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/162108
F.O.Y. | Panther Stadium slice, especially if rain is expected before an event to help drain the field faster. Poa annua has been an issue for me for quite a few years. A few years ago, I tried something new. I cut out the larger spots and put in new sod. I did this to help lessen the amount of seed that would get spread around, avoid injury to players from the turf giving way and avoid divots. Irrigation was another challenge that I didn't realize until last year. In June of 2010, in-ground irrigation was installed. Prior to the in-ground system, I watered with Kifco water wheels. I'm able to do light watering when I'm overseeding and water in extreme heat to "cool" down the turf. My future challenges include trying to fix the field's crown. Since I don't see this being done in the near future, I will try to fix it myself. To do this I will need to sod cut areas, roll back the sod and either raise or lower the dirt. The crown is not terrible, but there are some spots that need fixing. SportsTurf: What channels of communication do you use to reach coaches, administrators and users of your facility? Any tips on communicating well? Novinska: First, I would like to say that I have tremendous support from the administrators and coaches and that is due, mostly in part, to our open lines of communication. I've had the opportunity to get feedback and suggestions from them and they've grown to trust my ideas and opinions. It's a win/win situation. 40 SportsTurf | September 2013 Whether it is an email, text, phone call or face to face meeting, there is always daily contact. My tip would be to build a good rapport with the people you are working for by being visible, available and responsive. These three things will help you earn their trust, respect and a better understanding of what it takes to do your job ST: What are your specific job responsibilities? What do find most enjoyable? What task is your least favorite and why? Novinska: What I find most enjoyable about my job is EVERYTHING! There is a great deal of satisfaction that comes from working all year to get the stadium field in the best shape possible. I take a lot of pride in what I do and as the only groundskeeper for the district I also feel a great deal of responsibility to make our fields the safest they can be. I'm responsible for all aspects of turf maintenance for the high school athletic fields, but I am also a resource for landscaping and grounds care at all of the other district facilities. This includes mowing, fertilizing, painting, weed control and equipment maintenance. I also set up the fields for games, maintain turf and athletic equipment, and keep records of daily work, tree trimming and snow removal. My least favorite task is not having enough time. Trying to get all the work done in a 40-hour work week is difficult and can be a little stressful, but I've learned to allow myself not to get completely caught up in it; it's true that it is a never-ending job, but if I look at it that way it becomes a burden. www.sportsturfonline.com