MORE THAN GRASS WITH ALPHA JONES

Have you ever heard or used the phrase , “ big things come in small packages ”?

It is a saying that conveys the idea that something small can be significant or powerful . Another perspective is that impressive things can come in deceivingly small and unassuming forms . In 2021 , the STMA Board of Directors voted to take steps toward securing the future of the association , and created a plan . This “ Strategic Plan ” was developed as a sustainable guide toward a bigger and broader future , and the STMA ’ s “ big things ” were packaged up into the letter “ F .”

The letter “ F ”? The sixth letter in the alphabet has a variety of meanings across different contexts . In math , for example , F is used to denote function . In physics , F is used to represent force enacted on an object . In music , F is the fourth note of the C major scale and is the name of a key in which music is written . The most widespread use of the letter F is to indicate a failing grade in an academic setting .

The board ’ s intent behind the Strategic Plan was to ensure the association was equipped to not fail , but “ to be the recognized leader in strengthening the sports turf industry and enhancing members ’ competence and acknowledgement of their professionalism .”

In a time when much of the world was changing faster than the speed of light around our industry , one change that hit home was the interpretation and use of the word “ turf .” Its evolution from turfgrass , which was understood to be live grass , to “ turf ” grew to include and eventually be construed as artificial turfgrass . Those outside the industry regularly presumed that the Sports Turf Managers Association was for people selling artificial turf .

One of the factors that makes our industry unique and special is the diversity of the work that sports field managers perform every day . There are those who maintain playing surfaces covered with turfgrass , artificial turf , trails and courts , as well as facilitiesrelated responsibilities . The recent connotation of turf does not capture that variety , and underrepresents the talent and skills utilized managing these surfaces . The Strategic Plan discussions included the question of how to better represent this for the membership of the STMA .

The answer : The letter “ F .”

The decision was made to change the name from Sports Turf Managers Association to the Sports Field Management Association . This was seemingly a minor change , but the word “ field ” is more inclusive of the people and the facilities within the industry . “ Field ” embodies the totality of the work , managing the care and maintenance of all aspects — not just the surface .

The other name modification was more subtle , yet just as significant . Changing the word “ managers ” to “ management ” made it clear that the association is for all persons working on sports fields , regardless of their role , size , location and maintenance budget . Both changes were grammatically small , but large in impact . The name Sports Field Management Association incorporates a bigger understanding of our industry , and identifies a much larger population of people in the industry .

The world of sports — and the facilities used to host those events — continues to evolve at the speed of Instagram Reels and TikTok videos , increasing the pressure on those who maintain them . The potential for burnout increases with that pressure . Now is the time to proactively advocate for your department . Create an “ elevator speech ” of talking points that illustrate the cost of adding events , and the ROI of having the proper equipment and the proper number of trained staff for maintaining the whole field .

If you are reading this , the SFMA needs you ! If you are a member , make a point of sharing with someone who is not the remarkable things about our profession and the benefits of belonging to our association . If you ’ re not a member , consider joining us ( www . sportsfieldmanagement . org ). The small act of becoming a member can lead to big things through education , networking and opportunities while you provide safe , playable and aesthetically pleasing fields and facilities .

After all , big things come in small packages . SFM

Alpha Jones , CSFM , is director of field operations for the Fayetteville Woodpeckers , MiLB affiliate of the Houston Astros . He serves on the SFMA Board of Directors as Secretary-Treasurer .

40 SportsField Management | June 2024 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com