STC_Reaching the Finish Line Packet_032509_FINAL

8/2/2019 STC_Reaching the Finish Line Packet_032509_FINAL

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Reaching the Finish Line

The Athletic Director’s Guide to

Making a Synthetic Turf Field a Reality



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Table of Contents

1. Introduction letter from Rick Doyle, President of the STC

2. Educational Materialsa) PowerPoint presentation for educating key decision makersb) Educational overview on synthetic turf c) FAQ

d) Helpful Resources

3. Community Support:a) Creating a Reaching the Finish Line Committeeb) Creating a Logistics Committeec) Organizing a public gatheringd) Attendance sheet for public gatherings

4. Fundraising:a) Fundraising ideasb) Public funding overview

c) Fundraising deadlinesd) One pager on crumb rubbere) Sample grant application for schoolsf) Examples of fundraising success stories at other high schools

5. Implementation Tips



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An Open Letter to High School Athletic Directors from STC President Rick Doyle

The Synthetic Turf Council (STC) has interviewed athletic directors across the countryand many have said that bringing a synthetic turf field to their high school was a dreamcome true. They told us that the biggest obstacles proved to be raising money and gettingcommunity support. That’s why we have created this Reaching the Finish Line packet foryou. As you’ll see, it includes educational materials, fundraising ideas, tips on gainingcommunity support and overall recommendations for bringing a synthetic turf field to

your school. Whether you’re at the very first stage of getting your field approved or readyto hire an experienced design professional or consultant, this packet will help you moveforward.

These state-of-the-art fields are changing the way the game is played for many highschools. They’re providing a safe playing surface, more playing time and reducedmaintenance costs. If you are interested in bringing a synthetic turf field to your school,but aren’t sure where to begin, the Reaching the Finish Line packet should help guide youthrough the process. For more information, please visit the Synthetic Turf Council atwww.syntheticturfcouncil.org. If you have additional questions, contact me [email protected] or 678-385-6720.

As the objective resource in assisting buyers and end users with the selection, use, andmaintenance of synthetic turf systems in sports field, golf, municipal parks, airports,residential and landscape applications, the STC hopes this packet is a great benefit to youand your school and brings you one step closer to installing your synthetic turf sportsfield.

Cheers,

Rick DoylePresident, Synthetic Turf Council

400 Galleria Parkway, Suite 1500Atlanta, GA 30339



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Synthetic Turf Sports Field Overview

Safety:

• Synthetic turf sports fields provide a uniform and consistent playing surface forschools and communities. They are also made with resilient materials for safety.Traction, rotation and slip resistance, surface abrasion and stability meet therigorous requirements of the most respected sports leagues and federations. TheNCAA published the results of a study among schools nationwide comparinginjury rates between natural and synthetic turf and the injury rate during practicewas 4.4% on natural turf, and 3.5% on synthetic turf.

Playability:

• Synthetic turf can be utilized around 3,000 hours per year with no “rest” required,more than three times that of natural grass. The opportunity to play outside, andparticipate in sports, is critical for the fitness, mental health, self-esteem andleadership development of youth.

• With the increased playability of synthetic turf, it’s not just the athletes who areseeing benefits. Before Ohio’s Oak Hills High School installed a synthetic turf field, the band had to practice in the parking lot and the soccer teams practiced atother schools. With their new field, everyone can practice and play on the samefield without worries of damaging the surface.

Cost:

• Maintenance savings with synthetic turf fields are substantial. For example,Valley High School in Las Vegas estimates its synthetic turf field is saving theschool as much as $50,000 a year in maintenance costs. Much of this has to do

with not having to water the field.

• Because synthetic turf can withstand so much wear and tear, many schools renttheir synthetic turf fields to local sports team and organizations to bring in extrafunding. At Cincinnati’s Turpin High School, the field is rented 80% of theevenings between January and October. The school has raised $40,000 a year forthe last two years from rental fees alone.



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Environmental Benefits:

• Synthetic turf can significantly conserve water usage. The El Paso IndependentSchool District recently began installing 10 synthetic turf fields, which are estimatedto produce annual savings of 80 million gallons of water and $832,000 in water

and maintenance.

• Using crumb material from granulated used tires for playgrounds, running tracks,and sports fields has afforded the opportunity to recycle 25 million used auto tiresper year that would otherwise end up in U.S. landfills.

• It is not uncommon for grass fields to require thousands of pounds of fertilizersand pesticides annually. Synthetic turf fields essentially eliminate chemicaltreatments and reduce the man hours and power equipment operation needed tomaintain a grass field.

• Synthetic turf does not harbor bacteria or support potentially harmful insectinfestations. It is environmentally friendly in origin, application, use and disposal.

Other important benefits include:

• Promotes a healthy lifestyle.

• Can be planned, funded, installed and ready for use in a relatively short period of time.

• Promotes the use of local labor and other resources.

• Is a highly visible and beneficial addition to the high school and community.

• Significantly reduces the sports field maintenance budget, freeing up substantialnew funds for the classroom.



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(Template FAQ that can be adapted for each school and questions addressing concerns)


Frequently Asked Questions

As the popularity of synthetic turf escalates, so do questions about its usage. Questionsare being asked regarding synthetic turf’s impact on the environment, the health risks andoverall safety. Concerns of parents, school boards, local officials and environmental andregulatory groups are understandable. We anticipate these concerns will be addressed atlength and want to provide you with the following responses. For more information anddetails please visit Research & Latest Thinking at www.syntheticturfcouncil.org

Q: Which sports can be played on synthetic turf?

Synthetic turf sports fields for football, soccer, field hockey, baseball, tennis,lacrosse and rugby has traditionally represented the greatest percentage of thesynthetic turf market. However, drought conditions and low water in many areashas prompted irrigation restrictions, which have dramatically increased thedemand and regulation for synthetic grass in landscape, commercial, and golf applications.

Q: Why should your school raise money for a synthetic turf field?

The need for a multi-use athletic field at (name of school) is tremendous. Withmultiple sports teams, bands and physical education classes using the facility, asynthetic turf field will allow for more usage and will also reduce water usage forour city. As more and more colleges, parks and high schools across the countryinstall synthetic turf fields, isn’t it time for (name of school) to consider what asynthetic turf sports field would mean to the school and the community?

Q: How will a synthetic turf field help your school’s athletes?

Synthetic turf fields allow for more playing time for a variety of teams and

community groups. The field can be used within hours of installation and canhandle the wear and tear of a variety of sports. The NCAA published the resultsof a study among schools nationwide comparing injury rates between natural andsynthetic turf and the injury rate during practice was 4.4% on natural turf, and3.5% on synthetic turf. Not only will athletes and students be able to be activemore often, but they’ll be playing year-round on a safe sports surface.



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Q: Why should (name of school) invest in a synthetic turf field?

A synthetic turf field may sound like an expensive investment, and it can be –initially. However, through rental fees and lower maintenance costs, synthetic turf fields often pay for themselves over the life of the field. Because synthetic turf

can withstand so much wear and tear, renting your synthetic turf field to localsports team and organizations is a great way to defer costs. Many schools reportthat they bring in $15,000-$45,000 a year in rental fees from one field alone. It’salso important to note the school will save tens of thousands of dollars onmaintenance fees with a synthetic turf field since there will be no need forpesticides and water usage costs will decrease dramatically.

Q: Which type of synthetic turf does your school need?

If you have determined that synthetic turf is the way to go for your school,determine the type of field needed based upon its desired usage. The STC has

posted an information sheet on its website called Advice for Selecting SyntheticTurf to help you evaluate this decision and select the best provider for your needs.You should also consider consulting with one of the independent consultants orlandscape engineers featured in the STC’s membership listing.

Q: Why has synthetic turf become so popular over the past few years?

Today’s synthetic turf is designed to simulate the experience of practicing andplaying on a grass-like surface year round. Demand has grown to the point whereover 1,000 multi-use synthetic turf sports fields are installed annually in NorthAmerican schools, colleges, parks and professional sports stadiums. About half of all NFL teams currently play their games on synthetic turf, and it is approvedfor World Cup soccer matches.

Q: How is the new generation of synthetic turf different from that of the past?

Increasing demand for higher quality playing surfaces and intense competition forfield accessibility has given rise to a new generation of synthetic turf systems thatreplicate the look and feel of lush, natural grass. While the first artificial turf systems used in the 1960’s and 1970’s were hard, significant advancements havebeen made during the past few decades. By the 1990’s, player comfort andperformance became the top priority and the first synthetic turf systems with sandand rubber infill were introduced. Today’s synthetic turf, supported by manyNFL franchises, UEFA, FIFA and other international sports federations, combinesthe playing characteristics, look and feel of natural turf, with the advantages of increased playability, safety, longer playing seasons and fewer canceled games.

Q: What impact does synthetic turf have on playing time?



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Synthetic turf playing fields exponentially increase playing and practice timebecause they can be used daily and in all types of weather, without worry of damage. With proper maintenance, playability is enhanced since the fieldsremain uniform and consistent, season after season. In addition, while turf grassmanagers recommend against using a natural field for more than 20 – 24 hours

per week or 680 – 816 hours per year for a three-season window, synthetic turf can be utilized around 3,000 hours per year with no “rest” required.

Q: What goes underneath the synthetic turf?

The turf must be laid on a suitable base, depending on its application. For sportusage, this may include a shock pad while in landscape applications, the turf canbe laid on a flat, hard base. In children’s playgrounds and sporting fields, a shock pad is recommended to meet Critical Fall Height legislation. The laid turf can be‘infilled’ with a combination of sand and/or granular rubber, or other infillmaterials, to stabilize the system and create specific playing characteristics. It is

important to consult a professional about this process.

Addressing NegativityDealing with negative questions about health and safety

Impact on Human Health:

Q: Is synthetic turf safe?

For 40 years, under EPA oversight and OSHA-regulated manufacturing, not oneperson has ever reported ill effects related to any materials associated with

synthetic turf. In addition, much independent, credible research about syntheticturf has been conducted worldwide over the past decade, and isongoing. Reputable governmental bodies and scientists in Norway, Sweden,Canada, Great Britain, New Jersey, California and Connecticut, internationalsports organizations such as FIFA (the international governing body for soccer),and trade institutes have examined the health and environmental aspects of synthetic turf. Their exhaustive efforts have concluded that there is every reasonto use synthetic turf and that it has negligible health, safety, and environmentalimpact. The STC has posted these studies and official position statements on itswebsite under Research & Latest Thinking.

Lead Chromate:

Q: Should I be concerned about lead in my field?

In July 2008, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission approved the use of synthetic turf by children and people of all ages. This is the same organizationthat recalls toys and is unafraid to speak out against unsafe products. After theirinvestigation the CPSC Staff stated, “Young children are not at risk from exposure



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to lead in synthetic turf fields.” To further put things into perspective, a 50 lb. childwould have to eat over 100 lbs of synthetic turf to be at risk of absorbing enough leadto equal the EPA’s minimum threshold of elevated levels.

The full statement released by the CPSC Staff is accessible at:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08348.html.

Crumb rubber:

Q: Is crumb rubber safe?

• Crumb rubber is made from recycled auto and truck tires made from styrenebutadiene rubber, one of the most widely used polymers in the world today.Introduced in the 1930’s, SBR is predominantly used for the production of car andlight truck tires, but it has many more uses, including surgical gloves, sanitary

products, children’s rubber toys, food packaging, and even chewing gum. Therehas never been a danger associated with the use of SBR in these products. Foryears it’s been safe to use in our every day lives and it is no different with theSBR used in the crumb rubber found in synthetic turf playing fields.

In May 2008, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygienereleased a 180-page review and assessment of available research and scientificknowledge attesting to the safety of crumb rubber infilled synthetic turf. Asimilar review was published two months later by an independent firm for theRubber Manufacturers Association, which concluded that, “no adverse humanhealth or ecological health effects are likely to result from these beneficial reusesof tire materials.” Further, to date, no state or federal agency has banned orrestricted the use of artificial turf.

The industry is proud of its unblemished record of human health andenvironmental safety since synthetic turf was first introduced more than 40 yearsago. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s position is that scrap tires arenot a hazardous waste, and recommends using crumb material from granulatedused tires for playgrounds, running tracks, and sports fields. In fact, crumb usedtire rubber has been safely utilized in synthetic turf sports fields since it wasintroduced in 1997. It’s also important to note that the crumb used tire rubberused as infill recycles 25 million used auto tires per year that would otherwise endup in U.S. landfills.

Heat:

Q: What impact does heat have on my synthetic turf field?

During the summer months in hot climates, some synthetic turf fields havereported surface temperatures significantly hotter than the ambient temperature on



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sunny days. Heat is not an issue on cloudy days. Just as you’d have to manageusage on a natural grass field on a rainy day, you do the same with usage on asynthetic turf field on a hot, sunny day. The key is planning ahead, whether thatmeans scheduling field use for earlier or later in the day or misting the playerswith water. It is always important to make sure players are properly hydrated.

As an industry, the STC continues to develop innovations to manage unusual heatlike cooling yarns and fibers that reflect heat from the sun and reduce the surfacetemperature of synthetic turf. On a hot day, things outside, like your car steeringwheel, get hot too. Synthetic turf fields only get extremely hot on sunny dayswhere there are no clouds. There may be a few stretches in the summer wherepeople should plan ahead, but for the majority of the year it should not be anissue.

During your discussions remind concerned parents, educators and coaches about thebenefits of synthetic turf. Points to highlight include:

• Environmental impact - Synthetic turf is environmentally friendly in origin,application, use, disposal, sustainability and water conservation. It is common forgrass sports fields to require a minimum of 15,000 gallons of irrigation water perweek during growing season and thousands of pounds of fertilizers and pesticidesannually. Assuming a 33 week growing season, the installation of over 1,000synthetic turf fields in 2008 conserved an estimated 500 million gallons of waterand reduced the use of fertilizers by well over 1.25 million pounds. In addition,maintaining a synthetic turf field requires fewer man hours and reduced powerequipment operation.

• Increased playing and practice time - Synthetic turf playing fieldsexponentially increase playing and practice time because they can be used dailyand in all types of weather, without worry of damage. Synthetic turf can beutilized around 3,000 hours per year with no “rest” required, more than threetimes that of natural grass.

• Transforming communities - These fields are not only changing the lives of themany students who play and practice on them year round - entire communitiesare benefiting from having a place where everyone can gather for events.

• Safe to Play on - Synthetic turf fields provide a uniform and consistent playing

surface for schools and communities. They are also made with resilient materialsthat provide a safe playing surface. Traction, rotation and slip resistance, surfaceabrasion and stability meet the rigorous requirements of the most respected sportsleagues and federations. The NCAA published the results of a study amongschools nationwide comparing injury rates between natural and synthetic turf andthe injury rate during practice was 4.4% on natural turf, and 3.5% on syntheticturf.



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Helpful Resources

The Synthetic Turf Council serves as an objective resource in assisting buyers and endusers with the selection, use, and maintenance of synthetic turf systems in sports field,golf, and landscape applications.

The STC website is full of helpful information that should guide you in answering yourquestions related to synthetic turf.

The Synthetic Turf Council - www.syntheticturfcouncil.org

• Research and Latest Thinking on Synthetic Turf –http://www.syntheticturfcouncil.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=91

• “Suggested Guidelines for the Essential Elements of Synthetic Turf Systems” –http://www.syntheticturfcouncil.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=69

• “Maintenance Guidelines” –http://www.syntheticturfcouncil.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=69

• Contact information for STC Members –http://www.syntheticturfcouncil.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=17



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Creating a Reaching the Finish Line Committee

As an athletic director, your schedule doesn’t allow extra time for fundraising, callingcommunity members and organizing public gatherings. You aren’t expected to bring asynthetic turf field to your school on your own. That’s why it’s important to form acommittee of community members who can help you with this process. This sheet isdesigned to help you bring together the right people.

Who: Your Reaching the Finish Line Committee should be a group of people who arepassionate and knowledgeable about synthetic turf as an option. This group can range in

size, but just make sure you find people who are willing to commit their time, as this willbe a volunteer role. The people most enthusiastic about bringing synthetic turf to schoolsare often parents. You will want to reach out to all parents you have a relationship with;however, it’s important to go to middle school and youth families. From the firstfundraiser to the first game could be a long time, so make sure you approach the parentswhose children will ultimately benefit most from your synthetic turf field. Committeemembers can also include community leaders and school alumni.

What: This group will lead fundraising efforts, from auctions to special events andparties. They will also be responsible for calling community members to seek donations.They are the ‘voice’ of your efforts and the people who will get things mobilized.

Where: Hold committee meetings on campus or at the home of a member at least once amonth. As the project progresses, meetings will likely increase. Make sure everyone hastime to meet.

When: The earlier you form the committee the better. Ideally, start talking to parentsabout forming a Reaching the Finish Line Committee before presenting to the Board of Education. This way, you’ll have a larger support group. With their help, word of a newfield will spread through the community. The sooner you raise awareness, the soonerfunding and donations will come in.

Why: As an athletic director, your schedule is packed. You can’t be expected to tacklethis effort on your own. You want your kids to have the best because that is what theydeserve. With the help of the committee everyone will be helping to better thecommunity.



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Creating a Logistics Committee

Once you’ve formed your Reaching the Finish Line Committee, you’ll need to gather theright people to handle the logistics of bringing in a synthetic turf field. They can beparents or professionals in the area as long as they have some expertise in the areas youneed help. This is the time to consider contacting an experienced design professional orindependent consultant. The logistics committee will ideally include people who handlethe following:

• Funding – Ask someone to join the group who has extensive fundraising

knowledge. They know what it takes, how to go about it and are able to create adetailed fundraising timeline. This is a critical responsibility, so choose peoplewho have the time and connections to pull in big dollars.

• Marketing or Public Relations – The more people know about your goal of installing a synthetic turf field, the more they will be willing to donate. Findsomeone who works in marketing or PR that will spread the word about your newsynthetic turf field. Their job will involve distributing information to localnewspapers, television and radio stations. This person will promote fundraisingevents, auctions and everything you are doing to support the cause.

• Printing – With the need for flyers, handouts and fundraising event invitations,it’s cost-effective to have someone who has access to an affordable printer.Although this person won’t have to commit much of their time, the pricereductions will be extremely beneficial to your efforts.

• Construction – Once you choose a synthetic turf installer, you’re bound to havequestions about your school’s athletic facility and construction logistics. Havingsomeone who is well-versed in construction will help answer some of the toughquestions that come your way. They can give you and other key decision makersguidance on what makes the most sense for your campus.

Keep in mind that getting all the right people together for your logistics committee is theideal situation – not the requirement. If you can only find someone to handle the fundingor the marketing, that’s okay. Just keep in mind that the more support you can get thebetter.



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Organizing a Public Gathering

Bringing a synthetic turf field to your school can have endless benefits, but it will requirea great deal of community support and effort. That’s why it’s important to get peopletogether to discuss the benefits of synthetic turf, answer any concerns and determine themost effective ways to introduce synthetic turf to your area. Your Reaching the FinishLine Committee should help implement these community gatherings. In the past,successful community get-togethers have helped schools raise over $600,000 and allowedelementary and high schools across the country the chance to bring synthetic turf to their

students.

This forum allows ideas to be shared. It also gets people excited about raising funds.Below are tips for initiating a public gathering with some specific examples that haveworked well for schools and communities in the past.

Interested Parties:

An effective public gathering should have the right people involved. When it comes tosynthetic turf fields, these people are often school board members, parents and any otherkey decision makers within the community. Begin your outreach efforts with invitations

via mail or e-mail if you are holding an official event or use flyers around thecommunity. Often times, word-of-mouth can be the best way to get people together.

Be Prepared:

Please visit the Synthetic Turf Council website www.syntheticturfcouncil.org todownload the Frequently Asked Questions sheet along with a list of user benefits.Information sheets on the costs of maintaining the current natural turf field in your areacompared with that of a synthetic turf field are typically very useful as well.

It’s important to know as much as possible about synthetic turf prior to organizing a

public gathering. Talk with the synthetic turf providers you’ve been in contact with. Themore information you can give people, the better.

Pick the Right Forum:

Bringing people together in a place they feel comfortable is important. Depending on thepurpose of the field, any of the following situations may be appropriate:



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• Host a fundraising party:

When Oak Hills High School in Cincinnati, Ohio needed to raise money for asynthetic turf field, they decided to bring together some influential communitymembers to watch a Redskins football game. At halftime, the school’s athletic

director, along with parents and school board members, spoke to the group aboutthe benefits of synthetic turf and asked if anyone would be willing to donatemoney for the cause. In just one night, they raised $40,000.

Bringing people together for in a laid-back setting can be a great way to approachthe synthetic turf issue. Sporting events make the topic relevant and hosting it at alocal restaurant or neighbor’s home makes for a comfortable environment.

• Town Meeting:

Town meetings can be a great place to share information about synthetic turf

fields. With influential community members gathered in one place, you’re likelyto address the right people. Be sure you request time to speak. This can be donethrough your local town hall.

• School Events:

o Homecoming pep rallyo School board meetingo Halftime at a school sporting event

• See Reaching the Finish Line ‘Fundraising Ideas’ page for additional suggestions.

Follow Up:

• Be sure to collect contact information from all attendees using the enclosedattendance sheet. As you gather more information on synthetic turf fields, pass italong to those who are interested. These are also the people your Reaching theFinish Line Committee will reach out to for contributions. It’s essential to stay incontact with members of the community throughout the fundraising process tokeep them informed and aware of what is going on.



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Reaching the Finish LinePublic Gathering Attendance Sheet

Name Phone Number E-mail Address Mailing Address

1.___________________________________________________________________

2.___________________________________________________________________

3.___________________________________________________________________

4.___________________________________________________________________

5.___________________________________________________________________

6.___________________________________________________________________

7.___________________________________________________________________

8.___________________________________________________________________

9.___________________________________________________________________

10.__________________________________________________________________

11.__________________________________________________________________

12.__________________________________________________________________

13.__________________________________________________________________

14.__________________________________________________________________

15.__________________________________________________________________

16.__________________________________________________________________



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Name Phone Number E-mail Address Mailing Address

17.__________________________________________________________________

18.__________________________________________________________________

19.__________________________________________________________________

20.__________________________________________________________________

21.__________________________________________________________________

22.__________________________________________________________________

23.__________________________________________________________________

24.__________________________________________________________________

25.__________________________________________________________________

26.__________________________________________________________________

27.__________________________________________________________________

28.__________________________________________________________________

29.__________________________________________________________________

30.__________________________________________________________________

31.__________________________________________________________________

32.__________________________________________________________________

33.__________________________________________________________________

34.__________________________________________________________________

35.__________________________________________________________________



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Fundraising Ideas

There are a variety of ways to raise money to pay for a synthetic turf field. The list belowwill give you ideas on how to raise the money needed:

• Sell the naming rights to your field – This tactic can help you bring in majordollars. At one high school, former football players banded together to raisemoney and bought the naming rights to their high school field for $100,000 sothey could name it after their coach. High profile community members may bewilling to buy the naming rights for a set period of time, anywhere between

five to 10 years.

• Reach out to community youth sports leagues – The durability of syntheticturf allows it to be played on year long and in all types of weather. Thisaffords you the opportunity to rent your field to community sports leagues.Make a deal with these groups. If they commit to donating a certain amountfor the installation of the field, then you will allow them to play a certainamount of hours on it each year.

• Promote the field at Friday night football games – This is one of the bestplaces to share your dream of bringing in a synthetic turf field. This begins

with the initial announcement of your project. Let the crowd know what youwant to do, why you want to do it and how they can help. Then, every Fridaynight before home football and soccer games, stand in front of the crowd andupdate them on the status of the project. Let them know where fundraisingefforts stand and how much money is still needed. Ask for donations to helpthe process and repeat this announcement at every game.

• Identify the ‘heavy hitters’ – It’s important to reach out to influential peoplein your community. These are the people who have anywhere from $1,000 to$5,000 they can donate to the project. The number of people on this list, alongwith the amount they are able to donate will vary in each community. Reach

out to these people with the following ideas:

• Host a unique fundraising event – Bring your community’s ‘heavy hitters’together for special events where they’ll have the chance to make donations.For example, the Bengals viewing party mentioned in the Public Gatheringssection of the packet may work for your community. Or you could invitepeople in for a wine tasting night. Guests pay for their ticket and then spendthe evening with a wine connoisseur. At the end of the evening, they’ll be



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given the chance to make a donation for the field (at one high school, an eventsimilar to this brought in $10,000 in one night). Work with the Reaching theFinish Line Committee to decide what will work best for your community.

• Host a community auction – This has the potential to turn into a huge

fundraising event. Reach out to community members asking them to donate tothe auction – tickets to professional sporting events, a weekend at a vacationhome, etc. One high school used this tactic and raised $46,000.

Hopefully these ideas will help you create fundraising events that will work in yourcommunity. Make it a goal to host many fundraising events, with a set goal.



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Public Funding Overview

Public funding is available using a variety of financing strategies. We recommend youexplore all of them. They include:

• Bond issues

• Capital levies

• Grant money - States are often willing to award grant monies to encourage theinstallation of a synthetic turf sports field for its environmental benefits.

It is important to note that even if a public high school decides to pay the cost of a newsports field with private money, the local government should be consulted and will likelywant to oversee the project.



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Fundraising Deadlines

It’s critical to set a goal for the completion of your fundraising efforts. This will ensureyour volunteers and committee members are working hard for the cause and are doingeverything they can to make it happen. If you have someone on your logistics committeewho is in charge of funding, please coordinate with them.

• Breakdown how much money is needed and how your Reaching the Finish LineCommittee can work together to raise it. Example:

o You need $______ for the project.o Fundraising breakdown:

Athletic Boosters $ ______Corporations $ ______Band/Other $ ______Boosters“Friends of the $ ______School”30 people x $5,00050 people x $1,000

TOTAL: $ ______

• Develop a detailed timeline for the project. Below is an example of a very generalschedule:

o Proposed Timeframe:

Month, Year: Gather a committee to develop a plan for the project. Includecommitments from businesses and community members. Educate the community onthe potential of this project and how it will affect the school district as a whole.

Month, Year – Month, Year: Get bids for the project.

Month, Year – Month, Year: Collect donations.

Month, Year – Month, Year: Install the synthetic turf at name of school.

Month, Year: Hold opening game/ribbon cutting ceremony to showcase the newfield.



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Fundraising Success Stories

High schools across the U.S. are receiving praise for their fundraising efforts andsynthetic turf triumphs. Below are just a few examples of recent schools in the news:

Fielding lots of compliments

Roosevelt proudly debuts artificial turf after raising money to renovate

stadium

By Stanley LeeAdvertiser Staff Writer

August 16, 2008

MAKIKI — Players ticked off all the reasons why they liked Roosevelt's newly renovated football stadium— artificial turf, synthetic track, less abrasions, no mud.

But perhaps the main reason is being able to call it their own. Emblazoned right in the middle of the $4.5million Ticky Vasconcellos Stadium is "RHS." Unlike years past when rain turned the previous field into amud pit, no mud will ever cover up "RHS." Again.

"You have it right in the middle," pointed out Roosevelt freshman player Leland Kaho'oilihala, who saidthat was the best feature of the field.

The Rough Rider JV and varsity football teams debuted their sparkling new stadium last night, withplayers, fans and alumni beaming at all the new features, and bemoaning all the bads of before.

"When we used to get hit on the field, we used to get all kind scratches," Roosevelt sophomore quarterback Matt Lono said. "Now you just get turf burn. It's not as bad."

Roosevelt is the only public high school in the state with an artificial-turf field, and just one of a handful of state high schools to even have that luxury. Aside from the new turf, the field includes a synthetic track,new long jump and pole vault pits, shot put area and concession stand. The project was a collaborativeeffort from private and public sectors, and alumni who remembered everything Roosevelt had to offer andwanted to give back for it.

The field debuted just in time for the school's commencement ceremony in June. But last night marked thebeginning of months worth of prep football to be held every weekend.



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The junior varsity team even christened it with a 20-6 win over Campbell. The blazing sun started off theirgame, but when it was all over after Lono threw two touchdowns and ran in for another, the lightsilluminated the brand-new facility.

"It's a good feeling," said Roosevelt sophomore running back Willy Kaina. "We're the first public schoolwith a rubber track and turf field. We're blessed to have this field."

NO more flooding Before, the grass field became roughed up from daily practices and weekend games. Four schools —Roosevelt, Farrington, Kaimuki and McKinley — all play home games at Roosevelt.

Crushed rock and drains beneath the field will prevent standing water and mud of the old field.

"Back then, the field was muddy and dry and hard," said Tracie Kaho'oilihala, a 1982 Roosevelt graduatewhose two sons, Leland and Leighton, play for the JV team. "When it rain, it flooded."

Ronalyn Rosenberg, a Roosevelt graduate, echoed many of the same feelings other alumni in the stands

had.

"I wish it was here when I was here," said Rosenberg, whose son plays for Campbell's varsity team.

Raising money Keith Amemiya, Hawai'i High School Athletic Association executive director, found out three years agoabout a grant from the National Football League that provides funding for field renovation.

The grant from the NFL and its field renovation partner, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, wouldprovide $200,000 if that amount was matched. To seek ways to raise funds, Amemiya contacted Roosevelt

alum and attorney Bert T. Kobayashi Jr., former First Hawaiian Bank CEO Walter Dods and State Sen.Brian Taniguchi, D-10th (Manoa, Mo'ili'ili, McCully, Makiki).

Kobayashi led alumni fundraising efforts, getting retired Circuit Judge Marie Milks and State Sen CarolFukunaga, D-11th (Makiki, Punchbowl, Ala Moana, McCully), to co-chair Roosevelt's 75th AnniversaryDinner. The November 2005 event raised $600,000.

Roosevelt graduate Gigi Velasco, who helped coordinate fundraising efforts, said the school's sense of 'ohana has kept students coming back.

"From high school, a lot of us come back," said Velasco, a 1990 graduate. "I helped coach for a little whileand just helped out. The school and faculty is very family oriented here. You just automatically come back and support."

Taniguchi helped secure another $4 million from the Legislature. Amemiya and his wife, Bonny, donated$20,000 for a new wireless scoreboard, and Hawai'i 3R's executive director Ryan Shigetani helped lead avolunteer effort to repaint the stadium's concrete bleachers.

"Once people found out that this was going on and that they needed funds for the field — a lot of peoplefound out really fast — they were willing to support," Velasco said.



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Student pride In the end, the students will benefit the most from Ticky Vasconcellos Stadium, named after the coach wholed the Rough Riders to three straight Interscholastic League of Honolulu titles from 1955 to 1957. Thestadium is also home to Roosevelt's soccer and track and field teams.

"Not that much public schools get to experience what we have," Lono said.

"It's a beautiful facility and a great thing for the kids to have," said Melissa Ahuna, a Campbell parent.

Sumi Ortanes, a 1981 Roosevelt graduate, hopes the stadium will be a source of pride for students.

Roosevelt High School football player Kainalu Ah-Mook-Sang caught the ball during a warmup before aJV game against Campbell last night, in which the Rough Riders won 20-6. It took a group fundraisingeffort to renovate the stadium. More photos at honoluluadvertiser.com.



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Artificial turf installed at Memorial Field

By Steven Ryan

Needham High School football players practice on the freshly installed artificial

turf at Memorial Field.

Needham - The Needham High School football team stepped onto the freshly installed artificial field atMemorial Field for practice this week, marking the completion of a major part of the town’s fieldrenovation efforts — but there is still a lot of work ahead.

“The end of construction is within sight,” said Patty Carey, the director of the Park and RecreationDepartment. “But it’s just the beginning of what my department and the Department of Public Works has todo. For us, the second beginning is in sight.”

Carey’s department and the DPW now must develop and execute a strategy to maintain the field, whichwill see increased activity. With the grass field, use was limited in order to maintain the grass.

“This is a whole different thing,” Carey said. “It’s a different material in the ground; the schedule isdifferent. It’s a learning experience for everyone … Now [the field] can take on more things.”

Also, the Board of Selectmen is currently working with the Board of Health on safety protocols for theartificial field, with some folks in town feeling vapor from the crumb rubber infill may be unsafe, alongwith worries that the field may become too hot in the summer.

Overall, the work at Memorial Field is still ongoing, as the town is about two to three weeks away fromlaying sod at the new 90-foot diamond at the park, with an eye on having the field ready for the spring.



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“The roots still need to come out of the sod carpet,” Carey said, explaining why the diamond will be fencedin until the spring.

Another noticeable change at Memorial Park is the large granite-looking staircases leading to the field fromHighland Avenue.

Work at the DeFazio Park, which will see a new track and two synthetic fields, began in at the end of June,with the goal of having those fields completed in time for the busy spring season. The artificial fields couldbe ready as really as mid-fall.

And the fundraising is still ongoing, as the Needham Sports Council, which was formed to take charge of the project, seeks to raise at least another $120,000 to meet its $5.5 million private fundraising goal.

“We will continue to go out and reach out to every generous citizen of Needham,” said Selectman JimHealy, who was the chairman of the Field Study Committee, the committee that initiated the fieldrenovations.

Cabot, Cabot & Forbes recently donated $50,000 to the project.

“We’re grateful to Mr. Doherty and his willingness to donate to the town,” Healy said.

The developer initiated the permitting process for Charles River Landing, a 350-unit affordable housingproject currently under construction on Second Avenue. CC&F is also looking to develop three buildings of office space in the New England Business Center.

Also, Muzi Motors Inc. donated a 2008 Chevy Impala under sticker value to help raise funds. The car isbeing raffled off, with the hope of doubling the amount the Needham Sports Council paid for it. The raffleis expected to take place by the end of the year.

The tickets are being sold at Sudbury Farms and will also be sold at Friday night football and soccer games.The tickets are being going for $100 apiece, with a limit of 500 tickets to be sold. If they sell 500 tickets, it

would more than double the price of the car.

“It’s actually a way to also raise moneys to set aside for the maintenance and repair fund,” Healy said.

Healy is hoping the last $120,000 for construction costs can be raised by Oct. 1.

“As we get to the last fundraising goal, we are happy with anything anybody can do,” Healy said. “It istruly one of the great examples of community spirit and charitable giving in this town.”

Bruce Herman, president of the Needham Sports Council, noted more folks are showing interest in theproject now that it’s taking shape.

“The dream is starting to some true,” Herman said.

Steven Ryan can be reached at [email protected].



Implementation Tips

1. Contact the right people – Once your school is ready to move ahead with a syntheticturf field, make sure you contact the right professionals along the way. Before reachingout to vendors, it’s important to find engineering or architectural consultants with whomyou can discuss the overall design of the project. They will help the process run smootherand give you a better understanding of what you need to know prior to meeting withsynthetic turf installation companies. For a complete list of the STC’s IndependentProfessionals and Consultants, click here:http://www.syntheticturfcouncil.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=107

2. Do your research – Most synthetic turf installations require drainage calculations,building permits and clearly established design parameters. This information should beprepared and approved by licensed professionals. For more information on this process,click here: http://www.syntheticturfcouncil.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr to visit the STC’s website and order a copy of the ‘Suggested Guidelines for the EssentialElements of Synthetic Turf Systems.’ As you take these steps, make sure you are assistedby qualified professionals.

3. Be specific - As you collect information about the needs for your synthetic turf field,make sure to clearly define your plans. Your project specifications will ultimately be thebasis of the contractors’ and vendors’ bids and will give the School Board and otherdecision makers the assurance that the project will be a success.

4. Ask questions - As your school moves closer to installing a synthetic turf field,questions will certainly arise. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or visit the STC’s websitefor additional information. Our goal is to facilitate better understanding in the selection,delivery and use of your synthetic turf system.

Documents

STC_Reaching the Finish Line Packet_032509_FINAL