MORE THAN GRASS WITH ALPHA JONES

By Alpha Jones , CSFM

One of several satisfying moments in the career of a sports field manager is seeing an amazing play on a field they maintain . The skills athletes display are developed through repetitive drills and hours of practice . The athlete must also have confidence in the playing surface on which they perform . It is this foundation of abilities and assuring surface that promotes confidence to perform and stretch beyond their base skills . Like the athlete , today ’ s sports field management ( SFM ) professionals and tomorrow ’ s leaders require foundational skills that will provide confidence to extend beyond their expertise .

For an effective leader or role player , communication is vital in building relationships and gaining trust . When it is absent , misinterpretation , confusion and doubt can result . One might assume that the art of speaking is the most important communication skill of a leader , but it ’ s not . For today ’ s crew members and tomorrow ’ s leaders , the most significant communication skill to master is the ability to listen . Listening is an easy skill to use and essential to master .

The sports field , no matter the size or level of play , has become , and will progressively be , a stage and backdrop for non-sport , revenue-generating events . Today ’ s SFM professionals have many different individuals with which to interact when developing their field management plans . This diverse group of personalities includes the coaching staff of both teams using the field , their organization ’ s executive management team , the events coordinator , community relations coordinator and marketing team , to name a few . If that is not enough to take in , there are the voices within their own department , as well as public opinion . The input from each of these can be overwhelming and leaves the field crew leader deliberating over whose needs are most important .

The first responsibility of the SFM professional is to provide a safe , playable and aesthetically pleasing playing surface and facility . Job priority number two is to defend the field against anything that lowers or disrupts the integrity of the field ( this includes field-use requests ). Your success in doing this depends on hearing what others are asking . Their words can give insight to the true request and why it is important to that department or organization . The challenge for SFM professionals is these requests often differ or go outside of what is deemed as proper or preferred field use . Consider this approach to the conversations around field-use requests and other talks .

First , be quick to listen and slow to speak . Hesitate to respond immediately to what has been said . Avoid distractions , and ask to move the discussion to a place where both parties can hear . Switch notifications to vibrate or off , and set your phone to the side . Give your attention and focus to the speaker and what they have to say . Do not tense up or mentally block out the remainder of a conversation if a request or suggested idea differs with you or your way of thinking . Keep an open mind . Sometimes field-use requests seem to disregard or not take into consideration the hard work , time and resources needed to achieve and maintain the integrity of the field . Hear the full idea the user has , and understand the message ; it may be different than it sounds .

Second , conduct this simple test : Can you , the listener , now explain the “ what and why ” of the request back to the requestor ? If you can , respond thoughtfully . Once you have heard their ask and listened to the explanation of its importance , summarize in your words what you heard them say . Be solutions-minded with the idea of accommodating both parties with a version of what they want . You can accomplish two things here . You confirm to the speaker that you heard them , and you create a connection that could build trust . Trust is key to successful communication .

Third , as you practice listening , hear the language or lingo the speaker uses . SFM professionals have a reputation for speaking grass lingo when talking with others and find themselves having to stop mid-sentence to explain what they just described . For an events coordinator , band director or coach , their passion for what they do drives their requests for field use and their words . Learn and use their terminology , create a common language that bridges the gap of understanding and a familiarity that should decrease tension around difficult topics . Ask questions that seek to gather information . Conversations in their terms will show an interest in what they do , and a willingness to work together . SFM

Alpha Jones , CSFM , is director of field operations for the Fayetteville Woodpeckers , MiLB affiliate of the Houston Astros . He also serves on the SFMA Board of Directors as professional facilities director .

24 SportsField Management | August 2023 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com