Operations to complete in December:
- Dealing with Snow, Ice and Frost
December often brings us the first snowfall of the year, as well as leaf and ground frost. It’s important to be aware of the impact these can have and how to deal appropriately with a variety of scenarios that can impact the pitch and its playability.
- Grass has stopped growing – what next?
By December grass typically begins to stop growing so you’ll have more time to focus on other things; like using your pitch grooming and aeration equipment, divoting and repairs. Remember, if the ground is too wet avoid using any machinery.
- Winter servicing
December is the ideal time of year to get your machinery in for servicing or repair and ensure it’s back ready to go when you need it again. If you don’t have one in place already, create a maintenance schedule for your equipment, in line with the operator’s manual (most of which can be found online if you don’t have paper copies). Not only does regular servicing and maintenance help to ensure the longevity, efficiency and safety of equipment, but it also helps with budgeting for the upkeep of equipment.
- Divot repair
With the weather not always on our side at this time of year, one thing you can still do to care for your pitch is divot repair. It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways of keeping your pitch in a good condition. Whilst it may be quite time-consuming, even an hour spent repairing the worst of the damage after play or training is time well spent.
- Fixture management
Managing fixtures in December requires careful planning and considering of factors such as weather and player welfare, to ensure your pitches and players stay happy. Here are some tips for managing your fixtures:
Stay informed about the local weather conditions. December can bring cold temperatures, rain and even sometimes snow. Be prepared to adjust schedules or take necessary precautions based on weather forecasts.
Be flexible with your fixtures schedule and reschedule matches to other dates if the weather is likely to be better on those.
Communicate regularly with teams, players, and officials. Keep everyone up- to- date about any changes in fixture schedules, venue changes, or other relevant information.
Have clear protocols in place for rescheduling fixtures. Consider factors such as available dates, venue availability, availability of Club Officers, Coaches, Volunteers and players for the dates in question.
