For the safest play and the best field performance it is important that the following guidelines be adhered to. US Athletic Fields has worked in conjunction with West Windsor Little League to provide this information.
Field Prep – Pre/Post Game and Practices
- Home plate area (moisten and tamp)
- Pitching mound (moisten and tamp)
- Infield grass – Use 15” leaf rake to remove as best as possible any dirt that has been moved into grass bordering infield. This occurs during normal running and sliding. We must be careful this does not occur during raking.
- Bases – Clean out after every game
- Base paths – rake lengthwise (not side to side as this pushes dirt into grass)
- Bases – Rake and level sliding areas (depressions)
- Infield – Rake and Drag smooth
- Home plate area (post game) – moisten, tamp and cover
- Pitching Mound (post game) – moisten, tamp and cover
Instructions on How to Properly Rake Fields
Other Notes
If drying agent needs to be applied no more than 2 bags should be used. If greater than 2 bags are required than the field is not playable. This substance should be used sparingly per the directions on the bag.
The mound and home plate area are made of a special composite that is why it is essential that these areas require regular moisture and need to be covered.
Only use the appropriate sized covers for home plate and the pitchers mound. If other covers are used they will end up covering the grass and make it more susceptible to damage.
If low spots are evident there is a soil mix located nearby the dumpsters that are close to the softball field at Ward.
