Housekeeping Reminders
Over the last few weeks we have had a number of issues around housekeeping and the use of the batting cage. Fields have been left in very poor condition after games/training and there has been some abuse of the batting facility. This is a reminder that we need all teams to pitch in to look after our facilities to make sure that our fields are kept in the best possible conditions and that very team adheres to the rules surrounding the use of the batting facility.
Like most junior sporting clubs we do not have paid ground keepers or cleaners so we need each team to assist by helping keep our ground and storage sheds tidy as follows:
Dugouts/Shelters
At the end of the game, please make sure that the team clears the Dugout or Shelters as soon as possible to make way for the next team first team. Teams should make sure they remove all rubbish from the Dugouts/Shelters and surrounding areas and place all rubbish in the bins provided at the Diamond or near the canteen.
If there is a temporary shelter set up for scorers and./or spectators, the last team using that Diamond should pack it away and return it to the storage shed on the left hand side of the canteen along with any chairs (chairs and shelters should not be stored in the shipping container as this tends to get cluttered).
Playing Fields
Game Day and Training - The first team playing / training on the Diamond is responsible to set up the field, this includes setting up the bases, setting up the cones and /or foul poles (if required), marking lines (if required), setting up zooka machines, and setting up benches (Diamonds 1 or 2) .
For those fields that have Dolorite (dirt) around the bases, home plate and pitching mound these areas need to be raked prior to the game and immediately after the game or training from the outside towards the center. When setting up the field you should bring two or three rakes from the shed and keep them behind the diamond so that teams can use these during the day.
If you are the last team playing or training on the day, you need to rake any Dolorite areas and pack up all ground equipment (bases, cones, foul poles, benches, wheel barrows, rakes) and return them to their place in the correct storage sheds.
Please ask you players to take their rubbish from the dugouts and use the rubbish bins provided near the canteen.
Important Note -Raking the Diamonds - It is essential that the Dolorite areas on the baseball Diamonds get raked before and after every game and after every training session, If you have two or three rakes available at the field you should ask your players or parents to help and it only takes five minutes to do.
Raking the diamonds ensures the Diamonds remain safe for our players and that pitching mounds and home plate areas retain their shape. When raking the Dolorite you must always rake towards the centre of the base areas, home plate or pitchers mound and never rake towards the grass as this form lips where the Dolorite meets the grass which becomes a hazard for players to trip or causes balls to have uneven bounces or hops.
Always fill in the holes, especially on the pitchers mound, batting box and catcher's area, When raked properly the overnight sprinklers on the field or rain helps settle the field in an even firm surface that is safe for our players. Please refer to the following short video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHWZeUDTDkE.
Storage Sheds
The storage sheds on either side of the canteen, contain umpire gear, tables, chairs, zooka machines and some team kit bags. When using equipment from these sheds, please return the equipment to its correct place. Zooka machines need to be returned to their correct shed and placed on "charge" after use (including after training).
Umpire gear and other equipment should be returned to the shelves and not left on the shed floor. Plastic tables and chairs should be returned to the shed on the right hand side of the canteen. Please do not remove any equipment from another team' skit bag left in the shed. If you need additional equipment please contact me.
Storage Container (Shipping Container)
The storage container contains our ground equipment (bases, cones, rakes, shovels, temporary nets, L Screen, benches and wheelbarrows) and our uniform shop is located at the back. of the shed. When returning equipment, please make sure that you return it to its correct place. The nets used for the temporary Diamonds are to be stored in their buckets along with the pegs and hammers and the poles to be stored in their canvas bags.
Wheelbarrows need to be emptied and left upright against the side of the container, benches and buckets containing nets are to be tucked under the shelves and bases placed on shelves or on the dedicated racks.
NOTE: Please make sure that the passageway to the uniform shop at the rear is left clear.
Locking Up
If you are the last team to leave the ground on game days or training days, make sure that all equipment, chairs, shelters, and field equipment is packed away and that the storage sheds, shipping container, canteen and toilets are securely locked.
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