Spring is creeping closer, and that means summer is as well. That means summer vacations, sports camps, rec leagues, Little League and summer day programs — in short, a lot more people on the fields. If you’ve been thinking of primping your facilities for the season and need some work done, ASBA wants to remind you that there are several good alternatives to flipping through the yellow pages, or searching the Internet. The best news? All of them can start right here, right now, by going to ASBA’s website, www.sportsbuilders.org.
· Go to www.sportsbuilders.org and use the search feature on the left-hand side of the page, marked “Find a Builder/Designer/Supplier.” Plug in the info you need (the state you’re in, the kind of product you’re looking for, the name of a particular product, etc.) and put ASBA’s database to work for you. In seconds, you’ll have a listing and a good place to start.
· Have a complicated construction or repair issue? Check the list of Certified Field Builders (CFBs) by using the toolbar at the top of the home page. Click on “Certification” and then choose “Certified Field Builders” from the menu. A list of CFBs is available. Note that there are Certified Field Builders (CFBs, which indicate someone with a broad range of knowledge), or there are those with designations of Certified Field Builder-Natural (CFB-N) or Certified Field Builder-Synthetic (CFB-S) which indicates knowledge in a particular type of facility.
· Use the “Request Info” button at the top of the toolbar on ASBA’s website. You can fill in a form stating your questions and the nature of any products you need or work you’re thinking of having done. Your request will be passed along to ASBA members who may be able to help you. Bonus: You’ll receive a free copy of ASBA’s membership directory by mail, which you can use as a reference throughout the year, should you need assistance at any other time.
· Look into purchasing the book, Sports Fields: A Construction and Maintenance Manual, available from ASBA. The book contains all kinds of information about sports fields: not just construction but maintenance, repair, accessories and more. Just click on the tab for “Publications” from the top toolbar. (In a hurry? You can save yourself shipping fees by ordering the book as a download).
Don’t wait for your fields to get busy before you think about addressing drainage issues, purchasing that new set of goal posts or looking into buying the maintenance equipment you need. This is the time, and the www.sportsbuilders.org site is the place to start.