Protecting our Fields

The CASL fields are looking good, for the most part, as we finish up bermuda grass growing season. There are exceptions, however, due to heavy play on open parks throughout the CASL system. WRAL Soccer Center has gone through some changes to its infrastructure (new fences, paving, building improvements, etc.) which will continue. It also went through some field improvements including sodding worn areas.
All that being said, the bermuda grass will stop growing soon and then will be dormant until the heat returns in the late spring. Therefore, it is everyone's responsibility to help preserve the fields and the majority of that can be done in practices and pre-game warmups.
Practices should mainly use the least used parts of the field. This means staying out of the penalty areas, as much as possible. Move goals to do shooting drills, play your small sided games in the area between the penalty area and the half line with the goals on the sidelines, etc. etc. Repetitive excerises such as ladders, jumping drills, cutting and turning drills, etc. should occur off the field.
Pre-game warmups can use areas of the field outside the penalty areas including the warmup of the goalkeeper until the team takes warmup shots with the keeper in goal.
All of these things will make the fields survive better going into the spring. Granted, no matter what we do, the fields will not be in as good of shape in the spring as the fall. However, the better job that teams do in the fall will allow the fields to be in the best shape possible for the start of the spring season. Likewise, the better job done in the spring will keep the fields in the best possible shape until the grass begins to grow again.
It is everyone's responsibility to look after our fields and facilities. I'm sure that I have received complaints in the past from coaches about the field conditions in the spring. My guess is that some of those complaints have been from some of the same coaches that practice in the game wear areas thus contributing to the condition of the field.
It is everyone's responsibility to preserve the fields while still getting the "SOCCER" done. It can be done and I, for one, appreciate those that think of others in these situations. Have Fun and Remember it is Just a Game and also remember that it is more FUN on better fields. Help us try to make this happen! THANKS!
                                                                   Charlie Slagle