Project: Mason Middle School Renovation Owner: Mason City Schools Architect: VSWC Architects Contractor: Monarch Construction Co. Scope: Provide & Install Educational Casework, Millwork, and Athletic Equipment The renovations at Mason Middle School were just one part of the district’s Master Facilities Plan to create an efficient use of school facilities to produce the most benefit for the community’s…
Play Environment First, you need to determine what type of volleyball will be played on your system. Generally speaking, there are systems available for two types of play – competitive and recreational. Competitive volleyball play requires that the net be a certain height, depending on who is playing. Men’s net height should be 7’ 11-5/8”, women’s net height…
It won’t be long until we’re moving indoors for Basketball Season, is your gym ready? Below are some of our featured telescopic bleacher and athletic equipment posts with maintenance and safety tips at the forefront.
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE: THE HOW-TO & WHY Given the right care, your telescopic bleachers will last generations, but it takes effort, care and knowledge on your part. Just like your car needs an oil change, your telescopic bleacher needs preventative maintenance to ensure proper operation…
TELESCOPIC BLEACHERS: OUR NUMBER ONE TIP FOR CARE There is a reason we gave away popcorn samples at all of our trade shows this year – each one had a reminder inside to clean under the bleachers, the number one preventative maintenance tip we share. Whether its food, soda, or dust and debris, all have an impact on the operation of your telescopic bleachers…
WHERE THERE IS A WILL, THERE IS A WAY: TELESCOPIC BLEACHER BUYING OPTIONS
I’m sure if we were to sit down with you and discuss your current telescopic bleacher situation, the first thing you would say is, “Well, that sounds nice, but we don’t have the funds for that.” Capital improvement projects are an investment, and investments take time so if you don’t already have funds set aside, have a donor prospect or dedicated fundraising team with time to prepare, your options may seem limited…
BUILDING SAFETY MONTH: 5 SAFETY PRODUCTS YOU NEED IN YOUR GYM | PSS GUEST POST Locks and safety straps are designed to prevent ceiling-hung and wall-mounted gym equipment from falling in the event of a cable or winch failure. If the equipment were to malfunction and start to fall, the lock or strap would engage and stop the unit from creating more damage and possibly injuring players, fans, or facility personnel. Safety straps should always be installed with non-stationary ceiling-hung and wall-mounted basketball systems, and equipment locks should always be used with mat storage systems and electrically-operated divider curtains…
HOW TO INCREASE THE LIFESPAN OF YOUR BACKBOARD | PSS GUEST POST When choosing a backboard, first evaluate what your level of play will be (e.g. collegiate competition play, high school competition play, youth/k-8 play, or recreational play). Matching your backboard to your play level will ensure that your board can withstand the level of usage without damage or multiple replacements, thus increasing the lifespan of your board. In addition, it will prevent overspending on equipment that you don’t need…
And perhaps the main one you should check out…
BUILDING SAFETY MONTH: GYM SAFETY SESSIONS Our mission is to continue to educate the community on bleacher and athletic equipment safety. Many of you have expressed interest in additional knowledge and this is a hands on opportunity to continue your education, right in your facility…
Let's schedule a free gym safety session!
Performance Sports Systems (PSS) has been supplying the architectural community with superior athletic equipment for nearly 90 years. With a focus on quality and customer satisfaction, their innovated approach to gymnasium construction and design layout functionality provides designers unequaled options and solutions to accommodate the varying needs of sports facilities. PSS holds the philosophy of “going the extra mile,” ensuring their products surpass the expectations set by other sports equipment manufacturers, solidifying their position as a supplier of choice for athletic arenas in both the United States and Canada. In addition, PSS has a corporate commitment to source products that are friendly to the environment and we manufacture products using reclaimed material when available.
The PSS staff of engineers is dedicated to new product development, innovation, and continuous improvements, while making safety foremost priority in product designs. Our partnership spans many years and allows us both to maintain high levels of customer contact, availability, and personal service and support. Included in our partnership is product certification and our requirements to use factory certified installers.
In 2012, FEC joined the PSS Certified Maintenance Program, Orange Zone, adding it to the already robust Maintenance Solutions & Service programs. Teaming together provides customers with an unparalleled maintenance and service support as both dealers and their installers are trained and certified in the process of evaluating equipment conditions to identify any issues that may be of concern to the user. Continued education is available and utilized for both dealers and installers, ensuring everyone is up to date on innovation and processes.
PSS Has a variety of gym equipment available as listed on their website along with spec sheets and Showcase Facilities.
Designing your play environment shouldn't be a workout! From Backstops to Volleyball Equipment to Batting Cages and Controllers and more, we have your solution.
How to Increase the Lifespan of Your Backboard
Guest Post by Performance Sports Systems
Identify Your Play Level
When choosing a backboard, first evaluate what your level of play will be (e.g. collegiate competition play, high school competition play, youth/k-8 play, or recreational play). Matching your backboard to your play level will ensure that your board can withstand the level of usage without damage or multiple replacements, thus increasing the lifespan of your board. In addition, it will prevent overspending on equipment that you don’t need. The major high school and collegiate athletic associations have rules regarding backboard size and material, which removes much of the guesswork when making purchasing decisions for these levels of play. However, for youth and recreational play, consider usage level, player ages, and budget when deciding on an appropriate backboard.
Determine Your Play Environment
It’s also important to match your play environment with your backboard type in order to maximize the lifespan of the board. Is your basketball court in an indoor facility or an outdoor court? Indoor basketball systems are much more versatile in that you are not limited by weather or vandalism concerns when choosing your board material. However, if you have an outdoor court you will want to consider weather elements, amount of usage and exposure to the general public, and the possibility of vandalism when choosing a board type. Steel and aluminum boards are the most popular for outdoor use because of their strength, durability, and rust prevention (aluminum). Glass and acrylic boards have also become more commonly used outdoors, although manufacturers typically recommend those for residential and private play settings. Ensuring that you have the correct board type for your play environment will prevent damage and misuse, adding years of life to your board.
Choose a Breakaway Goal
A breakaway goal should be used on your basketball system whenever possible. The spring mechanism in a breakaway goal lessens the stress placed on the board when dunking occurs. This is especially important if you are using a glass backboard, as it will greatly decrease the chance of your board breaking during heavy play or over a long period of time.
Use a Direct Goal Attachment
A direct goal attachment occurs when the backstop (i.e. outdoor post, wall-mounted structure, ceiling-hung structure, or portable system boom), backboard, and goal are all connected together at the same location. This attachment method allows the load and force of the player to be transferred to the backstop if a player dunks or hangs on the rim. If a rim is connected to the bottom of the board and the backstop is connected to the middle of the board, the load is transferred directly to the backboard when a player dunks. This increases the risk of premature damage and breakage of the board.
Follow Manufacturer’s Guidelines
Always install backboards in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Proper installation will prevent possible damage to the board during assembly and will ensure that your system is correctly set up to withstand play activities.
Perform Annual Inspections
All basketball systems, regardless of equipment type or play level, should be inspected at least once a year. All backboard connections to the backstop should be checked to make sure they are secure and tight. In addition, inspect board components such as struts and frames for damage and replace if needed. Regular maintenance of your boards will ensure that they provide years of safe, worry-free use.
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5 Safety Products You Need In Your Gym
Guest Post by Performance Sports Systems
Equipment Locks & Safety Straps
Locks and safety straps are designed to prevent ceiling-hung and wall-mounted gym equipment from falling in the event of a cable or winch failure. If the equipment were to malfunction and start to fall, the lock or strap would engage and stop the unit from creating more damage and possibly injuring players, fans, or facility personnel. Safety straps should always be installed with non-stationary ceiling-hung and wall-mounted basketball systems, and equipment locks should always be used with mat storage systems and electrically-operated divider curtains.
Padding
Padding is an inexpensive and effective way to make your gym equipment safer by preventing injuries when athletes come in contact with sports structures. Backboards should be padded to prevent head and hand injury. Volleyball uprights and referee stands should also be covered with pads to lessen the chance of players getting hurt when bodily contact occurs. In addition, walls, columns, and beams should be padded, especially if they are in close proximity to the play space or are located in heavy play environments.
Tempered Glass Backboards with Breakaway Rims
If your facility uses glass basketball backboards, make sure that you’re purchasing boards manufactured with tempered glass. Tempered glass is defined as toughened glass that has been treated by heat or chemicals to increase its strength. Tempered glass also reduces the risk of injury to players due to its nature of breaking into small circular pieces instead of sharp jagged shards, in the unlikely event of a board shattering.
It is also strongly recommended that you use a breakaway rim with your glass board, in conjunction with a “direct goal” attachment. A direct goal attachment means that the board, rim, and backstop are all connected together at the same location on the unit. This will help disperse a large portion of the load put on the system away from the board, helping to prevent breakage of the glass if excessive dunking occurs on the rim.
Mast Retainer Safety Bolts
The mast retainer safety bolts are located on the single post mast of a ceiling-suspended basketball structure and are a crucial component of the system to ensure the safety of players and personnel, as well as to prevent damage to the equipment. The safety bolts are located at the bottom of the mast behind the backboard, underneath the bottom mast clamp U-bolt. A quick look by a manufacturer’s representative can determine if the safety bolts are present on your mast, and they should also be able to recommend a local certified installer who can install the bolts if needed.
Floor Sleeve Cover Plates
Traditional indoor volleyball systems are typically installed in floor sleeves that are installed into gymnasium flooring. Depending on the post size, the sleeves can create holes with inside diameters of anywhere between 3” and 4” and depths of 12” or more. Ideally, cover plates should be purchased and installed in conjunction with the floor sleeves in order to cover the sleeve holes whenever the volleyball uprights are in storage areas or otherwise not installed in the sleeves. If installed properly (flush with flooring and locks are closed), cover plates can prevent tripping or limbs getting stuck in the floor sleeve holes.
As always, it’s important to have a certified installer routinely inspect your sports equipment to assess its condition, make recommendations regarding replacements, and determine if there are any safety concerns that need to be addressed.
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Project Name: Ayersville K-12 School
Owner: Ayersville Local Schools
Architect: Garmann Miller Architects & Engineers
Construction Manager: Shook Touchstone XIII, LLC
Scope: Materials & Installation of Educational Casework, Lab Casework, Telescopic Bleachers, and Athletic Equipment
Completion: August 2018
“Don’t let the fear of falling keep you from flying,” is sprawled across the halls at the new Ayersville K-12 School, occupied by students fall of 2018. Farnham Equipment Company has been a sub-consultant on numerous Garmann Miller projects all with the same approach, on their Jan 11, 2019 blog post, Doug Rentz of Garmann Miller shared:
“For education clients, its designers collaborate with school districts to deliver fresh, flexible spaces. From modern seating options to multi-use rooms with state-of-the-art lighting and audio/video functions, GMAE’s designers are redefining how today’s students learn.”
As part of our scope, Farnham Equipment Company provided and installed an inclusive package featuring Stevens Industries Education and Music Casework, ICI Scientific’s Lab Casework, Brodart Contract Furniture Library Shelving, Hussey Seating Company’s Telescopic Bleachers, Performance Sports Systems Athletic Equipment, and Diversified Woodcrafts Vocational Shop Equipment.
Drop us a line for more information on the products featured in this post
Project Name: Liberty Center PK-12 School Owner: Liberty Center Local Schools Architect: Garmann Miller Architects Engineers Construction Manager: Shook Touchstone XI, LLC Contractor: Mel Lanzer (Bleacher and Athletic Equipment Contract Only) Scope: Materials & Installation of Educational Casework, Lab Casework, Telescopic Platform, & Athletic Equipment Completion: December 2017 Liberty Center PK-12 school includes many of our featured vendors’ products displayed in open…
Performance Sports Systems’ new website opens to Designing Your Play Environment Shouldn’t Be a Workout but it can also be noted that operating your play environment shouldn’t be a workout either. With PSS options for Group Controllers, you have versatility in your configurations when it comes to your Athletic Equipment (basketball backstops, divider curtains, lighting, scoreboards, public address systems…
Project Name: Northwood PK-12 School Owner: Northwood Local Schools Architect: Fanning Howey Associates Construction Manager: Rudolph Libbe, Inc. Sub-Contractor: Farnham Equipment Company Scope: Products & Installation of Casework, Architectural Millwork/Cabinets, Wood Millwork/Cabinets, Gym Equipment, Telescopic Bleachers Completion: September 2017 Northwood Local Schools’ new building opened fall 2017, consolidating all schools into one main building with Preschool and Elementary Students at the lower level and grades…
