SFMA IN ACTION
SFMA Board of Directors elections
The annual election of SFMA ’ s Board of Directors for 2024 is rapidly approaching . Now is the time to pause and consider if this is the right time for you to serve . The SFMA Nominating Committee invites you to submit your name as a potential candidate by August 31 , 2023 .
BENEFITS OF SERVICE There are many reasons you should consider running for the SFMA Board of Directors . From guiding the direction of your association and giving back to the profession to growing your professional network and raising your profile , the benefits are the incredible rewards one gets both personally and professionally . Board service is a great way for members to contribute expertise and knowledge and help SFMA grow and succeed in the future .
DO YOU QUALIFY TO SERVE ON THE BOARD ? The only specific requirement is that you are an SFMA voting member in good standing . The Nominating Committee will consider your previous service on committees and task groups , to local chapters , and other community service . You will also be asked to share your qualities that make you a good fit for the board , and your own vision for SFMA .
BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES The SFMA Board of Directors is the governing body for the association . It sets policy and strategic direction for the programs and services it provides to its membership and is accountable to its membership . The board of directors is responsible for the financial oversight of the association and for putting in place the appropriate management system for day-to-day operations . They have the authority as a collective group to approve contracts , employ persons , engage in legal action , and hold title to property . Individual board members do not have any legal authority to determine policy , employ persons , engage in legal actions , etc ., unless specifically authorized by official board action . The SFMA board is covered by Directors and Officers liability insurance . Individual board member ’ s responsibilities Attend and actively participate in board meetings
( four per year ). Set policy and strategic direction . Chair one or more committees . Attend special events , as needed . Attend and actively participate in the annual conference . Exhibit a high level of professionalism . For more information on board service , please visit www . sportsfieldmanagement . org .
2023 conference recordings available on demand
If you were unable to attend the 2023 SFMA Conference , visit the SFMA online store and purchase the recordings for $ 149 . Access to individual sessions is $ 20 each .
SFMA recorded the educational sessions at the 2023 conference to benefit sports field managers unable to make it to the conference . The recordings are valuable for those who want to stay current and educated in the industry . The library is accessible on portable devices such as iPad , iPhone , and other tablet devices , and can be accessed at any time throughout the year . Don ’ t miss this valuable opportunity to enhance your education , train your staff , and stay current with industry trends and research !
Full conference attendees have free , unlimited , lifetime access to the online library . Attendees should have received an email with access instructions .
Field of the Year awards
The Field of the Year Program was developed to feature the excellent field management practices of SFMA members in three categories : Professional stadiums , Schools / Parks , and Colleges / Universities . The program awards single fields in the sports of baseball , softball , soccer , football and sporting grounds ( which recognizes non-mainstream sports , such as rugby and lacrosse ).
The application covers playability and appearance of the playing surface ; innovative solutions employed ; effective use of budget ; the development and implementation of a comprehensive , sound agronomic program ; field management challenges and more . Up to 30 photographs taken throughout the year are also required to be uploaded in the application ..
Those who attain a Field of the Year award receive complimentary SFMA Conference registration , three nights hotel , signature clothing , and they accept their award on stage during the annual Awards Banquet held during the SFMA Conference and Exhibition . That event will be held Jan . 25 , 2024 , in Daytona Beach , Florida . To help you get started , here are 10 Tips for Preparing Your SFMA Field of the Year Application
1 . Start now . Even though the application is online , now is the time to start the process of documenting your good work .
2 . Submit a customized application for each field ( if you are entering more than one field ). Each of your fields has a customized program , so be certain to relay that information .
3 . Pictures really are worth 1,000 words . You have an opportunity to present up to 30 photos . Use it . The judges especially are interested in seeing “ before ” and “ after ” photos , so do not submit just beauty shots .
8 SportsField Management | August 2023 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com