Preparations are ramping up for administrators and presidents of recreational softball, baseball, soccer, and other summer sports leagues. Hitting roster and registration deadlines, lining up coaches and saintly umpires (is there a harder, more thankless rec league job?), setting schedules, and any other tasks that come up occupy most of a league administrator’s time. But if you’re a league president or the like, don’t forget to take time to review athletic field conditions for anything that may have changed since last season.
Among the topics on a pre-season safety checklist should be:
- Make sure the anchors that hold down equipment or goals are properly fastened down.
- Check for any exposed hardware, such as nails, screws, bolts, etc.
- Make sure protective padding is in place and secure.
- Look to see if any plants, trees, etc., are encroaching onto the field.
- Correct any holes, depressions, or trip hazards on the field.
- Make sure bleachers are secure, with no holes, sharp edges, loose rails, etc.
- Visually inspect all equipment to be used in the game.
- Address any unresolved items left from a previous inspection.
Whether it’s an evening recreational softball league or youth soccer program, athletes are depending on league officers to provide a safe environment. Administrative tasks lay the foundation for a smooth start to the season, but don’t neglect that safety checklist. Time spent now can help ensure play is never interrupted by an accident that could have been prevented.
