SFMA IN ACTION
All- female grounds crew shines at Little League Softball World Series
For the third year in a row , the Little League Softball World Series made history with an all- female grounds crew . Under the leadership of SFMA President Sun Roesslein , these dedicated professionals showcased exceptional skill and teamwork as they prepared the fields for competition .
This year ’ s event presented an even greater challenge as the crew faced tropical storms . Despite the adverse conditions , they successfully prepared and maintained the fields for six games in just 12 hours .
Innovative Awards Program
SFMA acknowledges that continuous advancements in technology , science , products and services are contributing to the enhancement of the sports field management profession . In recognition of the companies leading this evolutionary progress , SFMA established the Innovative Awards Program .
ELIGIBILITY
Open to all SFMA Commercial members participating in the upcoming SFMA Annual Conference and Exhibition .
Participating companies must showcase their products , services or technologies at the SFMA Exhibition .
Each company is allowed one submission per year .
QUALIFICATION The submitted product , equipment , service or technology must meet the following criteria :
It should have been introduced for sale between the end of the current year ’ s SFMA show and the conclusion of the subsequent year ’ s SFMA show .
It should significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of sports field managers , prioritizing the creation of safer and more playable playing surfaces for athletes .
Applications must be submitted by October 15 .
SELECTION A panel of SFMA non- commercial members representing all membership categories will evaluate the entries . Each year , there may be one or more recipients of the award . The panel of judges will grant awards to companies whose services , products , technologies or equipment align closely with the provided definition of innovation .
NOTIFICATION AND RECOGNITION The identity of the winner ( s ) will remain confidential until their announcement on the first day of the trade show . SFMA will honor the winner ( s ) by :
Making a special announcement during the trade show .
Providing a dedicated logo for the company ’ s use in promoting their award- winning product , service , technology or equipment .
Including coverage in SFMA communications and conference press releases .
Displaying special signage at the winner ( s ) booth ( s ) within the SFMA Exhibition .
Extending verbal and visual acknowledgment during the Annual SFMA Awards Banquet .
Visit https :// www . sportsfieldmanagement . org / innovativeawards / to complete the brief online application . For more information about the 2025 SFMA Conference and Exhibition in Palm Springs , California , visit https :// www . sportsfieldmanagement . org / conference /.
Get to know the SFMA Board election process
The SFMA election process is straightforward and guided by the SFMA bylaws and an SOP . That being said , it is a process that few people know about . The following questions and answers should be helpful in explaining how someone is elected to the SFMA Board of Directors .
WHO GUIDES THE ELECTION PROCESS ? The Nominating Committee leads this process , and there is no board involvement ( to avoid any appearance of cronyism ). Voting members can volunteer for this committee through the annual committee call for interest , which is available in mid- December through January each year . Per the SFMA bylaws there must be representation on the Nominating Committee from every category of membership up for election . Because SFMA has a Director At- Large position up for election each year who can be from any voting classification , the Nominating Committee has each voting class
8 SportsField Management | September 2024 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com