Proper Field Maintenance Training

1. Proper Field Maintenance Training Russiaville Youth Little League

2. Training Objectives • Goal is to have training available for all RYBL volunteers and coaches on proper field maintenance and preparation. • Common training for all managers and coaches. • Clear up common misconceptions on proper field maintenance techniques. • Eliminate activities which lead to infield lips and uneven playing surfaces.

3. Removing water • The goal of our field maintenance project is to eliminate the ponding of water on the playing surface. • New Mule mix playing surface was created to absorb surface moisture. • RYBL will no longer use clay based drying agents on either field (field dry) • Only pre-bagged Mule mix should be used to address trouble spots. • Never push water into the grass. This creates lips by pushing the playing material into the grass. • RYBL will experiment with alternate methods to remove ponding water (pads, absorbent roller)

4. Dragging the field • A nail drag should be used on the field before the first game of each week (followed with mat drag) 1/8 inch depth. • A mat drag should be used before each game. • Never drag faster than you can walk • Stay one foot away from the grass line to prevent lips from forming. • Rake Mule mix out of grass onto skinned surface • Leaf rake • Leaf blower • Water hose 1 ft Mat Drag

5. Selected method used by RYBL

6. Drag Patterns • Base lines should be hand raked in-line with the base. Do not rake side-to-side, which creates a rut or uneven channel in the base line. Base Line Rake in line with bases

7. Pitching Mound Maintenance • Moisture is your friend – always keep the mound covered while not in use. • A dry mound is not a good mound • Repair landing spots as needed with mound clay • Move aside loose playing surface (Mule Mix) • Insert clay and flatten • Tamp and water if necessary • Replace mule mix • Tarp mount after last game

8. Field Diagram