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/356087
46 SportsTurf | August 2014 www.sportsturfonline.com STMA in Action News from the Sports Turf Managers Association M any sports turf managers and turf professionals will attest to the fact that an individual's experience "in the field" goes a long way towards making them a better professional. This is especially true for crew members and assistants working in the industry who put in long hours to ensure their fields are operating at their best. STMA agrees. A discussion began in 2012 in the Certification Testing Subcommittee about slightly recalibrating the certification process to more fully take into account the real-world experience of crew members, assistants and student interns to broaden accessibility and opportunity for all in the industry. A minimum of 40 points are needed to qualify for the Certification Program. Points are accumulated through education and real-world experience in one's career, with varying employment positions and achievements receiving different numeric values. Previously, there had not been a formal point structure for crew members and assistants; the Certification Testing Subcommittee and STMA Board of Directors agreed that this needed to be rectified and there was consensus the experience point values for crew members and assistants be increased to reflect the value these individuals bring to their organizations. The following recommendations were made by the committee to the Board: • Increase the crew member from 1 point per year to 2.5 per year • Increase the assistant from 3 points per year to 4 points • .1 point to be awarded per 100 hours worked for students in formal internship programs The changes implemented allow a crew member with no formal education to be eligible to test for the Certification Program in 16 years, rather than 40 with the original point system. Additionally, the changes rightly acknowledge the importance of turf internships for students and their importance to the vitality of STMA. PlANNiNg for The fuTure Those individuals interested in and passionate about providing the best sports surfaces for all levels of play raising the level of the sports turf management industry should definitely consider becoming a Certified Sports Field Manager. Besides increasing your earning potential by (on average) $7,500, obtaining certification provides a wealth of personal benefits. Some of these include: • Recognition of achievement and your expertise as a leader in your field • Commitment to excellence and the very best ideals the sports turf industry strives to honor Changes to CSFM program increase certification accessibility The certification exam required of all applicants covers a broad range of sports turf topics but is extremely accessible to all who have experi- ence in the field. The exam covers four major areas of sports turf management: Agronomics; Pest Management; Administration; and Sports Specific Field Management. Agronomics 1. A 100 pound bag of fertilizer with an analy- sis of 18-5-9 would contain which of the following: a) 5 pounds of actual phosphorus b) 5 pounds of available phosphate c) 9 pounds of potassium d) 18 pounds of urea Answer: B (5 pounds of available phosphate) Pest Management 2. A herbicide with the label designation 2EC: a) Contains 2 parts per million active ingre- dient concentration in the container b) Has an active ingredient concentration of 2% c) Contains 2 pounds of active ingredient per gallon of formulated product d) Weighs 2 pounds per gallon Answer: C (Contains 2 pounds of active ingre- dient per gallon of formulated product) Administration 3. Providing feedback is one of the most important tools for improving performance. Which of the following is not true about pro- viding feedback? a) Negative feedback should only be given at an annual review in order to reduce tensions throughout the year b) Supportive feedback is used to reinforce actions and behaviors that are desirable c) Constructive feedback is used to change behavior that is ineffective or inappropriate d) It is important that employees understand the positive outcomes for performing well, as well as the consequences when performance is low Answer: A (Negative feedback should only be given at an annual review in order to reduce tensions throughout the year) Sports Specific field Management 4. The most appropriate paint to use on a natural grass field is: a. Latex b. Oil-based c. Enamel d. All of the above can be used Answer: A (Latex) Sample exam questions