As you read this, coaches in the north, east, midwest and the mountain states are moving their track and field athletes indoors for the season. That makes this an ideal time for you, as the manager of the outdoor track and field facility, to do all those jobs you couldn't do because your track was in constant use.

Winter doesn't only mean locking the gates and turning off the lights. It means doing maintenance - preventive and reactive - so that when spring arrives, your facility will be 100% ready to face those athletes once again.

The American Sports Builders Association (ASBA), the professional association for those who design, build and supply materials and equipment for sports facility construction, has compiled a checklist that track-and-field owners and managers can use as they winterize. Properly done, the procedure can save a lot of time in the spring when your resources - as well as those of contractors and vendors - are stretched thin.

Begin with a thorough walk-through of your facility. Carry a digital camera, a tape measure, a notepad (or if you're so inclined, a PDA or Blackberry) and make a record of all problems you see. Remember that some irregularities in the surface may be symptoms of more serious problems. A contractor who specializes in track and field facilities can help differentiate.

Things to look for include
Cracks (large and small) in the asphalt. Measure cracks and record how long and if possible, how deep, they are. Try to note details: are there weeds growing through the crack? Moss forming around the edges? Remember that if water gets into a crack, it can exacerbate the problem as freeze-thaw takes place. (A note to those who are into do-it-yourself: Although there are various crack-filling compounds on the market, it's best to check with a specialty contractor before trying any remedy, as not all products are made for track use.)

Evidence of wear in high-stress areas. Inside lanes, which get the most traffic, are usually the first to show such problems. Takeoff areas in the field events are another. Look for places in the surface where improper footwear may have caused damage. (Spikes should never exceed 6mm (about 1/4 inch) in length, and should be conical or pyramid-shaped.)

Mold, mildew or algae. It's possible to treat these with a very mild bleach solution (one part bleach/5-7 parts water). Allow the solution to stand on the affected area for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Gentle scrubbing can also help.

Stains. Tree sap, fruit, dead insects, grass clippings, leaves, bird droppings and other materials can stain your surface. Try to keep such things off your surface with regular cleaning. (Throughout the season, go through your track and field facility with a leaf blower to remove any loose debris; gently scrub at others with the mild bleach solution mentioned above. Never try to attack a stain with an abrasive tool or chemical.) Remember that if a stain stays on your track surface for an extended period of time, the sun will bleach the area around it, leading to a freckled, uneven appearance. Don't try to even out the tone with any kind of leftover surfacing material; it will only make things worse. Bubbling, peeling or flaking of the surface. Again, something a contractor should look at. Although some surface irregularities may appear minor, you don't want an athlete to slip, trip or fall. In general, it's easier to fix the problem than it is to deal with the consequences. Areas of standing water - or any depressions where water collects and does not evaporate. Call those spots to the attention of your specialty contractor, who can advise you on what to do.

Check your drainage systems, and clear drainage structures and pipes. Inspect the entire facility for evidence of drainage problems or erosion, and have them repaired as necessary.

Inspect all maintenance equipment. This is, after all, a good time to buy or order replacement parts. In addition, having your repairs done in the downtime means that you beat the rush in the spring (when everyone else is in a panic to get the facility ready to open on time).

Inspect field event equipment. That includes safety cages and barriers for throwing events, fixed equipment such as takeoff boards, plant boxes, stop boards, etc. Remember that you'll need new sand for the landing areas of jump events. If you don't have it, put in an order now and store it in a dry place. You'll need it soon enough and it will be one less thing to order.

Check your landscaping. Prune back trees and shrubs (particularly vegetation that might be dropping leaves, sap or twigs onto your surface).

Inspect your fencing. Don't look only at the fence fabric (the mesh itself) but the frame, posts, hardware, footings, finials and other parts. Check the swing of gates to make sure they work properly. (Once again, time is on your side - fence contractors have less to do in the fall than they do in the spring and summer.)

Once you've finished your checklist, schedule a meeting with your contractor. Go over any special concerns you have, and discuss the problems you've noticed. Don't put it off until the snow flies, or it may be too late to address your concerns.

It goes without saying that you won't be out on the track with a snow shovel or with road salt or ice melting compound. You know better, but what about your athletes or recreational users? Do a reality check. Do you have any diehards who just can't miss that regularly-scheduled run, who will try to run in snow or ice, or who might get onto the track wearing winter-weather footwear, such as cleated shoes (in order to keep from slipping), or worse, snowshoes with teeth that could dig into the surface? Don't laugh - those people are out there.

Opinion among track experts is divided regarding whether facilities should be locked when not in use, but remember that if signage regarding rules about proper footwear doesn't work (and if there's no way to enforce common sense), you may have to resort to a padlock. It's better to prevent damage to the surface - or an injury to an individual - than to try to make amends afterward.

Winterizing your track isn't exactly glamorous. But doing it now - and doing it right - means that your athletes can hit the ground running in the spring. And that is a beautiful thing.

Note: The American Sports Builders Association (ASBA) is a non-profit association helping designers, builders, owners, operators and users understand quality sports facility construction. The ASBA sponsors informative meetings and publishes newsletters, books and technical construction guidelines for athletic facilities, including tennis courts, running tracks, athletic fields and indoor structures. Available at no charge is a listing of all publications offered by the association, as well as the ASBA's membership directory. Info: 866-501-ASBA (2722) or www.sportsbuilders.org.