b'C L A N KWhy Preventative Maintenance is the Unsung Hero of Game NightBy Mike Troughton, ATHCOI ts the day before the home opener. The banners are hung,scoreboard to life are remarkably durable, but not invincible. the floor is polished, and the bleachers shine under theVoltage fluctuations, moisture ingress, and connector corrosion gymnasium lights. You walk into the gym, hit the switch tocan all strike at the worst possible time. Controllers and lower the backstops, andclank. The motor stalls halfwaytransceivers are just as vital but are often overlooked when down, the arms jerk, and the whole system groans to a stop. scoreboards are being tested. A scheduled maintenance routineEvery facility manager, athletic director, or contractor whoscleaning vents and fans, testing backup batteries, inspecting surge spent a frantic evening under a jammed backstop or darkprotection, and verifying wireless linkscan prevent a blank scoreboard knows that a single mechanical failure can derail weeksscreen or flickering display in front of a packed crowd. of preparation. These systemsbasketball structures, electric Preventative maintenance isnt glamorous, and its rarely the winches, scoreboards, and control unitsoften sit idle for monthsfirst line item in a schools athletic budget. Yet its a fraction of at a time, only to be expected to perform flawlessly when thethe cost for emergency repairs or equipment replacement. Most season starts. Sometimes, these systems are left on, power flowing,manufacturers and dealers now offer service programs that for months at a time which is almost more detrimental than sittinginclude annual inspections, operational testing, and proactive part idle. Preventative maintenance is the difference between a seamlessreplacement. These visits not only catch potential failures early opening night and a costly scramble. but also provide valuable documentation for warranty and safety Basketball backstops are deceptively complex. Each onecompliance. In many states, that documentation can even satisfy combines mechanical, electrical, and structural componentsliability or insurance requirements for indoor athletic equipment.that rely on tight tolerances and consistent alignment. MotorsThe best time to schedule service isnt the night before and cables bear heavy, repetitive stress; limit switches andopening, its months in advance. Quiet summers and mid-safety locks must work in perfect synchronization to preventseason lulls are the perfect times to schedule annual inspections. accidents. Over time, dust, humidity, and small misalignmentsEquipment thats routinely tested, lubricated, and recalibrated can turn into major issues. Regular inspections, lubrication,performs far smoother, runs quieter, and lasts longer; not to cable replacements before visible fraying, and re-torquingmention the feeling of trust and reliability in your equipment. key bolts can extend the life of a system by years. MoreJust as coaches rely on preseason conditioning to prepare importantly, it protects the athletes and staff who rely on thetheir players, athletic departments should rely on preventative equipment to function safely. maintenance to prepare their facilities.Scoreboards tell a similar story, but in the language ofOn opening night, when the crowd arrives and the lights come electronics rather than mechanics. The LED modules, poweron, you want the sounds of squeaking shoes and a bouncing ball, supplies, and communication components that bring everynot the clank of a backstop thats been ignored for too long.26|SCHOOL PLANT MANAGER MAGAZINE|WINTER 2026'