Constructing running tracks and tennis courts requires incredible precision. These playing surfaces are designed specifically for athletic activity and competition and conform to certain standards to ensure player safety and high performance.
Even so, there are instances where track or tennis court construction doesn’t meet the recommended specifications. Here, American Athletic Track and Turf, a premier running track and tennis court construction company serving clients throughout the East Coast, explains how athletic directors and business directors can ensure due diligence in finding a qualified builder.
Rely on Recommendations
If any schools or athletic centers in your local network have recently upgraded their facilities, this is a great source of information. If you’re relying on credible recommendations, be sure to ask the following questions:
- Are you happy with the completed project?
- Did the contractor deliver the project on time and as promised?
- Were there any unforeseen delays, complications, or hidden costs?
- Did the contractor return calls promptly?
- After the project was completed, was the contractor available to answer questions?
- Would you recommend this contractor, based on your experience?
It’s advisable to not only ask questions about the facility but also the level of customer service received. For instance, consider schools whose facility has been around for a few years and ask whether they’ve stayed in touch with their contractor for seasonal maintenance and repairs or resurfacing.
Browse the ASBA Directory
The American Sports Builders Association (ASBA) is a nonprofit trade association comprised of builders, designers, and suppliers of materials for tennis courts, running tracks, and natural and artificial turf fields. This association raises professional standards to ensure that consumers receive the highest quality services.
ASBA members are highly regarded in the sports construction industry. To be considered for certification, builders must meet ASBA’s strict criteria to demonstrate they adhere to ASBA standards.
ASBA offers a directory of its members free of charge. You can use this resource to locate reputable builders in your area. If you speak with a builder, be sure to ask the following questions:
- How many years has the company been in business?
- What types of playing surfaces does the contractor build?
- Does the contractor outsource any services?
- Has the company won any awards recognizing their work?
- What type of insurance coverage does the company have?
- Is the company certified or accredited by any trade organization?
- Have there been any major accidents or claims against the company?
Every question you ask brings you a step closer to finding the right partner for the job.
Take a Look for Yourself
Asking a potential contractor for references is good practice but doesn’t provide the full spectrum of a builder’s work. Rather than just looking at pictures that the contractor provides, visit local facilities that have partnered with the company. Ask contractors for help setting up a site visit during which you can observe the courts and talk to on-site personnel.
Confirm Playing Surfaces Are Built Right
For a playing surface to be competition-ready, it must be built to the specifications, rules, and regulations set forth by the proper governing bodies. Athletic directors and business directors must ensure that a potential contractor is using the most up-to-date ASBA construction guidelines and that the rules of the appropriate governing body are satisfied.
Work With a Qualified Tennis Court and Running Track Builder
Identifying the right contractor for a sports construction job might be challenging but is always necessary. Clients seeking the services of a qualified tennis court and running track builder should turn to the team at American Athletic Track and Turf. For over 25 years, we have provided award-winning services to clients in eastern Pennsylvania, southern Massachusetts, Delaware, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Florida, New Jersey, and Maine.
As well as being an ASBA-certified builder, American Athletic is also a proud partner of FieldTurf, a Tarkett Sports Company. Through this partnership, we supply our clients with top-of-the-line playing surfaces to accommodate all playing levels.
For an alternative solution to the traditional bidding process, consider our SmartBuy Program. This program gives you full control over the look of your new playing surface while saving time and money. If you wish to work with an ASBA-certified builder, contact us today.
