FIELD PREP
4 .
Lay out a tentative schedule based on game and practice times . Figure out what you will need to make the tentative schedule work and pass along extra personnel and equipment / supply needs to your superiors . Start those conversations now to allow time to acquire what you need . Don ’ t overlook the use of players and coaches to help with their own fields . Since they are familiar with the concept of teamwork , they may be able to help .
5 .
To gain more time for the unexpected , we may have to delay or change certain cultural practices for a season . Mowing may have to be done less frequently , or at a higher height of cut . The use of plant growth regulators will help to slow the turfgrass down for periods of time . We may decide to delay fertilization until after graduation , or use less , or use very slow release . These products will keep the turfgrass green but not explode with top growth . Consider the use of combination products such as fertilizer crabgrass + grub control in one application . Reduction of other inputs such as aeration and seeding might also be delayed until the business of March , April and May is over .
6 .
We may need to adjust our workday by prioritizing which fields are important that day . Fields with earliest game start time become priority number one , then next game or first practice use after that . We may have to sacrifice on how the whole complex looks on any given day to make sure the game field looks good that day . We are usually our harshest critics , and we may need to give ourselves a break .
7 .
Pay attention to our mental health and avoid neglecting our families . We will need to find the correct work / life balance this year . Find someone who can ask you , “ How are you doing ?” and answer him or her honestly . Ask your supervisor or HR people where you can go or whom you can talk to when you feel overwhelmed . Don ’ t try to keep it all in . SFM
Jim Speelman , CSFM , has been sports turf manager at Hope College in Holland , Mich ., for more than 20 years , managing more than 40 acres irrigated turf and two synthetic turf fields with one full-time , one part-time and three to four summer employees . Speelman is also past president of the Michigan Sports Turf Managers Association . sportsfieldmanagementonline . com March 2021 | SportsField Management
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