Get excited for Savannah
Submit for Field of the Year
STMA IN ACTION having a CSFM do a walk-though of the facility with the sports field manager to validate that the practices are in place . Renewal for this program is also required every three years by simply filling out a short form . This program began in 2016 , and currently there are 43 facilities certified .
Although these programs differ in requirements , they share common benefits . Certification demonstrates that you are well trained and committed to professional growth . Achieving one or both certifications ensures consistency of knowledge , technical skills and expertise .
According to Indeed ’ s Career Guide , those who achieve certification may experience the following benefits :
Better employment or advancement opportunities within your current organization .
A competitive advantage over other candidates in the market who don ’ t have a certification , as it verifies both skills and ambition through the initiative you took to obtain it . Higher earning potential . Possible tuition reimbursement for continuing education that enhances your own professional development and makes you more valuable to the company .
Field managers report that as certified professionals they earn more than their non-certified peers . According to the STMA Compensation Report , CSFMs receive $ 7,000 more per year in salary . Employers who use STMA ’ s job board increasingly request a CSFM to fill an open position .
Facilities that have pursued the environmental designation cite their goal as being more conscious of the impact their facility management practices have on the environment . Those in the community who watch sporting events on certified fields know that the facility has met quality standards for environmental management practices .
John Turnour , CSFM , Washington Nationals , stated , “ When STMA began the Environmental Certification program , it was a natural decision on wanting to pursue this certification to bring awareness and recognition to the role that we can all play when it comes to being good stewards of the environment .”
For more information on each Certification program , visit STMA . org and click on “ Programs .”
Get excited for Savannah
Get excited for Savannah , Ga ., host city of the 2022 STMA Conference and Exhibition . Gorgeous views , historical landmarks , and delicious food await .
The Savannah Convention Center is a quick ferry ride from the Downtown Historic District , which boasts worldclass restaurants , rooftop bars , and breweries , all dripping in Spanish moss . After conference sessions conclude , gather a group of friends and sample some fried green tomatoes , extra crispy fried chicken , and Southern BBQ , then wash it all down with Savannah ’ s signature drink , Chatham Artillery Punch .
Coming to Savannah with your family ? Within the Historic District , you can visit Forsyth Park , walk the River Market , and visit museums and landmarks , all while eating some locally made ice cream . Tybee Island can be reached by trolly in about 20 minutes . Once there , you can watch dolphins , go fishing and look for seashells .
Registration opens in October of 2021 . Visit the STMA Conference page ( https :// www . stma . org / conference /) for more information .
Submit for Field of the Year
The application to submit to STMA ’ s premiere program , Field of the Year , is now available . Visit STMA . org and you ’ ll find the link on the home page , or you can access it from the “ Programs ” tab .
This year ’ s application has one addition : the PCI is required . It was removed for 2020 , but has been part of the application process for the previous 11 years .
Awards are given in three levels : Schools and Parks and Rec , Colleges and Universities , and Facilities used by Professional Athletes . In addition , five sports are eligible : baseball , football , softball , soccer and sporting grounds ( which is a broad category for non-mainstream sports , such as lacrosse and rugby ).
Applications are independently judged by the STMA Awards Committee using a scoring matrix rather than a consensus approach . The deadline to apply is Oct . 15 . Winners will be notified in November . Each winner receives three nights of hotel at the upcoming conference in Savannah , Ga ., Jan . 17-20 ; signature clothing ; and an award that is presented during the annual awards banquet on Jan . 20 . SFM sportsfieldmanagementonline . com June 2021 | SportsField Management
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