Is Your Softball Field Ready for the 2016 Season?

The rules of popular sports have changed numerous times over the past few years, especially for baseball and softball. From changes to bat manufacturing to backstop padding, it is imperative that you ensure your field is compliant with all requirements before the new season begins.

Softball and Baseball Padding for Backstops

If the backstop is constructed of wood, brick or cement, it is strongly advised that fields use padding that is no higher than one-foot off the ground and extending to the top perimeter of that barrier. Padding is required for the 2016 season and fields without it will be in non-compliance with the NCAA.

This new rule only applies to softball college fields, but it is a good practice for all recreational, high school and college fields to follow.

The Benefits of Using Padding for Softball and Baseball Fields

• Reduce Injury – The biggest advantage to the use of backstop padding is that it can significantly reduce the chances of injury to the players.

• Branding – It is not just for safety, you can also help increase your school or recreational program’s branding. From choosing a variety of colors to match your own brand colors to adding a decal or logo, there are numerous opportunities for these safety devices. Also, if you have sponsors, you may be able to entice those sponsors to help shoulder the cost of buying them by offering an opportunity to put their logo on the pad itself. Graphics are digitally printed with high-quality UV-resistant ink to ensure long-term durability. There are also a variety of graphic options including large white letters, multi-color lettering and logos with text.

• Variety – There are numerous colors, as well as styles of pads for your softball field. From standard to professional style to stadium wood-backed, you can find the right look and specifications for your field.

Other Items to Consider

Padding is only half of the to-do list. When preparing your field for the 2016 season, there are a few other items you may want to consider for outfitting, including:

• Softball field covers – preserve the beauty and playability during harsh weather and the off-season.
• Bases and plates
• Fence caps
• Field netting

Before you open up for the 2016 season, review the NCAA rules as well as your local city rules to make sure that your field is not just ready for the game, but also meeting all compliance requirements and mandates.

Make sure your field is ready for the 2016 season with softball field covers and baseball padding from Richardson Athletics today. Call us at 800-895-2902 or order online.