INDUSTRY INSIGHTS painters and sprayers are already making a significant impact in terms of labor savings and efficiency . I am particularly excited about the role that artificial intelligence will play in our industry in the coming years .”
According to Straw , these newer technologies — in conjunction with data collection devices such as weather and soil moisture sensors — will become integrated to form a more robust , data-driven decision and action platform .
“ This integration is likely to lead to a reduction in management inputs and result in fields that are safer and more playable ,” he said .
Thoms is excited to see what is learned from the FIFA World Cup Research with the 2026 World Cup rapidly approaching .
“ This will have implications for many years down the road on how to incorporate technology , cultivar performance under athletic field stress , and new maintenance techniques into the athletic field industry ,” he said . “ Attending presentations on this research will be exciting over the next couple of years and should be on everyone ’ s radar .” is striving to manage fields in the most sustainable way possible — balancing economic , environmental and social responsibilities .”
SUPPORTING THE INDUSTRY “ The team in the board room is dedicated to working toward elevating our profession , supporting all segments of membership , offering more resources and setting SFMA up for future growth ,” said Roesslein . “ This group of volunteer board members , alongside our small-but-mighty staff and more than 200 committee volunteers have a lot of opportunity ahead of us in order to achieve our strategic goals and effect positive impact for the roughly 2,300 members of our association . In turn , that will benefit the millions of athletes that play on our fields every day .
“ While the road map of our strategic plan is in place , we still need creative ideas and solutions , as well as diverse experiences in order to continue to evolve ,” she added . “ I encourage you to jump in and sign up for a committee that aligns with your passion for our profession . The old adage , ‘ a rising tide lifts all ships ,’ rings true in that as we elevate our offerings and resources , we will also elevate our profession ; and as we elevate our profession , we elevate our members .” SFM
John Kmitta is associate publisher and editorial brand director of SportsField Management magazine .
SUSTAINABILITY With regard to sustainability initiatives , Straw said continued education and outreach — within and outside of the industry — are essential .
“ Sports field management often faces criticism for various reasons , such as concerns over water , fertilizer and pesticide use for natural turfgrass , and issues like heat , PFAS or microplastics for synthetic turf ,” said Straw . “ The more science-based information we can provide to managers , decision makers and the public , the clearer it will become that our industry
sportsfieldmanagementonline . com February 2024 | SportsField Management
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