline March 1, June 1, September 1, December 1

American Sports Builders Association, 8480 Baltimore National Pike, #307 Ellicott City, MD 21043, 866.501.ASBA (2722). www.sportssbuilders.org.
©ASBA all rights reserved

Officers

Chairman
George Todd, Jr., CTCB (2009)
Welch Tennis Courts, Inc.
Sun City, FL

President, Tennis Division
Mark Brogan, CTCB (B-2009)
Pro-Sport Construction, Inc.
Devon, PA

President, Track Division
Kristoff Eldridge, CTB (B-2010)
Cape & Island Tennis & Track
Pocasset, MA

President, Indoor Division
Robert Cohen, CTB (B-2010)
Robert Cohen Co., LLC
Albuquerque, NM

President, Fields Division
John Schedler, CTB (B-2009)
Fieldturf Tarkett
Highlands Ranch, CO

President, Professional Division
Ed Norton (P-2010)
Holcombe Norton Partners
Birmingham, AL

President, Supplier Division
Randy Futty (S-2009)
Lee Tennis
Charlottesville, VA

Secretary/Treasurer
John Graham (S-2009)
DecoTurf
Andover, MA

Directors
Robert Dougherty (S-2010)
ECOREInternational
Lancaster, PA

Sam Fisher, CTB (B-2011)
Fisher Tracks, Inc.
Boone, IA

David Nielsen (B-2010)
Leslie Coatings, Inc.
Indianapolis, IN

Gerry Perry, CTCB (B-2010)
Gerald Perry Tennis Courts
Springfield, MO

Robert Righter (S-2009)
Nova Sports, USA
Milford, MA

Pete Smith (B-2011)
The CourtSMITHs
Toledo, OH

Dan Wright (B-2009)
Sports Turf Company
Whitesburg, GA

Past Chairman
Gerry Wright, CTCB (2009)
Court One
Youngsville, NC

Legal Counsel
David H. Pettit, Esq.
Feil, Pettit & Williams, PLC
Charlottesville, VA

Executive Vice President
Fred Stringfellow, CAE

Director of Meetings & Member Services
Cynthia M. Jordan

Eileen Laidler
Association Coordinator

Financial Manager
Amy Chetelat, CAE

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