SFMA IN ACTION
Certifications Through SFMA Can Make a Big Impact on Your Career
The Sports Field Management Association ( SFMA ) offers three certification programs . Two certification programs are for individuals : the Certified Sports Field Manager ( CSFM ) program for seasoned field managers , and the Sports Field Management 101 course for those wanting to gain entry-level knowledge on sports field management . The other certification program is for facilities : the Environmental Facility Certification program . Each of these programs provides significant credibility to you , your employer , your community and your peers . These programs also demonstrate independent confirmation of achievement and inspire confidence in the knowledge and competence of staff .
CSFM The CSFM program requires successful passing of a four-section comprehensive exam . The exam covers agronomics , pest management , administration and sportsfield-specific management . To qualify for the exam , sports field managers must have a combination of education and experience or experience only ( which requires more years on the job ). Those taking the exam must achieve an 80 % pass rate on each section . Once certified , CSFMs continue their education by acquiring CEUs and renewing their certification every three years . Also required is service to the industry , which encompasses a wide range of activities . The CSFM can contribute articles , serve on industry boards , and give presentations — just about any activity that advances the profession is eligible to be counted as industry service . This program has been in existence since 2000 . To date , there are 286 CSFMs .
SPORTS FIELD MANAGEMENT 101 Are you interested in entering the sports field management industry , but don ’ t have a formal education in turfgrass science ? The Sports Field Management 101 online certificate course is designed for you . This self-paced training provides valuable continuing education opportunities for anyone aiming to build a solid foundation in the science and practices of turfgrass management . After completing this course , you will have the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully care for a turfgrass surface and be wellprepared for a position in sports field management .
Participants who complete this course will receive a certificate of completion , which can be used on a resume or shown to potential employers . This certification can open doors to seasonal and crew assistance positions at sports facilities , offering a practical entry point into the industry .
If you are interested in this opportunity or know someone who might be , please visit sportsfieldmanagement . org . For more information , contact Jennifer McLendon , education manager , at jmclendon @ sportsfieldmanagement . org .
ENVIRONMENTAL FACILITY CERTIFICATION The SFMA Environmental Facility Certification was developed to document and recognize the environmental stewardship of SFMA members . This certification is awarded to facilities that meet specific environmental standards through a comprehensive electronic assessment .
Achieving this certification allows facility managers to demonstrate the implementation of environmental best management practices . This is particularly valuable in the current climate , where there is increasing scrutiny on the use of water , pesticides and other environmental factors . Certification shows the public and stakeholders that your facility adheres to the most up-to-date environmental practices .
SFMA released version 3.0 of the Environmental Facility Certification program , now including two new sections : Managed Landscape and Open Spaces , and Synthetic Surfaces . Note that synthetic surfaces can only be assessed within complexes that primarily have natural grass fields .
7 REASONS WHY EMPLOYERS
SUPPORT CERTIFICATION 1 . More assurances in hiring : Certification programs validate a skill set , ensuring employers hire a known entity with technical skills , allowing them to focus on the “ fit ” within the organization during the hiring process . 2 . Credibility in the community : Certification brings credibility to a facility , distinguishing an organization and its certified employees as community leaders . 3 . Happier employees : Certified employees are happier , more loyal and less likely to leave , reducing resources needed for job searches and onboarding . 4 . Higher productivity : Increased productivity results in more efficient teams and improves an organization ’ s bottom line .
8 SportsField Management | June 2024 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com