SFMA IN ACTION
These surprise awards are announced during the SFMA Awards Banquet , held on the last day of the SFMA annual conference .
SAFE scholarships and grants
The SAFE Foundation scholarships and grants program will open for applications in July . Although the deadline to submit is October 15 , now is the time to begin assembling the information for your application .
SAFE Turfgrass Scholarships are awards given to students who are pursuing turfgrass management or post-graduate research . Several of these are in Dr . James Watson ’ s name and are funded by The Toro Company .
The Paul Zwaska Scholarship promotes diversity within the profession and recognizes and encourages full-time students pursuing a career in the sports field management profession . This scholarship is funded by Beacon Athletics .
SAFE awards a non-turfgrass scholarship in honor of a legendary supporter of SFMA and SAFE , and dedicated family man . The Darian Daily Legacy Scholarship is awarded to dependents of members who are pursuing a field of academic study outside the turfgrass industry .
Pioneer Athletics funds the Leo Goertz Membership Grants . These are awarded to sports field managers or crew members who are not currently members of SFMA .
The Gary Vanden Berg Internship Grant is named in honor of Gary Vanden Berg , CSFM , for his contributions to the industry in promoting internships . Students who have interned are eligible to submit postinternship to augment their internship wages .
The Terry Mellor Continuing Education Grant provides funding for an SFMA chapter member to attend the SFMA annual conference . This grant is made possible through the support of Turface Athletics .
For more information on SAFE and the scholarships and grants , visit www . safefields . org .
SFMA partners with iCEV for turfgrass certification program
SFMA partnered with iCEV to provide an opportunity for individuals to participate in the Turfgrass Science Certification program , available fall of 2024 . This program will be available to everyone including high school students , teachers , college students and individuals already in the turfgrass industry wanting to enhance their influence and skillset . The curriculum can be used as training / onboarding for a team , to develop summer interns and new employees or for classroom teachers to support their students . Teachers also qualify to receive a free pilot to try the program in the classroom .
Participants will master the fundamental competencies required to be successful in the industry . Participants will also be able to add this certification to their resume to attract potential employers and begin a fulfilling career in sports field management . The certification encompasses various areas of the industry including K-12 , parks and recreation facilities , golf courses , colleges and universities and professional sports . The tested industry standards are as follows : Benefits of turfgrass Turfgrass anatomy , identification and adaptations Turfgrass environment Turfgrass cultural practices Playing surface preparation
Letters of support are required for the program to be recognized at the state level for certification . More information about the requirements for letters of support can be found at https :// www . icevonline . com / certification-support .
Members may also fill out a survey to support the certification at https :// www . surveymonkey . com / r / 3W7Y58K .
For more information about the Turfgrass Science Certification , please visit https :// www . sportsfieldmanagement . org / turfgrass -science-certification /.
Mark your calendars for the 2025 SFMA Conference & Exhibition
SFMA is thrilled to be hosting its 36th Annual Conference & Exhibition in beautiful Palm Springs , California .
“ Call for Presentations ” is currently open and is set to close on April 6 . Visit the SFMA website for the link to submit your presentation .
Hotels will open mid-summer , so watch your emails for information regarding opening dates and booking information .
There is still room on the trade show floor ! Visit the conference page on the SFMA website to learn more about booking a booth . sportsfieldmanagementonline . com April 2024 | SportsField Management
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