The Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) announced that its Turfgrass Science Certification, delivered through the iCEV platform, has been officially approved by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce as an industryrecognized credential for the 2026–2027 school year.
Following a review process conducted in collaboration with the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, the SFMA Turfgrass Science Certification was recommended for inclusion on Ohio’s industry-recognized credential list. Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, students who earn the certification will receive six graduation points in the Agriculture career field.
The approval process evaluated each credential’s alignment with Ohio’s Career Field Technical Content Standards, relevance to the state’s Top Jobs list , and feedback from industry professionals. This recognition underscores SFMA’s commitment to strengthening the pipeline of skilled professionals in the turfgrass and sports field management industry.
The SFMA Turfgrass Science Certification is designed to prepare learners at all stages — from high school students to adults — for meaningful careers in sports field management. The credential validates essential knowledge and skills for maintaining athletic surfaces across a variety of venues, including:
K–12 school districts
Parks and recreation facilities
Golf courses
Colleges and universities
Professional sports stadiums and complexes
With an estimated 300,000-750,000 sports fields in the United States, the demand for qualified turfgrass professionals remains high. The certification helps employers connect with candidates who have demonstrated fundamental competencies in turfgrass anatomy, environmental management, cultural practices, and playing surface preparation.
The certification exam, administered via iCEV, consists of 100 questions covering key industry topics:
Benefits of Turfgrass (5%)
Turfgrass Anatomy, Identification & Adaptations (20%)
Turfgrass Environment (25%)
Turfgrass Cultural Practices (30%)
Playing Surface Preparation (20%)
By meeting these rigorous standards , candidates demonstrate they are ready to contribute to the safety , quality and playability of sports fields nationwide .
Project EverGreen announced that the date has been moved for its Volunteer Field Rebuild. The event, which is typically held during the SFMA Conference and Exhibition, will be shifted to December 8, 2025. The change will allow Project Evergreen to complete the project during a time that is more suitable for field renovation work.
The Texas Chapter of SFMA is stepping up to support this year’s rebuild. Their partnership will be instrumental in ensuring another successful transformation. Their contributions, and those of other volunteers, will be highlighted during the 2026 SFMA Conference.
While the rebuild will take place prior to the conference this year, SFMA is hoping members will consider joining it again in December for what promises to be another meaningful project.
More details about the project site, dates and volunteer opportunities will be shared soon. In the meantime, please save the date for December 8, 2025, in the Fort Worth area.
SFMA is now accepting interest forms from those interested in serving on the 2026 SFMA Board of Directors.
Board members play a critical governance role — ensuring SFMA remains aligned with its mission, maintains financial health, and continues to elevate the profession of sports field management.
2026 board positions open for election:
Commercial Vice President
Secretary/Treasurer
Parks and Recreation Director
Higher Education Director
Academic Director
At-Large Elected Director (may come from any voting membership category)
The SFMA Nominating Committee invites all interested voting members to complete a brief interest form. The selection process is guided by SFMA’s Bylaws and Standard Operating Procedures to ensure fairness, transparency, and a broad representation of the membership.
Applications are evaluated using a well-defined metric that considers:
Prior service to SFMA and the industry
Regional representation
Membership category
Leadership experience
Commitment to the mission and values of SFMA
The Committee, comprised of representatives from across all membership segments, develops a recommended slate of candidates. This slate is presented to the membership for an electronic vote in November. Elected board members will be introduced and officially take office during the 2026 SFMA Conference in January.
Expectations of SFMA board members:
Serve as an active and informed ambassador for the association.
Promote the profession and the importance of qualified Sports Field Managers in field safety, performance, and quality.
Actively participate in board meetings, strategic planning, and implementation efforts.
Attend the annual SFMA Conference and volunteer to assist as needed.
Review board materials in advance and engage in thoughtful, respectful discussions.
Support and attend chapter and/or committee meetings of which you are a member.
Encourage your staff to become involved in SFMA programs and committees.
Recruit new members and advocate for professional development within the industry.
If you’re interested in being considered for the 2026 SFMA Board of Directors, submit your interest form today at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PQ3M6VG
If you have questions about the nomination process or board service, contact SFMA at SFMAinfo@sportsfieldmanagement.org.