Everett Little League 12/18/2024

Athletic Facility Use Provisions - 11 performance. MAINTENANCE OF FENCING AND BACKSTOPS Fences provide an enclosure around the ball facility to keep the ball within the boundaries and protect spectators from being hit by the ball. Because the ball is often in play up to the fence, players frequently come in contact with the fence, which can create potential injury problems. INSPECTING BACKSTOPS Backstops take considerable punishment from the frequent pounding of oncoming balls. Since they often provide protection for spectators, they must be checked regularly to make sure they are safe and secure. Look for loose ties, stretched fencing, holes in the fencing, loose, splintered, or worn-out boards, or gaps in protective netting during scheduled inspections. WARNING TRACK Warning tracks are often installed to warn outfielders that they are nearing the fence. They are an important safety feature for facilities that accommodate higher skilled league play. They should be inspected and drug at least twice a week. TURF MANAGEMENT A good turf playing field provides reliable running traction, added shock absorption, and a pleasing appearance. The important turf management practices include irrigation, soil cultivation, mowing, fertilizing, thatch control, weed control, pest control, overseeding and renovation. Do not operate equipment when the soil is too wet. This may cause hazardous tire ruts. Make turns on a firm surface such as the infield area or warning track to reduce the risk of tire ruts. BLEACHER MAINTENANCE Spectator safety is a concern of the maintenance staff and bleacher maintenance is part of that concern. The nuts and bolts on the bleachers must be inspected and tightened regularly as well as the guardrails and end caps. Check for splintered, worn out seating or walking planks, protrusions and sharp edges that could be hazardous. Repair or replace as necessary. FOUL LINE MAINTENANCE Foul lines can pose safety problems if not properly maintained. Use a paint that is not harmful to the skin or eyes. A difference in elevation can form between the bare soil and the elevation of the turf. If this occurs, regrading along the line can become necessary. Foul lines must be straight from the back point of home plate to the outfield foul poles such that a string line should line up even with the outside edge of first and third base. The chalk line must be placed on the inside of the string line. Chalking product must stop 18” for the turf lip. GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Hazardous conditions may require games to be relocated, rescheduled or canceled until the safe use of the area can be restored. A judgment from a supervisor or lead should be made. Place barriers or warning signs around the problem area to warn the public of the potential hazard. CONDITIONS REQUIRING FIELD CLOSURES Insufficient lighting.