March is a pivotal month for sports field managers. Fields are coming back to life, schedules are filling quickly, and expectations rise with every practice and game. It’s a busy season, but it’s also a chance to highlight our profession’s commitment to professionalism.
Professionalism shows up in many forms — clear communication, thoughtful planning, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt. These habits strengthen daily operations and reinforce the credibility of our profession.
Professionalism also plays a critical role in supporting the workforce pipeline. Many of you are preparing to hire seasonal staff, welcome student workers, or bring new team members on board. Every new hire forms their understanding of our profession through the culture you create.
SFMA is committed to leading national efforts to grow and support that pipeline. We are expanding partnerships, enhancing educational resources, and championing the visibility and respect this profession deserves. One example is SFMA’s Turfgrass Science Certification, delivered through the iCEV platform. This certification validates essential knowledge for maintaining athletic surfaces and helps employers connect with candidates who demonstrate competencies in turfgrass anatomy, environmental management, cultural practices, and playing surface preparation.
You can also lean on the support and resources SFMA provides. Our Best Practices documents, Facility Safety and Maintenance checklists, and SFMA Learning University offer practical tools you can use immediately. These resources are designed to help you work efficiently, communiwcate clearly, and reinforce the standards that define our profession.
Another way to demonstrate professionalism is by earning SFMA’s Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) designation. CSFMs uphold the highest standards of safety, playability and performance. If you aren’t yet ready to take the CSFM exam, there are many ways to continue growing. Attend a chapter, state, or regional event; pursue CEUs; participate in webinars and online learning; listen to podcasts; and put those lessons into practice.
As we move into the heart of the spring season, I encourage you to take pride in the standards you uphold and the example you set. Your professionalism not only elevates your operation, it helps shape the next generation of sports field managers.
Alpha Jones, CSFM
SFMA President
ajonessfma@gmail.com