INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
According to Straw , the SFMA Turfgrass Science Certification , available through iCEV in August 2024 , will verify that individuals have acquired foundational knowledge and skills in turfgrass science and management , and are capable of pursuing a career in the turfgrass industry .
“ We are collaborating with groups like FFA and the GCSAA to develop joint strategies to attract young people to our industry ,” he said .
Thoms added that it is important to continue to spread the message that sports field management is a career .
“ So many people I run into say they didn ’ t know you could care for athletic fields as a career , or say they wished they knew about this career at a younger age . Reaching out to high schools will be key in the upcoming years to attract youth to our industry .
NATURAL VS . SYNTHETIC SFMA leaders also weighed in on the often hot-button issue of natural grass fields vs . synthetic turf .
According to Simmons , research and education are important for helping communities determine the best options for their needs , taking into account the expertise of the sports field manager and the importance of having the proper maintenance plans and professionals in place regardless of what the field is comprised of .
“ Again , this is where growing the respect for the expertise a sports field manager can provide is imperative ,” she said .
Said Straw , “ We require more unbiased information about the economic , environmental and social impacts of field type and management . This can be achieved by conducting large-scale research projects that address these key issues , thereby providing decision makers with science-based data to make the best possible decisions for their facilities .
“ Unfortunately , funding for sports field research is limited , making such research projects challenging to conduct ,” Straw added . “ Nonetheless , efforts are still being made by numerous turfgrass scientists and key stakeholder groups across the country to address these concerns and provide information .”
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16 SportsField Management | February 2024 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com