https://www.sportsfieldmanagement.org/knowledge_center/turfgrass-science-curriculum/
Learning objectives: The course is set up to provide basic knowledge in the core areas of turfgrass science. The curriculum offers comprehensive training in 5 Units:
Unit 1 – Introduction to Turfgrass Science: Students will learn about the economic, environmental, and community benefits turfgrass surfaces provide. Students will also learn about the various careers available in the green industry.
Unit 2 – Turfgrass Growth & Development, Anatomy, and Identification: Students will learn about turfgrass germination and growth, different anatomical features and how to use those features to identify turfgrass plants. Adaptations and use of turfgrass species are also covered.
Unit 3 – Turfgrass Soils: Students will learn about the importance of soil properties in a turfgrass system. Soil texture, compaction, and drainage and how they influence turfgrass health is the focus.
Unit 4 – Turfgrass Cultural Practices: Students will learn about the cultural practices essential for maintaining healthy turfgrass. Mowing, fertility, irrigation, aeration and topdressing, and integrated pest management are discussed in detail.
Unit 5 – Turfgrass Establishment: The final unit utilizes all of the information presented in the course to give students a broader picture of the requirements to manage turfgrass from start to finish. Successful establishment cannot take place without a firm understanding of turfgrass species and adaptations, soil requirements, and essential cultural practices.
https://www.sportsfieldmanagement.org/turfgrass-science-certification/
This entry-level certification is designed to build a pipeline of skilled turfgrass industry professionals. The certification can be earned by learners in all stages of their education and careers, and verifies that individuals are prepared to pursue a career in the field of turfgrass science. The certification exam, tested on the iCEV platform, consists of 100 questions and assesses knowledge and skills for the following weighted industry standards:
Benefits of Turfgrass: 5%
Turfgrass Anatomy, Identification and Adaptations: 20%
Turfgrass Environment: 25%
Turfgrass Cultural Practices: 30%
Playing Surface Preparation: 20%
Attaining Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) status means you will be looked upon as a leader in the industry. It will give you a sense of pride and accomplishment, and it can even improve your current or future employment prospects. Becoming a CSFM is meant to challenge your knowledge of managing sports fields and to draw upon all aspects of your background in education and experience to prove that you are one of the best in the industry. Meeting the challenge can contribute to your professional advancement in sports field management. The CSFM Information and Application Packet includes CSFM Credentialing Information, CSFM Competency Outline and CSFM Detailed Competency List.
Interpersonal Skills
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Dynamic Meetings
Mentorship Program
Turfgrass Math Resource Center: Build confidence in one of the most essential skills in sports field management — math. This practical, easy-to-follow course is designed to help turf professionals and students apply mathematical concepts to real-world field management tasks. From accurate field layout to precise applications of fertilizers and pesticides, a strong foundation in turfgrass math leads to better decision-making, improved efficiency, and cost savings. This course breaks down key concepts into manageable modules, including area and volume calculations, dry fertilizer applications, liquid fertilizer applications and pesticide calculations.
Online course: Field Painting Resource Center (coming soon!)
Online course: Synthetic Turf Management 101 (coming soon!)
For more information concerning SFMA educational offerings, contact Jennifer McLendon at jmclendon@sportsfieldmanagement.org
SFMA’s post-conference virtual education sessions are now available, offering continued learning across key topics in sports field management:
Importance of the Right Foundation: Principles of Athletic Field Rootzone Design and Maintenance. Presented by Joshua Marden, CSFM
Water Quality and Lack Thereof. Presented by Marco Schiavon, Ph.D.
What is Nanotechnology and How Can it Help My Sports Fields? Presented by Geoff Rinehart, MS
Soil Health of Sports Fields: Are Pesticides and Fertilizers Killing our Soils? Presented by Bryan Hopkins, Ph.D.
Cool-Season Turfgrasses for Reduced-Input Grounds and Sports Fields; presented by Brad Park
Relationship Goals: How to Improve the Success of Your Sports Field by Communication. Presented by Keith Fisher
Budgeting Fundamentals: Knowing What Goes Where and How. Presented by Brad Jakubowski, MS, CIT
How to Plan Athletic Field Management for an Effective Integrated Pest Management Plan. Presented by Amanda Folck, MS
Access sessions at https://www.sportsfieldmanagement.org/2026-sfma-conference-education/
Several SFMA Chapters announced upcoming events:
Sports Field Managers Association of New Jersey (SFMANJ) Spring Field Day. April 15, 2026. Ginty Field, Morris Township, New Jersey. https://sfmanj.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php
Colorado SFMA (CSFMA) 2026 Continuing Core Credits Webinar. April 22, 2026. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (virtual) https://cstma.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php?p_or_f=f
Sports Field Managers Association of New Jersey (SFMANJ) Rutgers Turfgrass Research Golf Classic. May 4, 2026. Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club, Bedminster, New Jersey. https://njta.wildapricot.org/
Virginia Sports Field Management Association (VSFMA) Field & Demo Day. May 14, 2026. CarMax Park, Richmond, Virginia. https://vsfma.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php