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/40933
STMA in action STMA members asked to approve bylaws change Bylaws language for a new Retired Cate- gory of membership was approved by the STMA Board of Directors at its summer meeting. Initially brought forward from the Membership Committee for discussion last year, the board tasked the Bylaws Commit- tee this year to formally develop the lan- guage for the Bylaws. The new category is STMA's tenth category of membership and is non-voting. "3.4.4 Category X - Retired: Person who is retired and no longer seeking full-time employment within the scope of activities of any STMA membership category, and who has been a member of STMA for five years, may become a non-voting member of STMA and is not eligible to hold elective office." The Board developed this category to be inclusive and keep retired members in- volved in STMA. The Bylaws Committee also developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), which further clarifies retired status: • To be eligible, the person must not be employed in a full-time position, which is defined as 30 hours per week or more. • The 5 years does not need to be con- secutive. A person is eligible if they had a break in membership, but their years of membership add up to 5 or more. • A person does not have to be a current member to take advantage of this category. If they let their membership lapse, and then retire, but meet the requirements of a retired member, they are eligible to renew membership in this category. • Age does not play a role in this cate- gory. • Dues shall be $50 annually. STMA members will be asked to vote on this bylaw's addition during the election balloting process, which takes place in late November. The STMA Bylaws can only be amended by a majority of members casting a vote. ■ Martin Kaufman, CSFM, Head Groundsman and Sports Field Manager, Ensworth Schools, Nashville, TN Benefits of certification verified Editor's note: This is another installments on how becoming a Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) can benefit turf managers professionally as well as improve their facilities How did you prepare for the CSFM Exam? KAUFMAN: I read the book Sports Fields by Puhalla, Krans and Goatley; I also attend Dr. Koski's presentation on preparing for the CSFM exam at Conference. How did you approach your employer to support your certification, both financially and in the time needed to prepare for the exam? KAUFMAN: I paid for it myself as it is something that I personally own not my employer. However, I do now submit the annual renewal fee for reim- bursement. Why did you decide to pursue certification? KAUFMAN: To obtain the highest professional recognition at what I do. How has certification helped your career? KAUFMAN: My employer has recognized it in the community newsletter; potential employees have sought employment with me as a result. I have letters after my name for profes- sional recognition as does a CPA or even a doctor, this markets my education and experience as a recognized professional and separates me from the perceptions that anyone can do what I do for vocation. I believe I was elected to the STMA Board as a result of CSFM status which is a highlight of my career. ■ 40 SportsTurf | September 2011 www.sportsturfonline.com