RCJOUSA Field Prep Guidelines

Required Tools: rakes, tamper chain drag or broom, chalker & string line (located in sheds)

WORK the trouble spots that require more work: home plate, pitchers’ mound, and 2/3 base.  

The steps listed below are required before the field can be dragged with either the brooms or chain drag:

ORDER OF OPERATION:

*Rake/push dirt around home plate, pitchers’ mound, and 2/3 base where low spots are created. Once that is done use the tamper one these areas. 

*Use the chain drag (practices) then the large brooms (games) to level out the playing surface, ensuring that all areas are groomed.  Avoid dragging dirt into the grass in the outfield to avoid a lip from forming.

*Chalk the batter’s box and pitcher’s mound circle.  

Not needed if it’s the last game of the night.

*Chalk the base lines.  Use the string line to ensure straight lines. 

Not needed if it’s the last game of the night.

*Return all tools to the shed in their proper location.

These are the only steps REQUIRED after the last game of the night (*Rake/push dirt around home plate, pitchers’ mound, and 2/3 base where low spots are created, then use the tamper one these areas).  

The most efficient way to prep a field before, between, and after games is to split up the workload.