Summer 2025 SFMA Chapter Events

Throughout the country, Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) chapters are gearing up for an action-packed summer of professional development, networking and hands-on learning. From field days and equipment demonstrations to golf tournaments and partner showcases, these events offer members the opportunity to connect, share best practices, and explore the latest innovations in sports field management. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, build new relationships, or simply spend a day surrounded by fellow turf professionals, there’s something for everyone this season.

VSFMA

Event: Regional Field Day — Southside

Date: June 4, 2025

Location: William & Mary’s Plumeri Park, Williamsburg, Virginia

Description: Presentations will include “Basic Soil Health 101,” “Evolution of Robotics for the Green Industry” and “Athletic Field Audits: Purpose & Process.”

Mid-Atlantic Sports Field Managers Association (MASFMA)

Event: Field Day

Date: June 12, 2025

Location: St. Paul’s School, Brooklandville, Maryland

Description: Featuring equipment and product demonstrations, as well as hands-on educational sessions.

Keystone Athletic Field Managers Organization (KAFMO) — Pennsylvania Chapter

Event: Western PA Field Day

Date: June 17, 2025

Location: Cranberry Township Parks, Pennsylvania

Description: Featuring presentations by Dr. Chase Straw (Penn State) and Jimmy Simpson, CSFM (Town of Cary, NC).

Michigan Sports Field Management Association (MiSFMA)

Event: Summer Field Day

Date: June 18, 2025

Location: West Ottawa HS, Holland, Michigan

Description: Visit the incredible athletic facility of West Ottawa HS.

Colorado Sports Field Management Association (CSFMA)

Event: Lawn Mower Open

Date: July 7, 2025

Location: The Pinery Country Club, Parker, Colorado

Description: An annual golf tournament supporting scholarships for students in the sports turf industry.

New England Sports Field Management Association (NESFMA)

Event: DeWolf Memorial Golf Tournament

Date: July 10, 2025

Location: Brookmeadow Country Club, Canton, Massachusetts

Description: A fundraising event supporting scholarships and benevolent funds.

Tennessee Valley Sports Field Management Association (TVSFMA)

Event: Summer Meeting

Date: July 23, 2025

Location: University of Tennessee’s Center for Athletic Field Safety

Description: The latest research the UT turfgrass team is conducting, including their FIFA work. Tour available athletic facilities, including the new Covenant Health Park in downtown Knoxville.

Sports Field Managers Association of New Jersey (SFMANJ)

Event: Rutgers Turfgrass Research Field Day

Date: July 30, 2025

Location: Rutgers Adelphia Research Farm, Freehold, New Jersey

Description: Lawn, landscape and sports turf. Includes
SFMANJ-sponsored trade show and equipment demos.

Several chapters have already kicked off the season with successful spring field days, drawing strong attendance and positive energy. From hands-on demonstrations to expert-led sessions, these events offered valuable takeaways and a chance to reconnect with peers.

Supporting the Future of Sports Field Management

The SAFE Foundation, the charitable arm of the Sports Field Management Association (SFMA), continues its commitment to fostering professional growth and supporting the future of the sports field management industry through three impactful grant programs. Each grant reflects the legacy and values of industry leaders and provides vital support to both emerging and established professionals in the field.

Leo Goertz Membership Grant

Established in memory of Leo Goertz — longtime SFMA member and dedicated SAFE Board of Trustees member — this grant recognizes individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to the profession but have not recently been members of SFMA.

Funded by a generous 10-year donation from Pioneer Athletics, the Leo Goertz Membership Grant provides up to $1,500 annually to cover new, two-year SFMA memberships.

Eligibility:

• Nominees must be sports field managers or part of a crew managing sports fields.

• Must not have held SFMA membership within the last 5 years.

• Can be nominated by SFMA national/chapter members, fellow employees, or self-nominate.

Leo Goertz was a beloved figure in the industry, known for his unwavering support and dedication. Through this grant, his spirit of mentorship and service lives on.

Gary Vanden Berg Internship Grant

The Gary Vanden Berg Internship Grant was created to honor the commitment of Gary Vanden Berg, CSFM — former director of grounds for the Milwaukee Brewers — to providing transformative internship experiences. This $1,000 grant helps SFMA student members offset the costs of completing a sports turf internship. It also includes full registration and three nights of lodging for the recipient to attend the SFMA National Conference and Exhibition.

Eligibility:

• Must be an SFMA Student Member in good standing.

• Must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours during or prior to the internship period.

• Recent graduates who completed an internship post-graduation are eligible.

Since 2011, this grant has celebrated the achievements of outstanding interns across the country and helped launch their careers in sports field management.

Terry Mellor Continuing Education Grant

Sponsored by Turface Athletics, the Terry Mellor Continuing Education Grant helps SFMA members pursue continued learning through conference participation. Awarded annually, this $1,000 grant supports travel and lodging for the SFMA Conference.

Eligibility:

• Open to all SFMA or affiliated chapter members.

• Requires a nomination letter from a National SFMA Member.

Selected by the SFMA Scholarship Committee, the recipient will be honored at the annual SFMA Awards Banquet.

Visit https://www.sportsfieldmanagement.org/safe-grants/ for more information.