Due to inclement weather & poor field conditions, Lil Sluggers is cancelled today (7/20).
If we had artificial turf, we still wouldn't have Lil Sluggers due to the heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Over on Lebo Fields, Dave Franklin put up a video from Penn State in his latest post, The Facts About Injuries and Turf. Dave provides an excellent link to Penn State's studies. I found the following information. http://plantscience.psu.edu/research/centers/ssrc/news/2011/from-the-field-december-2010
If we had artificial turf, we still wouldn't have Lil Sluggers due to the heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Over on Lebo Fields, Dave Franklin put up a video from Penn State in his latest post, The Facts About Injuries and Turf. Dave provides an excellent link to Penn State's studies. I found the following information. http://plantscience.psu.edu/research/centers/ssrc/news/2011/from-the-field-december-2010
So what do these studies tell us? Based on the results of the available research, the notion that athletes are at a greater risk of suffering injury when playing on synthetic turf is not valid, if they are playing on infilled synthetic turf. It is important to look at these studies collectively, as a whole, and not cherry pick the data from one part of one study. The fact of the matter is that while these studies are the best way to track injuries occurring on various surfaces, all research suffers from inherent limitations. For example, it is sometimes difficult to determine whether the surface contributed to an injury. Additionally, lumping all natural grass fields into one category is problematic, as the condition of grass fields can greatly vary. Surely, a hard, compacted field with little turf cover has a greater potential to cause an injury than a finely manicured field. This is true for infilled synthetic turf as well. The age, type, and maintenance of the surface can affect the playing quality. Nevertheless, when looked at collectively, the take away message from the available research is that the rate of injury on natural grass and infilled synthetic turf is comparable.OK, so artificial turf adds zero slots to playing time during thunderstorms. Injury rate is comparable to both natural grass and infilled synthetic turf. What about costs? Surely artificial turf is cheaper according to the YSA. Well, according to the same Penn State link, their studies say no. Resources
The general conclusions listed under Natural turf or synthetic turf: The numbers game:
- Synthetic infill systems can handle up to six times more traffic than natural turf fields in high-use situations
- Synthetic infill systems are less expensive to construct and maintain than sand-based fields; but they are much more expensive than soil-based fields.
- An existing sand-based field will be less expensive to maintain over a period of 10 years, than constructing and maintaining a new synthetic field that will need to be replaced at the end of that period.
- Existing soil-based fields are the least expensive of all to establish and maintain.
Update: Friday, July 20, 2012 3:09 PM An important seminar for the YSA:
501(c)(3) Status:
Keeping it Legal with the IRS | ||
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29 comments:
you're also not factoring in the source of the information. The Penn State Center for Sports Surface Research is part of the College of Agricultrual Sciences, which routinely has to justify its existence in order to get funding.
Oh, I almost forgot. The Sports Surface Research Center was co-founded with a company called FieldTurf, a corporation that is involved in--what else--the sales of synthetic and artifical surfaces. Gee, I wonder if the findings in the report would be influence at all by virute of their corporate partner...let me think...this is a tough one...anyone care to help me with an answer? So how many strikes does Franklin have against him now? Like 20? This should pretty much be game over, right?
Who authored the Penn State study, Sandusky, Paterno, or Curley?
Reading Lebofields is like listening to one of those typical conversations between a parent and a young child.
Child:
"mommy buy me that new artificial turf, please. I'll run faster, play harder and stay out of your hair more. Buy it for me please, please, puleazzzze!"
Mom:
"now Lil. DeeDee, do you really think you HAVE TO HAVE artificial turf to have fun?"
Child:
"oh yes mommy! Artificial turf is the bestest playing surface in the whole wide world! The commercials wouldn't say it if it weren't true!" Buy it for me mommy, please, please, please."
Mom:
"not right now DeeDee! Things aren't going well for your dad and I at work right now, your sister needs braces and there are a lot of things we need before artificial turf."
Child:
Whaaaa, whaaaa, you don't love me, you hate sports, I hate you, I hate you, I HATE YOU!" "Huey St. Clair's parents bought him artificial turf, why can't we buy it?" "whaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!"
And the battle goes on, until the next big thing comes along.
Your post is not factual Elaine. If there were turf, the field could have been used the majority of the day, as well as this evening.
Of course. Thunderstorms are on their way again this afternoon and early evening. Don't let the kids use metal bats and they are good to go.
Elaine
Facts? Who needs facts when you can use bold letters to only highlight the conclusions that fit your own narrative?
You also could have put the following conclusion in bold to bolster the other sides' argument:
"Synthetic infill systems can handle up to six times more traffic than natural turf fields in high-use situations."
You know, it is perfectly conceivable that both sides have valid points...
Really 3:13!!! What planet are you living on?
It was pouring this morning in our neighborhood until around 9:30. Then all he'll broke loose about 1:30 and it's now 3:21 and still looks damp and miserable.
So factually, who do you think wants to go slosh around on some field 3:13?
Tuesday night at 7:00, it was clear and sunny and there wasn't a soul on Mellon Field and there were none still at 8:30. So tell me again why we need more field time. Oh I know Tuesday night was an aberration, someone in the YSA forgot there were Tuesday nights in a week!
Whaaaa, whaaaa, I don't care what you say, I hate you! But buy me artificial turf anyway! Whaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!
Franklin is rounding up the turf supporters for upcoming meetings on LFs. Your Blog readers need to put up or shut up.
Yes 3:25 PM, I could have highlighted that part. What part of the IRS seminar would you like me to highlight?
Any of this?
501(c)(3) organizations must do to keep their tax-exempt status. Topics covered will include:
Tax-exempt status
Unrelated business income
Employement issues
Form 990 series
Required disclosures
Elaine
3:13 & 3:25 suggestion!
Why don't the 'two of you' take a break from harassing Elaine with your nonsense and head up to the Lebo course for a nice relaxing round of golf. I'm sure you can walk right on.
I suggest you stick real tight with your irons, wouldn't want to see you lose them in the next thunderburst.
3:33 PM, thank you for that "friendly" reminder. The next Commission meeting is Monday, July 23. The agendas haven't been posted on the municipal website, so for now, the Discussion Session is set for 6:30. The time varies depending on how much needs to be covered either in executive session or in the Discussion Session. The regular Commission meeting always starts at 8:00 PM.
Elaine
Latest LeboALERT:
This is an important notice from LeboALERT.
Do to inclement weather, the Swim Center is closed for the day.
If they only had artificial turf...
Elaine
The Mt. Lebanon PTA & MLFE should also attend the IRS 501(c)(3) seminar...they and the YSA could all hold hands during the scary parts.
Bill Lewis
Good one, Bill!
The agendas have been posted for Monday's meetings. The Discussion Session will begin at 6:15. The agenda for the Discussion Session has "Matt Kluck turf information" listed. Discussion Agenda
Elaine
Perhaps Elaine for those that can't make rme meeting or even for those that will- you could post a link to the commissioners blanket email.
I've let them know my position, the more voices they here the better.
I would sign it, the commissioners don't bite like some people we know.
Good idea. The commissioners' email address is commission@mtlebanon.org
Elaine
I should add that the Commission Discussion Session does not permit residents' comments, but you can sign up to speak at the 8:00 meeting. The sign up sheet will be on the table in the back of the commission chambers. I'll be there to record both meetings.
Elaine
I thought your readers might interested in a little poll inconducted with some of the neighborhood kids today. Seems there were a lot around due to the crummy weather.
I asked "please list top two things to do on a day like today?"
#1 was "getting kicked out of the Lebo pool due to weather conditions."
#2 was stand on a an artificially turfed field and kick a soaking wet ball around while waiting for the thunderstorm to roll thru"
So, Lebofields is right, we just have to spend $1.3 million on fake grass. It's for the kiddies.
I am still confused about something and maybe someone can answer it. What is the big deal about having a practice or game cancelled? So the kids can’t play at the ball field today, what about hanging out with friends in the neighborhood?
Signed, Confused
11:02 it's not a big deal, in every life a little rain must fall sometimes.
The biggest question I have is why would an individual lobby so intensely on something they feel our kids need so desperately, yet hasn't made any effort to create some fund, grant or donation go get the 'balls rolling' sort of speak?
We hear promises of financial participation, unfortunately we heard that too on a field maintenance agreement that seems to never been followed.
Their intentions would be more believable if they walked in with a big check.
Instead they want people that don't want fake grass to fulfill their wish list.
I agree with you 11:02 if a game gets rained out it's no big deal.
I am noticing a pattern. If I highlight something that supports natural grass, I get sarcasm. When I mention 990's, the IRS, or nonsufficient funds, there is silence. The YSA sure hated to be called Deadbeat Athletic Supporters, but never did anything to clear their names except whine.Show me the money, Mrs. Franklin!
Elaine
Am I hearing correctly that the YSA has raised their per-person dues rate to the few organizations that only sometimes fork over some money that the YSA may or may not pay over to the District ?
I guess they're feeling "legally obligated".
Franklin expects taxpayers to foot the bill. Got news for ya, pal--we already have. And we're not doing it for BS like putting turf on fields for little kids. Just when I thought nothing could top the glass skybridge at the high school, here you come with something even dumber. Congratulations. You've now proposed one of the most ridiculous things in the history of Mt. Lebanon.
See, if you could raise a few million bucks and then approach the commission and the town, I'm pretty sure your idea might gain favor. But "I want" isn't a plan. Please go away now and take your silly bog with you.
7:55 AM, are you saying that YSA has raised their dues for some but not all their groups which they may or may not pass on to the District?I am not sure what you are saying.
Elaine
8:56 AM, we all know that in spite of the YSA inferring in their IRS 990 returns that they represent all sports, field and non-field, in point of fact they do not. Further, of the field sports they otherwise would have us believe they represent, only a couple actually pay dues to the YSA, and then only sometimes and not always the required amounts.
I have very recently heard a well founded rumor that the YSA has raised its dues to all, but it seems "all" may only be a couple of field sports groups who will actually pay ?ka
What is YSA's purpose again? Remind me.
Elaine
8:47 do you really think the YSA is going raise $200,000 let alone $2,000,000 to turf a field?
They can't even come up with $30,000 a year to comply with the joint maintenance agreement.
I'm sorry my suggestion drives you batty, but I firmly believe if the YSA arrived with a $2 million check, we'd have to seriously consider giving them their turfed field. The balance could then be invested to pay for the ongoing maintenance.
That way the money not used to maintain Wildcat/Middle could applied to the park and pool maintenance.
I seriously doubt the YSA will ever ever come to the table with A CHECK that even approaches 10% of the money needed. Then the commission could by drawing this line in the sand send Lebofields packing. They could say- we'll waste time investigating turf when you can pay for it, otherwise don't waste our time. Good day Lebofields!
9:38 AM, the YSA'a answer to the IRS 990 question in Part III "What is the organization's primary (tax) exempt purpose ?" has been and remains "To improve and establish safe and playable athletic facilities for the youth of Mt. Lebanon twp and Mt. Lebanon schools".
In response to the IRS instruction in Part III "Describe what was achieved in carrying out the organizations exempy purposes. In a clear and concise manner, describe the services provided, the number of persons benefited, or other relevant information for each program title" the YSA's unwavering answer has always been "Joint maintenance agreement with Mt. Lebanon Ttownship and Mt. Lebanon School District is to have regular meetings between parties involved to discuss conditions of facilities, and to give input and formulate ideas for maintenance and capital improvements".
Nowhere does the above reveal the entire YSA focus has been on fields alone - to the exclusion of community ice rink, pools, tennis courts, golf course, basketball courts. And the above does not admit that the meetings referred to among the parties are for only scheduling field usage for field sports groups twice a year.
This is a deadbeat, whiny, bullying organization that should be disbanded !
Let's take down the statue of Paterno, melt it down, and turn it into a statue of Stacy Franklin in honor of her hard work and dedication to the mission of Lebo Fields.
We can memorialize her on her very own plaque.
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