INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
already knew — that there is no one-size-fits-all formula for chapter success . We will continue working with each chapter and supporting them as they overcome challenges and strive toward their goals .”
SFMA President-elect Adam Thoms , Ph . D ., added that SFMA is continually working on initiatives tied to its strategic plan , and progress on those efforts is reviewed during each SFMA Board of Directors meeting .
Said Roesslein , “ 2023 felt like a year of regrouping and resetting the foundation to have the infrastructure in place in order to accomplish the goals set forth in our strategic plan . Any good goal-setting coach will tell you that you have to break the big goal down into smaller , measurable and achievable steps in order to succeed . In 2024 we have the opportunity to get back to fully focusing on implementing the business plan set in place .”
GROWING THE PROFESSION Ongoing goals for SFMA are to grow membership and be more inclusive of underrepresented groups , Simmons added .
“ This not only will benefit the association and the networking opportunities for our members , but hopefully will help address the workforce shortage within the profession ,” she said . “ We are reviewing our communication strategies , and are working diligently on increasing the public ’ s awareness of the profession — gaining respect for sports field managers and the work they do to provide safe , playable and beautiful fields for our communities .”
Awareness of the profession is also tied to SFMA ’ s initiatives related to diversity , equity and inclusion ( DEI ).
“ We welcome everyone into the profession , but first they must know it is an option — and that there are many entry points available ,” said Simmons .
SFMA has also been working with partner iCEV to create a turfgrass certification for high schools and career education programs as part of an effort to bring younger and more diverse individuals into the profession .
In the summer of 2024 , SFMA will launch more online learning opportunities to help sports field management professionals earn more respect , and , in turn , grow respect for the industry as a whole .
“ From an educational standpoint , we are continually seeking methods to educate and engage our members through cutting-edge research , new technologies and innovative ideas ,” said SFMA Academic Director Chase Straw , Ph . D . “ We are placing a strong emphasis on developing programs that will expand the sports field management industry and association .”
“ At the recent conference in Daytona Beach , we announced the launch of our mentorship program ,” said Simmons . “ This will facilitate the building of bridges between seasoned professionals and those newer to sports field management . Personal and positive engagement is the best way to strengthen commitments to the profession .”
Simmons added that she has met with representatives from other associations that serve related fields , and plans to strengthen those relationships and collaborations for the benefit of SFMA members .
Added Roesslein , “ Working with peer associations is one way to help provide more support for our SFMA membership in a variety of paths . This is an ongoing effort , but one specific collaboration from early in 2023 was the social media campaign with the Grounds Management Association ( GMA ) out of the UK . SFMA was invited to take part in supporting the campaign , which promotes the expertise of grounds managers and expanded to also promote sports field managers .
“ Another example is the Women ’ s Leadership Academy hosted by the GCSAA ,” she added . “ This unique event was opened to applications from our membership , as well as theirs , and SFMA had eight representatives in the inaugural class of 40 women .” SFMA has also had invitations to attend the National Recreation and Park Association ( NRPA ), Professional Grounds Management Society ( PGMS ) and Golf Course Superintendents Association of America ( GCSAA ) conferences , which will continue to open doors to collaboration .
“ Each peer association has specific areas of expertise that SFMA members can benefit from , and it is my hope
14 SportsField Management | February 2024 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com