Weird Field Problems

[mstaylor]

A couple of weeks ago we had a very bad Nor'eastern. The HS field that is beside my house lost a light pole. It fell through an open gate, between the first base dugout and the screen in front of it and took out a section of fence to the left of the dugout. We all assumed it was the saturated ground and the 30 to 40 MPH winds that took it down. Turns out the 35 yr old wood poles are full of termites. They have inspected the other poles and they are all gone so the field has been condemned. Until we can get the lights down, disconnect power, and drop the poles they can't play there. So now they are going to play their home games on our men's league field. 

In another county they have been remodeling a school, including the sports fields. Consequently they haven't had a home field for two years, they have been using the SrLL field. They were supposed to have it ready for this season, but after all the rain it is not draining at all. Also the sod in the outfield is screwed up. They have decided to play their first two weeks of home games away and hope the contractor can straighten it up. One of the first games is against the other team with no field, so they both will have to travel. 

The problem with the sod is it is not taking and the netting is coming up between the sections of sod causing a trip hazard. The question presented to me was if they don't fix the netting in the outfield are we responsible for injuries. I believe we need to inspect it and decide if it really is a problem. If it is then we need to not play and report it. Thoughts? 

[JaxRolo]

Agree on not playing if it could be a trip hazard.

[SnareDrum]

Just ask yourself... "What would the attorney for the plaintiff ask me?"

[Jocko]

I'd make sure BOTH ADs and/or a state HSAA rep actually saw the conditions and let THEM make the call. Whatever it takes, get the liability off of yourself.