OFFICERS

President: Alpha Jones, CSFM

Immediate Past President: Adam Thoms, Ph. D.

President Elect: Casey Carrick, CSFM

Secretary / Treasurer: Jason DeMink, CSFM

Vice President Commercial: Matthew Duncan, CSFM

DIRECTORS

Academic: Weston Floyd, CSFM

At-Large( elected): Ben Baumer, CSFM

At-Large( appointed): Eric Harshman, CSFM, CGM, SSC

Commercial: Adam Russell, LEED AP

Higher Education: Joe Hill

Parks & Recreation: Tara Jordan

Professional Facilities: Mitch Hooten

Schools K-12: Jake Mays, CSFM

SFMA OFFICE P. O. Box 1673 Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 800-323-3875 Email: SFMAInfo @ SportsFieldManagement. org www. sportsfieldmanagement. org

SFMA EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Chair: Joe Churchill Vice Chair: Brad Thedens, CSFM Board Liaison: Chase Straw, Ph. D. Members: C. J. Buck; Paul Hollis; Rebecca Knapp, CSFM; Eric Roberts, CSFM; Jack Stelter; and Aaron Tipton

Spring is here, and it’ s the busiest season for sports field managers. I recently had the opportunity to speak with professionals from parks and recreation departments, and it was a powerful reminder of how much work happens quietly. These managers arrive early, prepare fields with care, and leave long before anyone steps onto the surfaces they maintain. Their work is often unseen— but the impact is clear: safe, playable fields that support athletes and communities alike.

This season also brings highprofile opportunities where sports field management shines on national and global stages— from professional soccer and baseball to college and local tournaments. The standards and habits that make a World Cup pitch playable are the same practices that keep your local parks field safe and resilient. Excellence, no matter the level, starts with the foundation of consistent care.

During these busy weeks, planning and preparation are key. Inspect fields for drainage issues, turf health, and high-use areas. Stay on schedule with mowing, aeration and fertilization to encourage healthy growth and prevent early-season wear. Keep equipment ready, from sharpened mower blades to functional irrigation sys- tems, so nothing slows progress. And don’ t overlook staff communication; clarity around priorities and standards ensures safe and efficient work across every field.

For communities or organizations looking to maximize safety, playability and aesthetics, consider partnering with a professional sports field manager. Their expertise ensures fields are prepared consistently, reducing risk and enhancing the experience for athletes and spectators alike.

Resources like the Sports Field Management Association( SFMA) website and maintenance checklists can provide guidance and reference for planning and safety standards, whether you’ re managing a neighborhood park or a high-profile venue.

Even when spring weather delays or long schedules make days feel overwhelming, every moment spent on proactive maintenance builds the foundation for a successful season. The work you do carries purpose, professionalism and pride.

Take a moment to recognize the difference you make. Every field prepared thoughtfully, every decision to act ahead of a problem, and every standard you uphold contributes to safer play, stronger communities and a profession that continues to grow in visibility and respect.

— Alpha Jones, CSFM

Alpha Jones, CSFM SFMA President ajonessfma @ gmail. com sportsfieldmanagementonline. com April 2026 | SportsField Management

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