Choosing a Dugout Bench

An article about the NewYork Mets’ dugout gives us a look into the dugout and its parts as well as the unwritten rules of sitting in the benches. This is where the players prepare and rest during the game, cheer on their teammates, and talk about strategies. Needless to say, players may spend as much time on the benches as in the field, especially in baseball. Thus, designing and planning the dugout is as important as the field. The player bench must be safe, durable, and sturdy.

Choosing a player bench is dependent on factors such as length, seating capacity, and the support required. Depending on the sports’ needs, get a bench without a backrest, with a backrest, or with a backrest and a shelf as well. For example, soccer teams don’t have a lot of equipment. A bench without backrest might do well in this case. However, for sports like baseball, football, and hockey where players wear helmets, gloves/mitts, and padding, it is suitable to include a shelf for them to stack their gear on. Players can also sit on the shelf for an elevated view of the field. A bench with a backrest assures that the players can rest and sit back comfortably.

Dugout benches can be made from different kind of materials such as wood, expanded steel covered with PVC, and aluminum. Wooden benches are cheap but have a shorter lifespan. Benches made from steel are easy to maintain. Aluminum benches are rustproof and durable. Look for benches that are heavy-duty and low maintenance.   You should also look for the option of customizing the color of the benches to match your team’s colors.

Also, choose the type of mounting depending on your needs. Player benches can be portable meaning not mounted, surface mounted where screws are drilled on the surface but can be dismounted afterwards and moved to a different location, or mounted in-ground where the poles are drilled several inches into the ground. 

As the owner of the field, it is necessary to provide a comfortable and safe dugout for the team. Team members should only think about the game and not be worried about their safety while off the field.

Sturdy-Lite Sports is a U.S. manufacturer and distributor of aluminum Bleacher products which comply with all provisions in ICC 300-2007  and 300-2012

Bleacher Aluminum Planks Theft Solution and Prevention

More and more people are looking for a way to earn fast cash and bleachers have become an unusual target. Over the years, several incidents of bleacher planks theft have been reported to the police (news item for Le Roy, New York and Auburn, Alabama). Most cases have been seen to occur during the winter when parks, fields, and playgrounds are mostly deserted and during summer breaks in schools. These reported instances happened in areas far from the streets and rarely seen by passersby.

Be vigilant! Avoid being a victim of bleacher planks theft.

Aluminum planks are sold as scrap metal and are bought per pound by metal recycling shops. The planks are taken and cut off into smaller pieces before it’s mixed with other metals to avoid being noticed in the recycling shops. The thieves could get a hundred dollars out of the planks while the owners will need to shell out mostly over a thousand dollars for the replacement. Clearly, the problem of theft cannot be ignored with this hefty cost of replacement.

This is the reason why anti-theft prevention should be part of the planning and design phase of a bleacher system. You will find manufacturers that offer cheap bleacher systems but you also need to consider the quality of the wedges and bolts: Can these easily be wrenched off by thieves? 

Here are some tips to prevent and discourage theft:

• Get a bleacher system with a Plank Lock Theft Deterrent System. Special nut and bolt fasteners are used to secure the planks to the bleacher frames and once assembled, the same tools cannot be used to loosen and disassemble the joints.
• Conduct regular maintenance checks even during winter. Check for loose nuts and bolts and for signs of dismantling.
• Paint the planks with the park or stadium’s name or mark it with any identifier as recommended by an officer of Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries. It will be harder for the thieves to sell it to scrap metal shops if they see it as a property of the park.
• In the case of portable/temporary bleachers, ensure that the storage area is properly secured and locked.

In case a theft has already occurred, immediately alert the local police. The police will sound the alarm and coordinate with the recycling shops to be on the lookout for aluminum scrap sellers. Thieves were caught and apprehended in some of the reported cases but the planks were found to be already cut up and unusable. The key here lies in deploying preventive measures.

Sturdy-Lite Sports is a U.S. manufacturer and distributor of aluminum Bleacher products which comply with all provisions in ICC 300-2007 and 300-2012

How To Anchor Aluminum Bleachers

Bleacher systems, aside from bearing gravity, must be able to withstand different loads: its intrinsic weight (dead load), the weight of the occupants (live load), and environmental loads such as wind uplift load and sway load. For safety purposes, bleachers must be securely anchored to support these loads, avoid shaking and bending under the weight of the crowd, as well as avoid being overturned by the wind. 
 

Bleacher anchors should be part of the planning and design

Governing building codes state the minimum load requirements. Codes and standards, along with the owners’ requirements, are the guidelines in designing a bleacher system. Check this link to see a sample of a bleacher system specifications document. Load requirements for structural frames, decking system, handrails/guardrails, and seat boards are provided by the client.

Here are samples of design load requirements:

1.   Structural – Framing Members

- Dead Load: 6 PSF

- Live Load: 100 PSF

2.     Decking System

- Dead Load: 6 PSF

- Live Load: 100 PSF

- Sway Load: 24 PLF per row parallel to seat, 10 PLF per row perpendicular to seat

3.     Wind uplift load 250 PLF at 150mph

There are two ways to anchor bleachers depending on the bleacher type:

• Use of concrete foundations 

Bleachers can be anchored on concrete slab under the entire bleacher or on a concrete strip under each bleacher frame. Holes are drilled into the concrete and wedge anchors are used to connect and secure the bleachers. This type of anchoring is used in bigger bleacher systems such as in stadiums and baseball fields.

• Auger type earth anchors

In places where it is not possible to use concrete foundations such as asphalt, soil, gravel, or grass, auger anchors can be steered into a hole in the soil and then fastened to the bleacher frames using hold down straps. Be sure to check on the quality of the soil. Avoid selecting heavily compacted soil for anchorage because it can hinder auger anchor installation and can lead to insufficient load resistance. Ground anchoring is commonly used with portable and temporary bleachers.

Whether the bleachers will be anchored to a concrete slab or on soil, make sure to plan the design thoroughly and in compliance with the latest versions of the applicable codes such as Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (ACI. 318) and ICC 300 “Standard for Bleachers, Folding and Telescopic Seating, and Grandstands” to ensure public safety. In the case of retrofitting existing bleachers, ground anchoring should also be inspected and if needed, redesigned according to the Guidelines for Retrofitting Bleachers released by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. 


Sturdy-Lite Sports is a U.S. manufacturer and distributor of aluminum Bleacher products which comply with all provisions in ICC 300-2007 and 300-2012

Aluminum Bleachers Maintenance Checklist

Outdoor sporting facilities take a lot of abuse from the elements through the seasons – wind, rain, snow, sleet, hail, and all of the temperature changes that come with these. When it comes to the equipment left on the grounds to withstand such conditions, the managers and maintenance personnel should be well-versed in conducting inspections and preventive maintenance routines, not just so everything stays looking nice, but to check for weathered surfaces and structures that can pose safety risks to the visitors.

Bleacher systems should be subject to regular inspections to ensure public safety

When it comes to bleacher seating, there have been numerous lawsuits that originated from a person falling or getting hurt on bleachers. A good, well-kept maintenance log is one tool to help you in case any accident occurs and a lawsuit is involved.

Logs are not that hard so let’s set up one while we are at it:

Things to Check	Notes	Location	Personal	Date
A	Good	Right Bleacher	Jim Bob	7-30-14
B	Fair	Center Bleacher	Jim Bob	8-12-14
C	Broken	Fence	Jim Bob	8-21-14

That is all that is needed: a log of what you’re checking, the condition of the item, location of the park or the bleacher which has the broken, bent, or cracked item. Include the signature of the person who checked the bleacher and the date when it was inspected. The better the notes, the more likely you are to track the condition of the facility. If the condition worsens from one event to the next, you will at least have an idea of when it broke.

When is the best time to check the bleachers? The key maintenance schedule is before and after every event. Have someone go out and check them. In most cases, anything that will happen to the bleachers will be during an event where people are on the bleachers, jumping and cheering for their team. It is best to have the same individual go out every time since he/she will be most familiar. It is preferable to do the check during good visual conditions where the person can see everything on the bleacher.

Lastly, know what to watch out for. Here is a good list of what to check:

• Make sure that the bleachers are leveled. Take a level place it on a couple of the seat planks to check. 
• Check the anchor points. Verify if there are bolts that have backed out or if there are cracks in the concrete. Check all welds for cracks or breaks.
•  Check all planks and trusses for bends.
•  Lastly, check the fencing for any breaks or any pulling away from the anchor points. The fence should be tight in all places.

If you do find a problem, don’t brush it off; there could be a chance for a serious injury to happen if you choose to ignore it. Contact maintenance immediately. 

This is a sample bleacher inspection checklist every maintenance department can use as a template to start from. You can also use techniques such as taking photos to keep track of facility wear and tear. A thorough inspection must be regularly performed. When it comes to public safety, there is no such thing as being too meticulous.

Sturdy-Lite Sports is a U.S. manufacturer and distributor of aluminum Bleacher products which comply with all provisions in ICC 300-2007 and 300-2012

Quick Facts About Bleachers

Multitudes of spectators fill up stadiums to watch their favorite athletic teams play; oftentimes stomping their feet and cheering loudly from the bleachers. These benches were called “bleaching boards” up until 1889, when the first recorded use of the word “bleachers” was made. The word “bleacher” evolved from the phrase “bleached by the sun” used to describe the wooden benches which color faded to white after being exposed under the sun for so long.

Permanent bleachers installation

Two centuries later, bleachers are now made from aluminum or galvanized steel and are categorized depending on its function. The categories include the following: 

• Permanent bleachers are installed in large athletic fields, such as football and baseball fields, anchored to concrete slabs and are fitted with a variety of seat options. 
• Portable bleachers, commonly called Tip N’ Roll bleachers, are used for additional seating capacity and for small pop-up events such as performances and plays. After the event, the bleachers can be rolled away for easy storage. 
• To maximize space in small venues like in pool decks, telescopic or retractable bleachers made from molded plastic seats can be folded when not in use. The bleacher seats are made to withstand high humidity. 
• If there is a need for additional capacity for special events, organizers can get temporary bleachers from rental companies. 

Aside from the bleacher function and purpose, size and capacity are also considered in evaluating bleacher options.

Since bleachers hold a number of spectators at a given time, safety is top priority. Building codes are in place to ensure the viewers’ protection. When the top seat height exceeds 30” as in the case of elevated bleachers, safety features such as guardrail, handrail, riser, and foot planks are required. Elevated bleachers are best deployed to improve the viewing experience during football, baseball, and tennis events. 

Low-rise bleachers perfect for little league fields

On the other hand, low-rise bleachers have the first row seats 10”-12” away from the ground. An advantage of using low-risers is that the top seat height is below 30” so it does not require railings to meet building and safety codes, which also makes it a cheaper option. However, seating in the front row might be a little uncomfortable for adults. Low-rise bleachers are best installed for use in little league baseball fields and elementary school events.

From the ‘bleached’ look in the 19^th century, bleachers now come painted in different colors depending on the stadium’s design or it could also reflect the home team’s colors. In the case of bleachers for baseball stadiums, the seats directly in the line of sight of the batter or the center-field bleachers are painted dark in contrast to the white ball. This allows the batter to keep sight of the ball in flight.  

Here’s a fun fact: one brilliant bleacher coloring idea came from Fenway Park. In a sea of green-colored seats, one red seat stands out at the right lower bleachers section. The seat was painted red to commemorate the pitch made by Red Sox’ Ted Williams that launched the ball 502 feet into the air, marking the longest homerun ever hit at Fenway Park. Viewers can relive that glorious moment by paying $23 to grab the coveted seat.


Sturdy-Lite Sports is a U.S. manufacturer and distributor of aluminum Bleacher products which comply with all provisions in ICC 300-2007 and 300-2012

How Safe is the Bleacher Seating At Sporting Facilities?

How Safe is the Bleacher Seating At Sporting Facilities?

There are several potential hazards involved with bleacher and grandstand seating, yet many people attending sporting events as well as facility managers and contractors who install such equipment are unaware of how to identify and avoid exposure to them.

Per this WKYC News segment, "unless bleachers were built within the last couple of years they are not likely to be up to code," exposing users to injury and facilities to lawsuits (example ; example), among other things.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) was petitioned in 1999 to develop a publication which established guidelines and standards for bleachers and grandstands. During a 'roundtable meeting' they identified several disturbing statistics:

• 4 deaths due to a fall from bleacher seating that were reported due within the timeframe of 1988-1999
• an average of 19,100 injuries requiring emergency room (ER) visits due to inadequate safety features of bleachers occurred annually each year from 1991-1998
• In 1999 alone, there were 22,100 injuries treated in ERs which involved bleachers – about 6,100 of these were due to falling from the bleachers onto the surface below. Eighty percent of the 6,100 involved children under the age of 15
• Children who fell from bleachers were 50% more likely to incur an injury to the head than any other body area

• Many seating assemblies at sporting facilities involve bleachers with large openings between seat and walkway planks, often more than several feet above ground level, with no protective guard to prevent a person from falling through, especially small children. Worse yet, many installations did not have guards at the backs or ends of seating.

Suppliers of aluminum bleachers often make claims that their products are ICC300-2007 'compliant'...how much? Full compliance to all provisions, some compliance to some provisions? In addition, the CPSC has recommended (in Publication 330):

 “only use chain link fencing which has a mesh size of 1.25-inch square or less...so that the widest measurement of the openings measures 1.75 inches or less. This will discourage climbing by young children.” 

While exclusive of ICC regulation, many suppliers do not adhere to this design feature in their product offerings. Everyone should be aware of bleacher safety issues, and be proactive with reporting & avoiding such if need be.

Common fall hazards – most are caused by one or more of the following conditions:

• Missing/defective guardrails – sides, back, or front (if elevated). A 2012 incident in Illinois involving a loose guardrail led to a woman's fall and injury, resulting in a property negligence lawsuit
• Openings between adjacent seat, walkway or guardrail members – per ICC, openings should be 4” or less in railings, or gaps. A 2010 incident in Washington state resulted in an infant falling 20-30' to the ground below
• Open sections of the guardrail – compromised or non-existent fencing.
• Inadequate/missing anchoring – if soil has low compaction or bleacher has more than rows, a strip foundation and slab of concrete construction (as specified in accordance with the latest edition of the American Concrete Institute's ACI 318-02 "Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Concrete”) in conjunction with concrete anchors is required.

Common structural issues – factors due to faults in:

• design and/or manufacturing
• installation process and/or conditions
• inspection and/or maintenance
• misuse (overloading, sway forces, etc.)

So...

– Contractors who assemble and install bleachers should follow all applicable building codes specific to the product (ICC 300-2007 or 2012, CPSC 330) as well as the Manufacturer's instructions included with the product
– Users of bleacher and grandstand seating should be proactive but practical when attending sporting events – before accessing the structure, take a brief look (1-2 minutes) at the overall seating assembly and note any areas which show compromised members (bends, punctures, missing fastener bolts or nuts at frame or seat junctions). Notify facilities staff of any issues observed, and consider sitting/standing elsewhere if you are unsure of seating safety, and conditions permit. While such matters should be addressed by facility managers before an event, you should employ a 'trust but verify' approach to your own safety as well as fellow spectators
– Facility managers and maintenance personnel should recognize their responsibility to use preventive maintenance practices, and spread awareness and training to their staff – ICC 300-2007 indicates:
“All existing tiered seating shall be inspected and evaluated at least once a year by a qualified person for compliance with the provisions of this chapter. All folding and telescopic seating shall be inspected to evaluate compliance with the manufacturer’s installation and operational instructions, including an inspection during the opening and closing of such seating.”

• Routine inspection and maintenance schedules should be created, followed, and recorded for each location/facility – the frequency of which should be based on the amount of use. For example, a facility which hosts several areas schools for their sporting events should be designated by facility managers for bi-annual or quarterly inspections
  
• Any accidents involving one or more persons in contact with bleacher seating should be recorded and reported to administrative staff for review and decision as to implementation of corrective actions.
  

Every spectator should be able to enjoy events without fear of mishap or injury; however, as with many other things in our daily activities there is no 100% guarantee of avoiding adversity. Therefore, all of us should be proactive and self-responsible to reasonable extent with personal safety.


Sturdy-Lite Sports is a U.S. manufacturer and distributor of aluminum Bleacher products which comply with all provisions in ICC 300-2007 and 300-2012