CertificationSparks an

Upward Spiralthe testing date will be in effect. Theinterval allows the CertificationCoordinator time to check the datasupplied and verify the points to beawarded.

Certification will benefit the indi-vidual, the sports turf industry, andthe STMA.

by Dale Getz

The Sports Turf ManagersAssociation (STMA)Certification Program is upand running. Materialshave been finalized,

reviewed by legal counsel and theNational Certification Commissionand approved by the STMA Board ofDirectors. Applicant packets havebeen sent to all STMA members and toothers who have requested them.

Application forms are arriving atSTMA Headquarters. A 30-day inter-val prior to testing was initiated forthe initial group testing period. Frommid-J anuary of 2000 forward, a 60-day interval from the receipt of theapplication forms by Headquarters to

Certification Benefits for theIndividualFirst, the certified individual will gainpride of accomplishment in achievinga goal above and beyond the dailyrequirements of job performance andin demonstrating a superior level ofcompetence.

In order to qualify for the opportu-nity to take the certification test, theindividual must achieve, and docu-

Dale Getz, Athletic Facilities Manager forthe University of Notre Dame and co-chair

of the Certification Committee.

Figure 1. Basic Requirements to Qualify for CSFM Certification Testing

Please note: If any of the BASIC REQUIREMENTS are not fulfilled at the time of application, the application willbe returned to the applicant (NO EXCEPTIONS).

1. The applicant must have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.2. The applicant must achieve a minimum of 40 points earned through a combination of education and experience

with the following criteria:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE POINTSEducation Experience

ProgramSTMA Approved Educational Program(See current list of approved programs)

Pointsvaries

ActivitySports Turf CrewSupervisory Sports Turf

(Assistant, Foreman or Lead Position)Sports Turf Manager

(Top Position)Assistant Golf Course SuperintendentGolf Course Superintendent

Points/year*13

Note: These points may be added to the points listedbelow. Education points are not cumulative. In otherwords, an applicant can only receive points for thehighest educational level achieved. The experiencepoints listed below are cumulative.

6

11/23

Note: No more than 50 percent of total experiencepoints can be earned on a golf course.*A minimum of 1,500 hours must be spent on the job toqualify for each claimed year.**The application and resume will be evaluated todetermine eligibility for certification.

DegreeAssociate Degree

Non-turfTurf or related plant science

Bachelors DegreeNon-turfTurf or related plant science

Advanced Degree: Masters or DoctorateTurf or related plant science

28

816 Written Test: Qualified applicants will be scheduled

for a written multiple choice test developed for fourmajor sections pertinent for a sports turf manager.24

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ment the achievement of, a minimumof 40 points earned through a combi-nation of education and experience(see Appendix 1).

We've often referred to the "art andscience" of sports turf management.This is addressed by the requirementfor a combination of education andexperience. While management ofathletic playing surfaces requires asolid foundation in the principles ofagronomics and turf physiology, thereare certain elements of the process anindividual must acquire throughexperience.

In sports turf management yousometimes "tamper" with the laws ofscience to achieve immediate, short-term results. Then you strictly adhereto scientific principles to correct thoseinconsistencies and bring field condi-tions back in compliance with the samelaws you previously manipulated.

Unless you've "been there" and"done that" you won't have the "feel"for the "best" degree of moisture in thebasepath skinned material or recog-nize the "right" point to raise or lowermowing height of cut, or determine the"precise" amount of topdressing toapply to achieve specific results.

In order to qualify for certification,an individual will need to have accu-mulated a large span of knowledgeand a wide level of experience. Thelearning process and the self-examina-tion that always precede formal test-ing will raise the individual's level ofcompetence. Their personal level ofprofessionalism rises and they demon-strate that factor in their own sportsturf program. Their demonstratedlevel of ability makes them more valu-able to their current employer and, inturn, gives them an edge in the jobmarket.

To "certify" is defined by Webster'sdictionary as, "to guarantee thatsomething or someone meets a stan-dard." Note that according to legalguidelines, any association or profes-sion is able to certify only that anindividual has met the outlinedrequirements for testing and has cor-rectly answered the required examquestions and, for STMA, that thesequestions were developed from com-petencies established by profession-als, educators and researchers withinthe industry. STMA is not certifyingsuch things as an individual's workethic, job performance, judgment,decision making, etc.

The human element will always bea factor in how effectively, efficiently

sports TURF• http://www.sporsturfon/ine.com

and consistently an individual puts their knowledge andexperience to work. Most individuals who invest the timeand effort to reach certification status will have both theability and the management skills to successfully fulfill themost demanding positions.

Certification Benefits for the IndustryCertification will benefit the industry as well. Study of thecompetencies and the resultant discussion of the competen-cies among industry professionals are sure to result in asolid knowledge base and perhaps in some degree of stan-dardization of practices. Because of the broad scopeaddressed in the competencies, it becomes necessary foreach certified sports field manager to demonstrate under-standing and mastery not only of agronomics and turfgrassphysiology, but also of such factors as the maintenance ofbaseball field skinned areas and the principles of irrigationmanagement.

As knowledge is accumulated and skills are honed, thelevel of professionalism rises not only in individual pro-grams, but across the industry. Just as great sports accom-plishments raise the bar for all competitors, excellence infield care raises the level of expectations for all sports turfmanagers. The results are better fields and safer fields at alllevels of sports competition.

Challenges arise as well. Where budgets and staffinglevels aren't adequate to meet the level of expectationswithin the parameters at the existing level of field use, thesite's sports turf manager is faced with informing and edu-cating the facility owners, user groups, athletes and coach-es. While sports turf managers are highly effective at doingthe most with the least, there are limits to what can beaccomplished. STMA will need to continue an aggressiveprogram of education within the green industry, the sportscommunity and the general public to help get this messageacross. Information about the certification program and thecombination of knowledge and skill required to achieve cer-tification will be a part of this message. The CertifiedSports Field Manager status as designated by the logo andthe initials CSFM after the name of a certified individualon business cards, stationery and other correspondence willconstantly reinforce that message.

Certification Benefits STMA and ItsMembershipGreater awareness of STMA and of the certification pro-gram will help to increase STMA membership numbers.With increased membership, we build a greater base ofbrain power and human resources. This impacts areas ofeducation and research as well as networking opportuni-ties. It also attracts more financial power to the association,expanding the funding available for educational opportuni-ties, scholarships, internships and research.

The certification program also will increase STMA'slevel of recognition within the green industry and thesports community. STMA becomes the agency certifying aspecified level of competency and at the same time helpsgain acknowledgment of both the complexity of the profes-sion and the need for adequate funding .for field develop-ment and maintenance. I

The rising professionalism of the STMA membershipwill translate across the association in the commitment anddedication within board positions, committee positions andoverall member involvement. This will extend to the chap-ter level and from there to the community level.

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January 2000 21

The Upward ProcessIn effect, the certification program haskicked off a huge upward spiral, witha growing level of professionalismextending from individual to individ-ual across the industry.

Now that the certification programis in place, updating it will be an ongo-ing process. Sports turf managementis a complex and multi-faceted profes-sion, and new technology is continual-ly being introduced and demands forfield use are increasing. The STMAanticipates the need for the certifica-tion program to reflect, and be respon-sive to, industry progress. The three-year certification renewal cycle isdesigned to keep certified individualsresponsive to industry progress aswell.

There's no better position to be inas we enter the new millennium.

Dale Getz is Athletic FacilitiesManager for the University of NotreDame and co-chair of theCertification Committee.

Editor's Note: If you haven'treceived an applicant packet andwould like one, please contact ST.MAHeadquarters: phone (800) 323-3875;fax (712) 366-9119; or e-mailSportsTMgr@aol.com.

For further details contact: A B I P.O.Box 909, Villa Rica, GA 30180

1-800-832-6224770-459-440 I; 770-459-6877 Fax

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22 January 2000