SFMA IN ACTION
SFMA welcomes new affiliated chapter
SFMA is proud to announce the formation of the Nebraska Sports Field Management Association ( NESFMA ). This chapter is led by President Jason Allen , City of Lavista . The NESFMA ’ s purpose is to provide a forum for professionals engaged in the management and maintenance of athletic fields . NESFMA information , upcoming events and full board of directors can be found by visiting https :// nebraskaturfgrass . com / nesfma .
SFMA believes that all agronomy is local , and its affiliated chapters serve a key role in delivering regional information . Chapters hold many educational events including field days and workshops at which they address relevant , topical issues .
SFMA affiliated its first chapter more than 25 years ago , and it now has 34 chapters throughout the United States that represent more than 6,000 sports turf industry professionals . Visit https :// www . sportsfieldmanagement . org / chapters / to view all chapter information and find information on how to form your own chapter .
Customize the SFMA Best Management Practices guide for your facility
As the world becomes increasingly aware of the need for environmental protection , it is essential that every industry plays its part in safeguarding our planet . The sports field management industry is no exception . SFMA recognizes the importance of environmental stewardship in the profession and has released a comprehensive guide to assist sports field managers in maintaining environmentally friendly practices . SFMA ’ s guide , Best Management Practices for the Sports Field Manager : A Professional Guide for Sports Field Management is a crucial tool for any sports field manager seeking to ensure their operations are eco-friendly .
The BMP guide covers a wide range of topics including planning , design and construction ; turfgrass establishment ; cultural practices such as mowing , nutrient management , irrigation , cultivation and pest management ; pesticide management ; sustainable landscaping ; synthetic turf ; maintenance operations ; and emergency preparedness . This guide provides a one-stop shop for all sports field managers , whether they are SFMA members or not , to ensure they are following best practices for environmental protection .
One of the key benefits of utilizing this guide is that it enables sports field managers to document their practices and showcase their efforts to legislators , regulators , employers and community constituents . This document serves as a tool to validate the excellent practices already in place and positions sports field managers as strong stewards of the environment .
Additionally , the BMP guide can be customized to meet the specific needs of a region , state or facility . The SFMA provides a customizable template for this purpose that can be accessed by visiting https :// www . sportsfieldmanagement . org / knowledge _ center / bmps /.
# GroundsWeek
SFMA partnered with the Grounds Management Association ( GMA ) to support GMA ’ s annual # Groundsweek campaign , which took place from March 20-26 . This campaign is designed to celebrate the hard work of grounds teams and their positive impact on sports , and to encourage more people to consider a career in grounds management .
Grounds teams play a vital role in ensuring that sports pitches , courts and other playing surfaces are in top condition , enabling athletes to perform at their best . They also contribute to the safety and enjoyment of sports events by maintaining facilities and ensuring that they are clean and well maintained .
SFMA is looking forward to strengthening its relationship with the GMA during the coming years , collaborating on initiatives that will promote the importance of grounds management in sports and encourage more people to pursue a career in this field . By working together , the SFMA and GMA hope to build a brighter future for grounds management and ensure that athletes and sports fans around the world continue to enjoy the best possible playing conditions .
SFMA Environmental Facility Certification
SFMA would like to remind its members about the Environmental Facility Certification program , and encourage them to document their environmental
8 SportsField Management | April 2023 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com