January 29th 2016 For Immediate Release:
New regulations for softball parks go to in effect this year, is your softball stadium ready? According the NCAA rules:
Rule 2.1 Backstop. A backstop is required. …When the backstop is wood, cement or brick, it is strongly recommended that it be padded from dugout to dugout beginning no higher than one foot off the ground and extending to the top of the wood, cement or brick or six feet from the ground, whichever is shorter. Padding is required by the 2016 season.
Additionally, the NCAA strongly recommends backstop wall padding for college baseball stadiums as well. Safety wall padding is “an important feature of baseball and softball parks,” says Hettie English, Sales Director for Midwest Cover, a manufacturer of athletic screening and padding products. “Not only does it reduce injuries, but it can really upgrade a stadium. Padding looks great along fences and backstops, and we can also print logos on it, which really gives that professional gloss that coaches are looking for.”
But what are the most important things to look for when choosing fence and wall padding? English says most important is that the vinyl covering is UV coating. “Without UV protection even the best material can quickly become cracked and worn due to weather,” she says. Also the thickness of the foam is another critical factor to consider. “We can manufacture our padding products with up to three inch foam. That provides the best cushion and injury prevention.”
English also mentions drainage holes at the bottom of padding. “Weep holes are important to make sure rot and mildew don’t build up in the padding material. Fungus has a way of getting into anything, and making sure moisture doesn’t collect in the padding is the best way to keep the bad stuff away from your wall padding.”
Finally, English says that the vinyl on top of the padding needs to be strong enough to stand up to the wear and tear athletes will put it through. “The vinyl needs to be heavy, we use 18 ounce vinyl that can has a 450 PSI breaking strength and a tear resistance of 85 pounds. That guarantees that the padding remains strong for season after season.”
Whether on outfield fences or backstops padding is an important component of safe and stylish softball & baseball stadiums around the country. Learn more about baseball padding and softball padding products at http://midwestcover.com/fence-padding/
Midwest Cover manufactures athletic screen and padding products for stadiums around the country. From high schools to the pros Midwest Cover’s expert sales support can help you get exactly what you want down to the inch with fast turnaround time.
