SportsTurf provides current, practical and technical content on issues relevant to sports turf managers, including facilities managers. Most readers are athletic field managers from the professional level through parks and recreation, universities.
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/147380
From the Sidelines Eric Schroder Editorial Director SportsTurf eschroder@specialtyim.com 1030 W. Higgins Road Suite 230 Park Ridge, IL 60068 Phone 847-720-5600 Fax 847-720-5601 717-805-4197 Promoting yourself is not a sin The Official Publication Of The Sports Turf Managers Association CROSS THE PAGE Dr. Goatley writes about increasing the awareness of STMA members' (and therefore of all sports turf managers) good works. He mentions how the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America has improved their members' profiles by advertising and working with broadcasters to highlight superintendents' professionalism at the courses being shown on television. As the good doctor points out, sports turf managers at every level could get similar, commensurate recognition if they are willing to either work with a communications staff at their facilities or go outside their comfort zones and promote themselves. Knowing as many sports turf managers as I do, I would say that last idea might be a tough sell. Readers of this magazine, with few exceptions (you know who you are!), may make up the least self-promoting profession in the country. If only bankers and lawyers were so humble. I understand and appreciate the position that if no one is talking about your fields, that's a good thing and you are fine with that. Like umpires and referees you prefer not to make yourself "part of the story." But remember how many hours you put into your fields! Think of the little things you do to improve the playing experience that no one ever sees, the improvements only you are responsible for despite limited resources. Players, administrators, fans, boosters—everyone should know! A higher profile just might mean a better raise come your next review, too. See the media advisory template on www.stma.org that you can use as a guide. President: James Michael Goatley, Ph.D. Immediate Past President: Troy Smith, CSFM President-Elect: David Pinsonneault, CSFM, CPRP Secretary/Treasurer: Allen Johnson, CSFM Vice-President Commercial: Rene Asprion Professional Facilities: Phil McQuade Academic: Jeff Fowler Parks & Recreation: Debbie Kneeshaw Higher Education: Jeff Salmond, CSFM K-12: Andrew Gossel Commercial: James Graff At Large: Mike Tarantino, CSFM At Large: Tim VanLoo, CSFM STMA EDITORIAL COMMITTEE We are always searching for new ideas for articles and just as importantly, experts with the necessary knowledge to write those articles. Often we can kill two birds with one stone by turning to the STMA's Editorial Committee, a group of volunteer members to whom I turn frequently for advice (and articles, natch). This year's committee is led by Chairman Phil McQuade, a Board member and turf manager for the Colorado Rapids. The members include: Brad Park, sports turf research & education coordinator, Rutgers University; Jim Cornelius, CSFM, Fisher & Sons, Inc., from here in PA; Jason Henderson, PhD, University of Connecticut assistant professor, turfgrass and soil sciences; Gwen Stahnke, PhD, from the Puyallup Research and Extension Center, Washington State University; Cale Bigelow, PhD, Purdue University associate professor of agronomy-turfgrass science; Jamie Mehringer, president of J&D Turf, Fishers, IN; David Schwandt, Green Concepts, Libertyville, IL (birthplace of yours truly!); Mark Frever, CSFM, Albion College (MI); and Joey Fitzgerald, Chattanooga Lookouts. They deserve recognition for the time they devote to the magazine and educating turf managers across the country. Thank you! STMA Editorial Communications Committee A AWARD TIME Deadline for several STMA award programs is October 15, which will be here faster than a kickoff return for six. Programs include Innovative Awards, Field of the Year Awards, and SAFE Scholarship and Founders Awards. See the STMA's website for more information. n 6 SportsTurf | August 2013 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Kim Heck STMA Office 805 New Hampshire Suite E Lawrence, Ks 66044 Phone 800-323-3875 Fax 800-366-0391 Email STMAinfo@STMA.org www.STMA.org Editorial EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Eric Schroder TECHNICAL EDITOR Dr. James Brosnan ART DIRECTOR Brian Snook PRODUCTION MANAGER Karen Kalinyak Phil McQuade, Brad Park, Jim Cornelius, CSFM, Jason Henderson, PhD, Gwen Stahnke, Cale Bigelow, PhD, Jamie Mehringer, David Schwandt, Mark Frever, CSFM, Joey Fitzgerald SportsTurf (ISSN 1061-687X) (USPS 000-292) (Reg. U.S. Pat. & T.M. Off.) is published monthly by Specialty Information Media at 1030 W. Higgins Road, Suite 230, Park Ridge, IL 60068. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Sportsturf, PO Box 4290, Port Jervis, NY 12771. For subscription information and requests, call Subscription Services at (845) 856-2229. Subscription rates: 1 year, $40 US & Poss.; 2 years, $65 US & Poss.; 1 year, $65 Canada/Foreign Surface, 1 year, $130 Airmail. All subscriptions are payable in advance in US funds. Send payments to Sportsturf, PO Box 4290, Port Jervis, NY 12771. Phone: (845) 856-2229. Fax: (845) 856-5822. Single copies or back issues, $8 each US/Canada; $12 Foreign. Periodicals postage paid at Park Ridge, IL and additional mailing offices. COPYRIGHT 2013, SportsTurf. Material may not be reproduced or photocopied in any form without the written permission of the publisher. www.sportsturfonline.com