SFMA IN ACTION
SFMA Volunteer Opportunities
Just as turfgrass requires the right soil , nutrients , moisture and maintenance , volunteers are essential to SFMA ’ s future . SFMA offers a variety of ways for its members to get involved — from short-term volunteer efforts to committee , advisory council and board service . With every new volunteer , SFMA grows stronger , more diverse and inclusive , and better equipped to reach its goals . Deepen your roots with SFMA and your colleagues , and volunteer today !
In 2024 , SFMA will realign its committees and task groups to fit with the goals of the association and the work required to achieve them . One challenge being addressed is the continuity of activity and progress within each group from year to year . To address this , the SFMA president and president-elect will appoint a chair and vice chair for each committee . These leaders will work side by side , and as the chair completes their term , the vice chair will then assume the chair position and a new vice chair will be appointed to work alongside them . This will help each committee maintain positive momentum and help drive SFMA initiatives .
SFMA ’ s volunteer opportunities are listed below . The sign-up period will open in February , so please watch your email for your chance to throw your hat in the ring and let SFMA know what area you would like to support . SFMA ’ s president and president-elect will work on the appointments , as well as designating the chairs and vice chairs , and you everyone will be notified of placements in late February or early March .
The opportunities for your consideration are categorized within the following areas : association support , awards programs , conference and membership .
ASSOCIATION SUPPORT
Commercial Advisory Council — Provides a forum to exchange ideas on how SFMA can better serve and engage its commercial members and how this segment can help advance the association . ( Commercial members only )
Editorial / Magazine — Ensures that SportsField Management magazine contains information relevant to the sports field manager ; to provide ideas and contacts for articles for publication ; to provide aesthetic and other recommendations on functionality and readability .
Finance & Audit — Provides oversight of the SFMA ’ s financial resources by reporting information to the SFMA Board of Directors . The Finance & Audit Committee shall be responsible for reviewing and recommending to the board of directors for approval : 1 ) annual budget ; 2 ) financial policies ; 3 ) investment policies and guidelines ; 4 ) the annual audit or review .
Historical — Acquires , documents and displays the history of the association ( STMA and SFMA ) and the sports field management profession .
Subject Matter Experts ( formerly Technical Standards ) — A membership network willing to answer technical questions ; to help answer interview questions at times ; to review resources on the SFMA website for accuracy ; periodically called on to review magazine articles ; and to work with the American Society for Testing & Materials on sports facility standards and recommendations as needed .
AWARDS PROGRAMS
Field of the Year — Judges the association ’ s awards program applicants selecting the Field of the Year winners ; develop strategies to enhance the awards program .
Innovative — Judges the Innovative Awards program ; ensures a fair judging process ; enhances the program as necessary . ( Non-commercial members only )
Scholarship — Judges the association ’ s SAFE scholarship program applicants ; develops strategies to enhance the scholarship program and recommends them to the SAFE Board of Trustees .
CONFERENCE
Conference Education — Determines the content , topics , presentation formats , speakers and moderators for the conference ; recommends ways to leverage conference education .
Conference SAFE events — Organizes aspects of the SAFE Foundation fundraising events including bowling , golf and cornhole ; suggests additional fundraising opportunities tied to conference .
Student Challenge — Develops the annual student challenge exam questions , answer key and protocols ; assist in proctoring the exam as needed . ( Nonacademic members only )
Tours — Organizes the appropriate off-site tours , including venues , presenters and formats .
MEMBERSHIP
Membership Enhancement ( formerly just “ Membership ”) — Develops initiatives to drive association membership growth and retention ; recommends programs that add value for each member .
Member Resources ( formerly Information Outreach / Learning Initiatives ) — Develops educational and informational opportunities for members targeted to specific needs to enhance their personal and professional development .
Member Advocacy – Develops strategies to advocate for the profession of sports field management and the
8 SportsField Management | February 2024 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com