ADVANCING THE PROFESSION

The Foundation for Safer Athletic Fields for Everyone ( SAFE ) is the charity of the Sports Field Management Association ( SFMA ). SAFE was founded in 2000 to fund research , educational programs and scholarships geared to the sports field profession .

SAFE ’ s mission is “ To enrich communities through championing safe , sustainable sports and recreation fields for all athletes .”

Prior to the founding of SAFE , scholarships were awarded directly from the Sports Turf Managers Association , predecessor to SFMA . SportsField Management magazine recently asked past scholarship winners about the impact of those scholarships on their careers , as well as the overall benefits of SAFE . Their responses are as follows :

“ I was a senior at Colorado State University when I received the Dr . James Watson 4-year Undergraduate Scholarship . I remember getting the phone call and being completely floored / excited / humbled . It was the first year that the Watson was being awarded , which was another honor . Dr . Watson was such an amazing person who had an incredible impact on the industry . I ’ m honored that I was able to meet him and be part of his legacy with this award .

“ Receiving the scholarship was also impactful because I ’ d been an STMA member for four years and was finding it to be a family — not just a network of colleagues . To be acknowledged by such a group cemented to me that I was on the correct career path .

“ The scholarships and grants that the SAFE Foundation provides are of huge benefit to the association and membership as a whole . Being able to recognize students — both graduate and undergraduate — for their hard work and dedication to the industry helps to provide motivation and supports the students financially through their schooling . The grants provide support for membership , internships and continuing education to member ’ s children ( no matter their chosen career ). By having these opportunities , we are able to honor the memory of some truly incredible humans and share their passions throughout the turfgrass industry . This financial assistance is greatly appreciated , as students and interns must cover a large amount of expenses — often including housing — in order to be able to accept the opportunities that are available .”

— Sarah K . Martin , CSFM , park supervisor , Special Operations Division , City of Phoenix ( 1998-99 scholarship class ).

All photos provided by SFMA and SAFE .

“ While I was in school , I applied for whatever financial assistance I could find . Being awarded that scholarship was helpful because it set me up for a semester of books and helped me continue in school . It ’ s a tough industry to get into to begin with . To give somebody the opportunity to start school or finish school is amazing .”

— Justin Peloquin , parks field supervisor , Jurupa Community Services District ( 2001- 02 SAFE scholarship class ).

22 SportsField Management | June 2024 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com