MORE THAN GRASS WITH ALPHA JONES

The 2025 Sports Field Management Association ( SFMA ) Conference is just around the corner , and I ’ m excited for conversations to be had with familiar and new people alike . I ’ m also reminded of past conversations , and if I had a dollar for every story that included “ we ’ ve always done it that way ”… well , you get the picture . Our industry is rooted in tradition , where many techniques and practices have been handed down from one crew to the next . However , although time-tested methods hold value , an unwavering commitment to them can inhibit innovation , growth and efficiency .

The bon mot of insanity is “ doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result .” Whether you ’ re the identified leader or not , the larger question must be , “ what is the collateral damage of continuing to do it the way we ’ ve always done it ?”

When done well , the “ we ’ ve always done it that way ” mindset is a system that passes down valuable skills and techniques from experienced professionals to new team members , setting clear expectations for results and building practical expertise . But the downside emerges when these habits harden into a resistance to change . In sports field management , this resistance can arise from fear of the unknown , fear of failure or even the inconvenience of shifting away from a comfortable routine .

Fear in our line of work is rooted in our drive to avoid making mistakes or disrupting schedules . Delays and errors can attract unwanted attention and complaints from fans , players and officials — putting sports field management crews under pressure to maintain their reputation . Nobody enjoys reading fan comments about a game delayed due to issues related to field preparation , such as repainting a 130-foot foul line that was four inches to the right of the outfield foul line . Yes , I painted it on the wrong side of the string ( true story ). While it ’ s understandable to want to avoid risk , clinging to old ways simply for their familiarity can have collateral damage .

A fear-based environment , where not making mistakes dominates a team ’ s approach , stifles quality and limits creativity and performance . In sports field management , where the smallest detail can impact safety and field conditions , teams must be prepared to act with confidence and adapt to situations that arise . Fear of messing up creates rigidity that can demotivate the team , create a tense work environment and limit problem-solving capabilities .

Team members who grow to fear change are more likely to retreat from learning new skills . A culture of hesitancy can become the norm , with this same fear passed on to new team members . When employees continue with outdated techniques , they miss the chance to expand their skill sets and adapt to advancements in technology . This can limit not only their growth but also their overall value to the team and the sports field management industry .

The annual SFMA Conference is designed to be a resource for learning . Adapting something observed or learned through continuing education may cause change , but the stamina to overcome the challenges related to change has an impact that builds skill and confidence within the team . The long-term effect is a culture that values continuous improvement , which encourages employees to keep learning , and builds confidence and resiliency . Sports field managers who embrace change influence their team ’ s desire to meet current industry standards and ensure that their skills stay relevant .

Clinging to outdated methods can be a hit to team culture . Team members who are consistently told to follow the old ways may feel robotic . Over time , this dynamic can lead to frustration , complacency and turnover , as workers seek employment that values growth .

Teams that celebrate small wins and encourage new methods tend to boost morale and job satisfaction . Effective dialogue shows employees they are valued , and can spark pride and ownership of work . When team members participate in decisions about adopting new techniques , they are more likely to embrace and support changes .

By recognizing the collateral damage of clinging to old ways , you can adopt a culture that emphasizes continuous improvement , encourages growth and improves efficiency . Change may come with challenges , but in an evolving industry , adaptability and innovation are crucial for ensuring long-term success . 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 Secretary-Treasurer . sportsfieldmanagementonline . com December 2024 | SportsField Management

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