The United States Indoor Soccer Association held its Eighth
Annual Facility Operators Conference and Trade Show, June
25-29, at The Westin Alexandria in Old Town Alexandria,
VA, just outside of Washington, DC. The industry-wide
event for existing operators, startups and leading providers
was highlighted by educational sessions, roundtables, social
activities and, of course, the USIndoor Trade Show.
Thursday, June 26th, marked the Conference’s fifth annual
Facility Bus Tour and third sponsored by USIndoor
marketing partner, Zoom Media. Stops at Fairfax
Sportsplex, Dulles SportsPlex, Sports Network and
Fitness, and the Discovery Sports Center enabled attendees to tour facilities having different
sizes, styles, designs and programming options. On the bus, a little Civil War history from “MCs”
John Burns and Greg Elliott, owners of Dulles Sportsplex, kept the mood light and fun.
On Friday, Bill Parisi (Parisi Speed School) inspired over 150 attendees during a keynote address
about empowering those around you and the success strategies that led him to build a national
brand and multi-operational sports performance business. After a full day of educational sessions,
the Trade Show opened with the President’s Reception, sponsored by The Monument Sports
Group.
On Saturday night, after another full day of educational sessions, conference-goers chose between a
Georgetown Dinner Party and Potomac River Dinner Cruise, both sponsored by Brine. The
Conference finished off Sunday with an MLS game between the LA Galaxy and DC United. The
group enjoyed watching superstars David Beckham and Landon Donovan, while eating lunch in the
stadium’s VIP restaurant, the Champion’s Club, overlooking the field.
For more, or to see our Conference photo album, visit 2008 Conference.
Now with the recent event behind us, it is already time to reserve your spot for our 2009
Conference, set to take place under the bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip. For the latest
information, visit 2009 Conference or e-mail Shaine Anderson, USIndoor’s VP of Services, at
shaine@usindoor.com.
While exercising at a Bally Total Fitness Health Club in Maryland, 46-year-old Gary Folwer went
into sudden cardiac arrest. Mr. Fowler passed away despite several patrons performing CPR.
Over 350,000 Americans suffer sudden cardiac arrest each
year, and with the growing availability of AEDs
(automated external defibrillators), US court rulings are
beginning to favor arguments for requiring AEDs as
emergency care equipment.
In the case of Mr. Fowler, the court ruled that Bally's lack
of an AED at its Gaithersburg, MD, facility demonstrated
intentional indifference to the welfare of its patrons and
rose to the level of gross negligence.
Automated external defibrillators are computerized medical devices that help save lives undergoing
cardiac arrest. When attached to a victim’s chest, the device recognizes the heart rhythm and
advises the AED user what steps to take. Certain health clubs are now required by law to have
AED’s easily accessible. These health club employees and other AED users are required to undergo
short training sessions that teach them how to recognize a cardiac arrest, perform CPR, and operate
the AED, so they can handle emergencies efficiently. The newest AEDs are very easy to use and
cost from $1,500 - $2,000.
As in the case of Mr. Fowler, facilities without AEDs–even those that are not statutorily bound to
have them, such as many indoor soccer facilities–might be seen as negligent if there is a death from
a cardiac event at their location. Health clubs are hesitant to use an AED for fear of liability claims
if something goes wrong. However, state legislators are working hard to protect facilities from
such claims, as long as someone tries to operate it in good faith, and the device is easily accessible.
These days, if a death occurs from a cardiac event, health clubs are facing more charges for not
having an AED, rather than for having one. With sudden cardiac arrest being the leading cause of
death in the United States, health associations anticipate the increase of AEDs in more public areas,
other than just health clubs, in hopes of saving thousands of lives each year.
In the spring of 2008, the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior
Services (NJDHSS) initially revealed that the lead in 10 of 12
randomly selected synthetic turf fields exceeded safety limits. After
further analysis, however, a panel of scientists, commissioned by The
Synthetic Turf Council, concluded that the amount of lead was safe.
The findings were announced in an April 21st press release indicating the
absence of health risks.
“We care very much about the community,” Rick Doyle, president of the Synthetic Turf Council,
said in a statement. “People deserve to know the science behind the situation, so our association
turned to recognized industry experts to assess the issues.”
The Synthetic Turf Council was founded in 2003 to serve as an objective resource assisting buyers
and end users with the selection, use, and maintenance of synthetic turf systems in sports field, golf,
and landscape applications.
The expert panel included polymer and fiber engineering specialist Dr. Davis Lee, Ph.D., of
InnovaNet Consulting; clinical and forensic toxicologist Dr. David Black, Ph.D., of Aegis Sciences
Corporation, food and environmental toxicologist Dr. James R. Coughlin, Ph.D. of Coughlin &
Associates and Dr. C. Ralph Buncher, Sc.D., Department of Environmental Health, University of
Cincinnati College of Medicine.
Researchers agreed that the synthetic turf did not hold enough lead to pose a danger, and further
research findings, presented at the Science, Industry & Business Library in Manhattan, NY,
concluded (1) the CDC Lead Prevention Program identified no risk for synthetic turf, (2) lead does
not leak from synthetic turf, (2) bioavailability of lead from pigment is extremely low, (3) dust at the
first field tested in New Jersey posed no inhalation hazard for lead, (4) children with regular
exposure to the field tested normal for lead, (5) a factory worker exposed to nylon turf and particles
for 30 years tested normal for lead, and (6) the amount of ingested turf required to pose a threat is
absurdly unrealistic.
Protecting customers’ and staffmembers’ personal information has never been so difficult. The
growth of electronic records and financial transactions has increased the potential for piracy,
potentially leaving your facility exposed to liability. As large
corporations do, recreational facilities are urged to adhere to the
following standards for ensuring rights to privacy and reducing risks
of losses:
Ensure servers are locked in a fire protected room with
climate controls
Institute firewalls, password protection, and administrative
software
Train employees at all levels on facility requirements for
protecting consumer information
Properly clean and delete all information on old hard drives
Taking these steps will not guarantee that your facility will avoid these risks, but it will certainly
minimize the chances.
As the popularity of indoor soccer continues to rise, so too
does the demand for indoor facilities that can accommodate
year-round programs.
ForeKicks is opening a new facility, ForeKicks II Indoor
and Outdoor Megaplex. The new facility is located at 219
Forest Street, Marlborough, MA, and is preparing to open in
September, 2008. The facility will have five indoor fields,
two basketball courts, two lighted soccer/athletic fields, a pro
shop, fitness center, a player’s sports lounge, conference
room facilities and a second floor observation area.
ForeKicks II will be one of the largest indoor/outdoor sports
complexes in New England. For more, visit or call
www.forekicks.com or (508) 384-4433.
Sparta Athletic Club, located on Sparta Avenue in Sparta, NJ,
is opening a new full-service multisport complex next door,
The Fieldhouse at Sparta. The Fieldhouse will have a
“puregrass” turf field for hosting leagues, tournaments, sports
training, parties and camps, as well as a full-length tempered
glass wall along one side of the field for viewing. Its first
open house is expected in the early fall. Visit or call
www.spartaathleticclub.com or (973) 729-9141 for more.
Aztec Indoor Soccer, located at 9870 Marboch Road, San
Antonio, TX, held its grand opening on May 31st. The
facility offers leagues year-round, seven days a week for all
ages. Aztec Indoor Soccer also offers parties, lock-ins,
hourly and practice rentals and company events. Learn more
at www.aztecindoorsoccer.com or call (325) 320-5428.
Bakersfield Brigade SMUF, located in Bakersfield, CA, is
set to open in July, 2008. Visit www.bakersfieldbrigade.com or call (661) 695-5111 to learn more.
If you have information about a grand opening, please send it
to pr@usindoor.com.
CashHouse ATM Offers USIndoor Members Savings and Revenue
UIf your facility receives cash payments for food, drinks, equipment, participation, field fees, or any
other type of products and services, USIndoor Affinity Partner CashHouse ATM can help boost
your revenue.
CashHouse ATM offers comprehensive ATM management solutions, including installation,
equipment, financial services and repair, allowing you to focus on your core business. An ATM not
only offers patrons added convenience, but it can also generate extra revenue without your lifting a
finger. Top reasons for buying an ATM include:
Increased sales – Studies show that customers using ATMs spend
20 - 30% of their withdrawals at that location. Restaurants and
bars see almost 80%.
Reduced costs – Credit cards and debit cards generally charge
merchants transaction fees in excess of 2%, plus statement fees
and other monthly charges, that significantly cut into profits.
Offering ATM services can sharply reduce such “hidden” costs.
No more bad checks – Cash transactions eliminate bad checks,
charge backs, and a host of other hassles.
Surcharge Income – Usage fees at your ATM can generate
hundreds of dollars in pure profit every month.
CashHouse ATM’s special offer to USIndoor Members includes ATM machines for $2,500 and
100% of all surcharge revenue. To learn more or enroll, contact Rob Whitehouse at 440-488-8770.
InCord Offers Top-of-the-Line Netting Solutions
Safety is a top priority for all sports facilities. So when it comes to equipment, quality matters.
InCord, based in Colchester, CT, offers customers the best custom safety netting in the business,
ensuring the highest quality at competitive prices.
Working like a part of your team, InCord enjoys long-term relations, marked by a dedication to
each of its customer’s unique safety needs across the entire sports industry. InCord puts the wellbeing
of its customers’ businesses, employees and customers above all, protecting the athletic world
they serve.
From perimeter field netting and dividers, to goals, to batting cages, InCord’s highly skilled
professionals have more than 100 combined years of experience in designing, manufacturing,
fabricating, and servicing custom safety netting for the amusement and sports industries. For more
information, please visit www.incord.com.
NEW! Referee Program: Fall Instructors Class
Interested in getting your facility’s referees better trained, credentialed and insured? Send your
head referee to USIndoor’s NEW Fall Instructor class on Saturday, November 1 at Chicago
Indoor Sports (Chicago, IL). Advantages include the ability to schedule training and certification
of all of your facility’s referees at times convenient to you–with no minimum attendance
requirement. For more information on this class, call or e-mail Shaine Anderson, USIndoor’s Vice
President of Services, at 703-820-2810 or shaine@usindoor.com.
Facility operators, who have not yet scheduled their 2009 Referee Certification Clinics, are urged to
do so as soon as possible. For assistance with scheduling, setting up a clinic, or identifying a head
referee in your region, please contact USIndoor’s Shaine Anderson. For an updated schedule of
clinics across the country, visit USIndoor’s online Referees Page.
Click “IntheCrease” to access the 2008 spring issue of USIndoor’s Referee Newsletter, exclusively
available to facility and referee members. For password assistance, contact pr@usindoor.com.
Committee Reports
Members-Only: Financial Survey Results Released
Twenty USIndoor member facilities recently completed the industry’s first broad-based financial
and demographic survey, marking a significant milestone in our industry’s history. The effort
allowed USIndoor to publish meaningful financial statistics for the first time ever and share
performance details with participating members.
Participants of the survey gathered at a private session held during USIndoor’s recent Facility
Operators Conference in Washington, DC.
“Participating in USIndoor's first financial survey was an extremely beneficial experience,”
commented Eric Fritz, owner of KEVA Sports in Middleton,WI. “During our meeting, the
exchange of information allowed me to gage the success of some of our programs in a valuable
way. I had never had a basis for comparison for our programs, and now, through my involvement
with this project, I do. The information that was shared in that meeting has assisted me in making
efficient, financial decisions for my business.”
USIndoor expects periodic enhancements to the survey form and increased participation as its
membership grows and as members begin to understand the survey’s immense value. Among other
things, the survey (1) provides participating facilities the ability to gage their operations; (2)
enables them to compare financial factors and program results to those of others; (3) facilitates
high-level discussions among experienced operators to advance the success of USIndoor members;
and (4) establishes industry standards for accounting and metrics for banking relationships.
The survey is available to all USIndoor member facilities at least three years in operation, and each
member’s identity is held in strict confidence. For additional information about participating in the
survey, please contact Don Shapero at info@usindoor.com.
Tournament
USIndoor’s Tournament Committee met several times over the last several months, targeting mid-
April, 2009, in Las Vegas for its inaugural championship event for Men’s Open, Women’s Open,
Men’s Over 30 and Co-ed divisions. A joint effort between the National Indoor Soccer
Championships and USIndoor, the “National Indoor Championship, sanctioned by the United States
Indoor Soccer Association” is anticipated to be the first truly national championship for indoor
soccer.
The official announcement came at USIndoor’s Annual Conference in June. USIndoor members
are invited to host and participate in qualifying tournaments leading up to the finals in Las Vegas.
Youth divisions will also compete on regional and national levels. For information about hosting a
qualifying tournament or for more information, contact USIndoor at pr@usindoor.com.
Rules
USIndoor’s National Rules Committee recently completed its review of the Youth and Amateur
Edition of “The Official Rules of Indoor Soccer.” The 2009 edition will be available by October 1,
and USIndoor has begun accepting orders via 2009 Official Rules. The preceding edition had been
in print since 2004. All 2009 USIndoor referees will receive the new edition through their
certification or re-certification at no additional charge.
The United States Indoor Soccer Association held its Eighth
Annual Facility Operators Conference and Trade Show, June
25-29, at The Westin Alexandria in Old Town Alexandria,
VA, just outside of Washington, DC. The industry-wide
event for existing operators, startups and leading providers
was highlighted by educational sessions, roundtables, social
activities and, of course, the USIndoor Trade Show.
While exercising at a Bally Total Fitness Health Club in Maryland, 46-year-old Gary Folwer went
into sudden cardiac arrest. Mr. Fowler passed away despite several patrons performing CPR.
In the spring of 2008, the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior
Services (NJDHSS) initially revealed that the lead in 10 of 12
randomly selected synthetic turf fields exceeded safety limits. After
further analysis, however, a panel of scientists, commissioned by The
Synthetic Turf Council, concluded that the amount of lead was safe.
The findings were announced in an April 21st press release indicating the
absence of health risks.
Protecting customers’ and staffmembers’ personal information has never been so difficult. The
growth of electronic records and financial transactions has increased the potential for piracy,
potentially leaving your facility exposed to liability. As large
corporations do, recreational facilities are urged to adhere to the
following standards for ensuring rights to privacy and reducing risks
of losses:
As the popularity of indoor soccer continues to rise, so too
does the demand for indoor facilities that can accommodate
year-round programs.
CashHouse ATM offers comprehensive ATM management solutions, including installation,
equipment, financial services and repair, allowing you to focus on your core business. An ATM not
only offers patrons added convenience, but it can also generate extra revenue without your lifting a
finger. Top reasons for buying an ATM include:
