Guard Your Investment: Why Track Protectors are Essential
An all-weather polyurethane or latex track is often the single most expensive asset in a school’s athletic department. Allowing football players with sharp cleats, heavy bleachers, or maintenance vehicles to cross the track unprotected can lead to thousands of dollars in surfacing repairs. For athletic directors and facility managers, track protectors—also known as sideline mats or crossover protectors—are the first line of defense. At Morley Athletic, we offer industrial-grade solutions that balance extreme durability with "turf-friendly" designs, ensuring your track stays race-ready even during the height of football season.
High-Performance Protection for Every Event
We stock specifically chosen protectors to ensure your facility remains safe and professional under any conditions.
- Heavy-Duty Weighted Edges: One of the biggest challenges with track covers is the wind. Our premium sideline protectors feature vinyl-encased galvanized steel chains or weighted hems around the perimeter. This ensures the mat stays flat against the ground without the need for dangerous stakes or heavy sandbags that can become trip hazards.
- Cleat-Proof Mesh & Vinyl: Our mats are constructed from high-tensile, vinyl-coated polyester mesh. This material is tough enough to resist penetration from 1/2-inch football cleats and track spikes while remaining flexible enough to be rolled up and stored in seconds.
- Breathable Designs: Unlike solid plastic tarps, our mesh protectors allow air and moisture to pass through. This is critical for mats that stay on the field for extended periods, as it prevents the "greenhouse effect" from killing the natural grass or damaging the synthetic turf underneath.
- Custom Sizing & Colors: We offer a variety of standard widths (typically 7.5 to 15 feet) to accommodate everything from narrow pedestrian paths to wide vehicle crossovers. Available in several colors, these mats can be coordinated to match your school’s branding for a professional "stadium-ready" look.
Why Buy Your Facility Gear From Morley Athletic
Since 1931, Morley Athletic has been a trusted family tradition and a leading supplier of premium track and field gear. We understand the logistics of facility management—from the importance of UV-resistant materials to the need for "tilt-and-roll" storage solutions. We proudly accept school purchase orders and offer customized quotes for full-stadium protection packages. When you shop with Morley Athletic, you are partnering with 95 years of expertise and a team dedicated to helping you preserve your facility for the next generation of athletes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can football players with cleats walk directly on these mats?
Yes. That is their primary purpose. The vinyl-coated mesh is specifically engineered to handle the concentrated pressure of football cleats and track spikes, distributing the weight and preventing the sharp points from making contact with the expensive track surface beneath.
2. Do I need to use sandbags to keep the mats down?
While you can use sandbags, many of our track protectors feature weighted edges (sewn-in chains). These are highly recommended as they provide a low-profile, "automatic" anchor that keeps the mat secure in high winds while eliminating the trip hazards associated with loose sandbags or weights.
3. Will the protector kill the grass if I leave it down during a game?
Our mesh protectors are designed to be "breathable." This allows sunlight and air to reach the grass, significantly reducing the risk of yellowing or heat-damage compared to solid vinyl tarps. However, we always recommend removing the mats after the event to allow the turf to recover fully.
4. Can I drive a maintenance vehicle or golf cart over the protectors?
Yes, but with caution. Most crossover mats are designed to handle the weight of standard utility vehicles and equipment carts. However, we recommend avoiding sharp turns or sudden braking while on the mat to prevent "scuffing" or shifting the protector.
5. How do I clean and store the mats?
The mesh material is naturally resistant to mold and rot. To clean, simply spray with a high-pressure hose and mild soap. For storage, most mats are designed to be rolled. We offer specialized Storage Rollers (sold separately) that allow one person to quickly roll up and transport 100+ feet of protector to the equipment shed.
6. Do you accept school purchase orders for track facility equipment?
Absolutely. Morley Athletic has worked directly with schools and universities for over nine decades. We happily accept school purchase orders. Athletic directors and facility managers can easily submit a formal PO to purchase track protectors, landing systems, and hurdles for their entire athletic department.
Are you looking for a set of crossover mats for your football team's sideline, or do you need a custom-length protector for a heavy-traffic pedestrian area?
