CERTIFICATION

The Sports Field Management Association ( SFMA ) recognizes the importance of fostering and improving professionalism within the sports field management industry . For that reason , SFMA developed the Certified Sports Field Manager ( CSFM ) certification program . Becoming a CSFM is meant to challenge the field manager ’ s knowledge and to draw upon all aspects of their education and experience to prove that they are one of the best in the industry . For more insight into the CSFM program , Brad Finn , CSFM , and Enrico Perruzzi , CSFM , shared the benefits of becoming certified .

SportsField Management ( SFM ): What sparked your interest in sports field management ? Brad Finn , CSFM : I was at a family party during winter break of my junior year in high school when I heard about turf management . I met a guy who worked at Fenway Park ; and , as a huge Red Sox fan , that caught my ear . I also played baseball and worked on the fields , but that ’ s when I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life . Enrico Perruzzi , CSFM : I worked seasonally going through college , and loved the aspect of still being involved in athletics after my playing days were over .

SFM : What was the most challenging aspect of the CSFM certification process ? Finn : I am not good at taking standardized tests , so really just being able to focus on the exam was the most challenging part for me . Perruzzi : Besides accruing the necessary point total , I would have to say was looking over the study guide and trying to focus on items that I was not familiar with .

SFM : How has earning your CSFM impacted your career ? Finn : It ’ s a milestone and an accomplishment . It has helped me validate my knowledge , and I feel more confident in what I do . There is great company with the others who have attained theirs . Rewarding would be the best word to describe it . Perruzzi : The biggest impact was the amount of credibility I started to gain as a CSFM . It truly puts the finishing touch on cementing that we are professionals not just glorified laborers . With that credibility comes accountability as well , which needs to be upheld at all times .

SFM : What personal qualities contribute to being a successful CSFM ? Finn : Asking good questions and learning from industry veterans . I am always trying to hear about experiences they ’ ve had . It has helped me with my situational awareness and identifying solutions to problems . Otherwise , having a turfgrass degree helped with much of the basic knowledge . Perruzzi : Admitting when your wrong , “ owning it ,” and never acting like you know everything while still continuing to learn along the way .

SFM : How do you stay current with industry advancements ? Finn : I like to stay connected to my local extension experts and SFMA chapter . I always try to attend the conference and local conferences to stay in the loop on the new and exciting advancements . Perruzzi : Besides attending industry conferences and reading trade magazines , I would say networking with other field managers is one of the biggest assets any field manager can utilize .

SFM : What advice would you give to aspiring CSFMs ? Finn : Study and keep your ears open . Practice makes perfect . I really credit the folks I ’ ve learned from over the past 10 years . Thats what has allowed me to be successful . You need people to support you , and that comes from being selfless at times . Perruzzi : Stay the course . Don ’ t let anyone prevent you from gaining knowledge either through certification , education and networking . The greatest characteristic of SFMA is the ability to talk to almost anyone at any level and bounce ideas off each other . In my 22 years as a member , I have had only one person fail to get back to me when I reached out with a question or idea — which I have done a lot of during my time as a member , whether or not I was a CSFM .

For more information about the SFMA CSFM program , visit https :// www . sportsfieldmanagement . org / csfm-program / SFM

38 SportsField Management | February 2025 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com