SFMA IN ACTION

CSFM application deadline approaching

Achieving the Certified Sports Field Manager( CSFM) designation positions you as a leader in the industry. This prestigious credential not only fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment but can also enhance your current and future employment prospects.

If you are interested in taking the CSFM Exam at the 2026 Conference, applications must be received by SFMA no later than Monday, December 8.

Pre-qualification and pre-registration are required for those who wish to take the certification exam in Fort Worth. Access the application forms at https: / www. sportsfieldmanagement. org / csfm-program /.

If you have any questions about whether you qualify to be approved for the CSFM program and take the certification exam, email lcraig @ sportsfieldmanagement. org or call 800-323-3875.

SFMA CEO Paula Sliefert received the Professional Grounds Management Society( PGMS) Gold Medal Award for her dedication and leadership in the sports field management community.

The PGMS Gold Medal Award is presented to an individual or entity to recognize them for outstanding and long-term achievements and / or contributions to the green industry.

For more information about the PGMS Professional Awards, visit https:// pgms. org / page / ProfessionalAwards.

Texas Education Agency recognizes SFMA Turfgrass Science Certification

The Texas Education Agency( TEA) has formally recognized the Sports Field Management Association’ s( SFMA) Turfgrass Science Certification as an approved Industry- Based Certification( IBC) for public school accountability in the 2025 – 2030 cycle. The credential appears on TEA’ s new IBC List with IBC ID 1284 and is classified as a Tier 3 certification, with SFMA listed as the certifying entity.

This action means Texas high school students who earn the SFMA Turfgrass Science Certification can now help their campuses meet College, Career, and Military Readiness( CCMR) indicators, since TEA uses approved IBCs as one of the measures in the student achievement domain of the state accountability system.

SFMA welcomes Western Canada Turfgrass Association as newest International Affiliate

SFMA announced that the Western Canada Turfgrass Association( WCTA) has been recognized as its newest International Affiliate Organization, further expanding SFMA’ s global network of professionals dedicated to safe, highquality and sustainable sports fields.

WCTA serves sports turf and green industry professionals across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. By joining SFMA as an International Affili-

8 SportsField Management | December 2025 sportsfieldmanagementonline. com