Barry RFC officials are looking to tackle the "ongoing and serious" problem of dogs fouling pitches.
With more than 400 players of all ages training and playing at the ground most weekends, pitches have to be checked and cleared before any activity takes place.
Club chairman Mike Prosser is planning to engage with dog walkers in a bid to reduce this potential health hazard.
"Dog walkers are welcome at the club, but not welcome to let their dogs defecate on sports pitches," said Prosser.
The danger resulting from fouling is something he is well aware of from his playing days, when another player at the club, who had a cut on his leg, suffered an infected leg for several months and was hospitalised for a while.
“That’s the last time I can remember something happening up here. Thankfully there’s been no serious issues since,” he said.
“But the issue for me is the impact it can have on somebody who comes into contact with dog urine or dog faeces when there’s the disease, toxocara, where children can be blinded.”
The club committee will discuss what preventative measures might be taken, and how the club can engage with dog walkers, not all of whom let their dogs run free on the club’s four pitches.
The club will be seeking permission from Vale of Glamorgan Council to put up secure permanent signage at all entrances to the Reservoir Field, and around pitches, urging walkers not to let their dogs onto the pitches.
“No dog should be walking or running, urinating or defecating, on a sports pitch. It’s as simple as that,” said Prosser.
“You wouldn’t take your dog down Romilly Park and let it go into the children’s gated-off play area. What’s the difference between a sports pitch and a children’s play area? There’s a greater chance of contact with the skin on a pitch.”
The Reservoir Field is a designated public space, and the club and Vale Council are in the process of a community asset transfer.
Part of the planning application alongside it includes fencing off the first team pitch to create a secure ground. That will involve changing or removing rights of way.
“We want to work and collaborate with dog walkers to find a proper preventative resolution that stops dogs defecating on pitches,” he added. “There is lots of space here where dogs can exercise without going on to the pitches.”
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