SFMA IN ACTION
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 January 16 , 2025 , in Palm Springs , California .
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 are worth 1,000 words . You have an opportunity to present up to 30 photos — use it . The judges are especially interested in seeing “ before ” and “ after ” photos , so do not submit just beauty shots .
4 . Budget information is extremely important ; your goal is to make the judges understand your effective use of resources . Winners seldom are the ones who have the most resources .
5 . Successful submittals use the PCI to the fullest extent . Field use statistics can help you show the judges how much play is taking place on your field , and the corresponding results .
6 . Be sure to fully express innovative solutions to any of the problems you encounter in managing the field .
7 . Consider submitting your oldest field . ( Must be a minimum of two seasons of play old ). The key is to showcase your field management savvy , and your skills can really show through on older fields .
8 . Give credit to your staff . Be sure to outline the personnel you have on your staff .
9 . Highlight all of the components of your monthly maintenance program . Include why you are doing something , and don ’ t forget to call attention to the ways you are protecting the environment .
10 . Proofread your application before hitting “ submit .” Catch those spelling and grammar errors that can classify the submittal as subpar .
SAFE Scholarship Program
SAFE annually awards scholarships to students who are planning a career in the sports field management industry . Since its inception , the SAFE Foundation has presented more than $ 240,000 in scholarships and travel to the SFMA Conference and Exhibition to more than 130 students . Each year , SAFE awards several named scholarships : the Dr . James Watson Graduate Scholarship ; the Dr . James Watson Scholarships for graduate , four-year and two-year students ; and the Dr . Fred Grau Scholarship . The Watson Scholarships are named in honor of longtime green industry researcher and consultant Dr . James Watson , are funded by the Toro Giving Program , and are presented to the top graduate and undergraduate scholarship recipients . The top recipient from a two-year program receives the Dr . Fred Grau scholarship , which is named in honor of the first turfgrass extension specialist in the United States . To apply for scholarships , simply complete the online application , request your references from your faculty adviser and employer , and submit it to the SAFE Scholarship Committee . sportsfieldmanagementonline . com August 2024 | SportsField Management
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