ON-FIELD ARTISTRY techniques and patterns to develop their skills as sports field managers , while learning how to properly maintain the safest natural grass playing surface possible .
The most essential aspect of on-field artistry is to understand that no one wants to sacrifice proper ball roll or the safety of our players for field aesthetics . As sports field managers , we understand what level of artistry is considered to be within the bounds of maintaining the safest natural grass playing surfaces for our athletes .
Another reason that striping athletic fields truly is an integral part of what we do is that it is aesthetically pleasing , and it is a way for sports field managers to catch the eye of those who are unaware of what we do . A couple of years ago , our students developed a mowing pattern sampled from a couple different designs — including those of industry-leader John Ledwidge of Leicester City Football Club , and Billy Ellinger of the Pittsburgh Steelers . The students ’ design was selected as the winner of the Sports Turf Managers Association ’ s annual Mowing Patterns contest that year . The design itself looks complex and is highly appealing to the eye . Still , it is crucial to understand that our students truly took into account the playability of our soccer players to ensure that there was nothing that impeded ball roll . There were no hazards for the players to trip on . It was just a design that brought the attention of many of our community members to the work of our students , and provided a better understanding of what a sports field manager is and the artists that they are .
There are sports field managers throughout the country who enjoy a classic look that is simple and eloquent , but I have always found my work to be more enjoyable when I am creative . There are so many individuals out there who have such incredible ideas , and that is what makes us unique as sports field managers . Every year , there is something new — from new mowing patterns to calcined conditioner designs in infield skins to new paint schemes .
Many people don ’ t see sports field managers as artists . But , when you take a step back and look at how grand our fields can be and how much time and effort goes into them , it is truly inspiring to my students and other sports field managers everywhere . Artistry on sportsfieldmanagementonline . com July 2021 | SportsField Management
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