Where should you spend you scare resources to produce the most value and greatest support for your sports field operations? Over the past several years we've come across several excellent resources which have been incorporated into our website FAQ page as well as new products and updates to existing products. These tips are not necessarily in any particular priority. You may have experienced some time and money saving tips as well, please share these with others.

Tru Mark Athletic Field Marker Top 10 Time and Money Saving Tips.
1. Convert from aerosol to bulk latex field marking paint. When organizations grow in the number of sport fields needing line striping the best value is to use airless paint striping equipment to reduce your cost of field marking paint as well as save time and improve the quality of lines.
2. Use removable chalk for temporary lines. Either aerosol chalk or bulk chalk can be easily applied to a natural grass or synthetic turf surface without a significant amount of cleaning required to remove the lines. Normally wear and water will remove these temporary lines, just as on a dirt infield. For longer lasting temporary lines on synthetic turf please consider the TrailBlazer field marking product line.
3. Use the various Tru Mark MS Excel spreadsheet layout tools to quickly and accurately layout any sports field to include: soccer, lacrosse, rugby, Ultimate frisbee. No matter the size of the field the desktop tool will calculate the different intersections on the field of play for pulling a string and line striping.
4. Mark the playing field intersections with easily located markers. Use a metal field anchor to quickly located an intersection using a magnet or marking whiskers that can be seen at the mowed grass level. Eliminate the time consuming effort of hunting for a buried intersection at the start of a new season.
5. Use a filled on-site yet sealed sand bag for ballast and barriers. Tru Mark's different style sand bags are designed to be filled on location and sealed to prevent spillage for indoor as well as barrier purposes. Whether holding down a batting tee, door or car stopper, or a door frame or environmental barrier These sand bags will save a lot of time over their years of service.
6. Always strain field marking paint prior to use. Bulk latex paint needs to be stirred prior to mixing with water and after water is added. If the supplier can shake the bulk latex paint prior to delivery that is even better. During the pouring to the diluted paint into the paint delivery container the flow should be strained with at least a 30 mesh screw. Catching the undissolved solids will prevent plugging of equipment, especially the spray tip(s) during field striping operations. Tru Mark offers a paint cleaning and mixing kit, including a screened funnel, to help customers.
7. Join a professional organization to help with your life-long learning opportunities. Whether it is a turf grass and landscaping organization or a youth sport association you will make new connections and opportunities to learn from others. Now with improved communications capabilities these learning opportunities have expanded to more remote learning features. For example, Sports Turf Managers Association is a well respected national professional organization with state chapters and a certification program.
8. Keep on hand the common replacement parts for your field marking equipment. There is nothing worse then being broke down due a $10 to $40 part. When buying a piece of equipment check with the supplier and confirm part numbers of the common replacement parts. Try and keep at least one spare on hand at all times. During the cleaning operation get into a habit of replacing those replacement parts, e.g., spray tips, screens, check valves, pump valve kits. That way you can inspect these items on a more regular basis.
9. When selecting field marking equipment look for products that provide longevity in the operation and parts, especially those parts that receive a significant amount of wear. For example, the paint shoe assembly where the paint spray is limited to a specific area and many times comes in contact with the striping surface should be made of high quality materials that are not easily broken or bent.
10. Prevent rain outs and excess wear areas by purchasing and deploying good quality field tarps and protective covers. A baseball field tarp is essential to maintaining proper soil/dirt moisture for pitching mounds and plate areas. This is especially important during summer months and times of raining conditions. A well maintained tarp can save a tournament or double header from being canceled. Football sideline experience excess wear so protect this area with field cover, minimize turf replacement or track replacement costs.