INDUSTRY OUTLOOK

By Drew Miller

[ Editor ’ s Note : As part of STMA ’ s Weekly Conference Education Program , the author , along with Dan Sandor , Ph . D ., Virginia Tech University , will present an education session on this topic on Tuesday , Feb . 16 , from 3:15-4:15 p . m . EST . For more information , visit https :// www . stma . org / conference /]

Sports field management is spread far and wide from different local recreation levels to the professional stage . But who are the individuals that will continue all of the incredible work sports field managers do every day ? And where will they come from ?

Dr . Sandor and I have seen collegiate and high school turfgrass management programs full of prospective future industry leaders . As educators , we have learned and discovered new and creative ways to promote the sports field management industry to America ’ s younger generation . It is critical for sports field managers and STMA members to promote this incredible industry to the youth in their communities .

Sports field managers play such a significant role in their communities , as they are maintaining multiple playing surfaces on which millions of athletes play the sports they love . As an industry , we help create memories for athletes and fans throughout the country – from watching or playing Little League baseball games to attending or playing professional sports . We have the opportunity to bring our life ’ s work to light through outreach in our local communities . As STMA members – and especially Certified Sports Field Managers and those working toward certification – we also have the opportunity to provide athletes , coaches , administrators and parents the assurance and peace of mind that we are trained and educated professionals who work to ensure the playing fields are not solely picturesque , but , most importantly , playable and safe for all involved . In the past , our industry has had trouble finding young , experienced and passionate workers who can join the next generation of sports field managers . Some issues we have seen throughout the years relate to the recruitment and retention of young industry workers . We must all take seriously the importance of finding the next generation of industry leaders to ensure and maintain a positive outlook on the sports field management industry ’ s future .

Growing up , many individuals play sports and dream of a professional career as a player . Because their focus is on playing , they never notice the things that add to their love of the game – the field kept in shape so they are not injured , mowed-in patterns that are pleasing to the eye , etc . It is our job to have them take notice of the things around them . Let them see that they can have a professional career in baseball as a groundskeeper rather than as a player . When I went to see the Mets play as a child , I was far more excited by Mike Piazza than the New York cityscape striped into the field . In my youth , I noticed the work of the Hall of Fame catcher . Our job is to make the youth notice the work of the Hall of Fame groundskeeper , Pete Flynn !

Look back on your career and think about what brought you to the sports field management industry . What was that experience ? Did you hear from a friend ? Why did

28 SportsField Management | February 2021 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com