• Subscribe
  • E-Newsletter
  • Media Kit
  • Contact
  • Login
Campus Rec Magazine
  • Sections
    • Columns
    • Facility Development
    • News
    • Operations
    • Programming
    • Rec of the Month
    • Staff Development
    • Well-being
    • Profiles
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • E-Newsletter
    • Contact Us
  • On-Demand
  • Supplier Insights
    • Brand Voice
    • Supplier News
    • Supplier Voice
  • Podcast
  • Webinars
  • Education
    • CR Leadership Summit
    • CR Base Camp
    • Pickleball Innovators
  • Buyer’s Guide
No Result
View All Result
  • Sections
    • Columns
    • Facility Development
    • News
    • Operations
    • Programming
    • Rec of the Month
    • Staff Development
    • Well-being
    • Profiles
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • E-Newsletter
    • Contact Us
  • On-Demand
  • Supplier Insights
    • Brand Voice
    • Supplier News
    • Supplier Voice
  • Podcast
  • Webinars
  • Education
    • CR Leadership Summit
    • CR Base Camp
    • Pickleball Innovators
  • Buyer’s Guide
No Result
View All Result
Campus Rec Magazine
No Result
View All Result
Home Operations

Priorities for Sports Equipment, Courts and Fields

by Bison Inc
September 17, 2024
in In Print, Operations, Vendor Content
0
Sports equipment
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedIn

It’s never too soon to launch a regular inspection program for gym equipment and sports fields. Facility managers should schedule inspections of all indoor and outdoor sports equipment and develop a record management system to protect against liability. Identifying and fixing a minor issue today can prevent expensive equipment replacements and reduce risk of player and spectator injury.

Ceiling and Wall Mounted

If you’re unable to find the manufacturer and age of your ceiling, wall-suspended equipment, or any sports equipment with moving parts, budget for new equipment.

Periodically inspect your backstops, divider curtains, and all related equipment and attachments. Frequency of inspections depends on use of the equipment. Monitor the date inspected and the current status — satisfactory, cleaned, needs repaired or replaced, or problem found. Look for frayed cables, loose bolts, weak welds, rough edges, or any excessive wear and tear and document you have brought concerns to the facility operator’s attention. 

Ceiling and wall-suspended structures should have a safety belt added in case of equipment failure. Padding should be replaced every 10 years or more often if damaged.

Safety Padding

Head and limb injuries can occur due to contact with hard or sharp surfaces. Invest in wall and stage padding, and make sure the padding on all sports equipment, scorers tables and bleachers is in good condition. Safety padding in your indoor and outdoor facilities also need scheduled inspection, care and cleaning.

Volleyball

Most volleyball standards are heavy and awkward to transport. Consider replacing with lighter weight materials such as carbon fiber or aluminum. Portables are often the best solution for multi-purpose venues. At minimum, purchase wall brackets or carts to reduce the risk of transport injury.

Soccer

Goals should be commercially manufactured according to ASTM International standards and must be installed with the proper ballast and anchors for the goal design. Most tip-over injuries occur during non-game times, so proper storage procedures are critical.

Football

To prevent injuries to spectators, bleachers should be labeled for safety concerns such as pinch points or sharp edges. Bleachers are subject to regulations by various local and state agencies, and older bleachers should be updated or replaced if not in compliance. Goalposts often require finish maintenance and replacement padding.

Equipment Age

Visually inspecting the static equipment may not be enough to identify serious safety risks, so plan to observe what’s in use. It can’t be denied that athletes are demanding more of sports equipment today and major manufacturers continuously redesign products to meet changing safety requirements.

When in Doubt, Contact the Manufacturer

Maintain a file with product instructions and review them for installation and maintenance schedules, contacting the manufacturer with any questions. Major sports equipment manufacturers have product design engineers on staff if you have any safety concerns. Those up-to-date on ASTM International technical standards should be able to advise which equipment is suitable for your intended purpose.

 

Nick Cusick is a co-founder and the CEO of Bison Inc. They provide innovative, safe and sustainable products to rec centers and more for indoor and outdoor sports and recreation activities. For more info, visit bisoninc.com.

 

Stay up to date on industry trends, best practices, news and more.

Tags: campus reccompetitive sportsfacility operationsseptember-october-2024
Previous Post

Solving Employment Readiness with Campus Rec

Next Post

Aquatics Accessibility and Safety Standards

Related Posts

BeaverFit Helps University of San Diego Transform Outdoor Fitness
Supplier News

BeaverFit Helps University of San Diego Transform Outdoor Fitness

May 30, 2025
Samford University
Cover Story

Counting Every Blessing at Samford University

May 21, 2025
Unified Sports
Ask the Expert

Q&A on Unified Sports and Inclusive Intramurals

May 21, 2025
Outdoor Fitness
Fitness

How Outdoor Fitness Can Transform Campus Recreation

May 21, 2025
Sustainability Practices
Facility Development

Sustainability Practices for Rec Centers

May 21, 2025
Laura Surles
Final Exam

Q&A with Laura Surles of Butler University

May 21, 2025
Next Post
aquatics accessibility

Aquatics Accessibility and Safety Standards

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get Updates in your inbox

Stay up to date on industry trends, best practices, news and more.

Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn
Campus Rec Logo

The premier business resource for college and university recreation centers.

The Current Issue

May/June 2025

May/June 2025

Browse

  • Home
  • Subscribe
  • E-Newsletter
  • Podcast
  • Media Kit
  • Contact

© 2025 Campus Rec Magazine. Published by Peake Media.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Sections
    • Columns
    • Facility Development
    • News
    • Operations
    • Programming
    • Rec of the Month
    • Staff Development
    • Well-being
    • Profiles
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • E-Newsletter
    • Contact Us
  • On-Demand
  • Supplier Insights
    • Brand Voice
    • Supplier News
    • Supplier Voice
  • Podcast
  • Webinars
  • Education
    • CR Leadership Summit
    • CR Base Camp
    • Pickleball Innovators
  • Buyer’s Guide

© 2025 Campus Rec Magazine. Published by Peake Media.