The American Sports Builders Association (ASBA)’s tentative schedule of events for its Winter Meeting will include a concentration on field-related issues by the Association.
The meeting, which will be held February 11-13 at the Atlantis Paradise Island resort in Nassau, Bahamas, offers the chance for industry professionals to spend concentrated time on association projects, committees and publications. (Unlike the Technical Meeting, which offers a trade show and educational programming, the Winter Meeting focuses on volunteer work sessions. It is, however, open to all members of the industry who would like to help the ASBA in its mission).
Certification Exam
Included in the meeting will be the certification examination (for those who want to become Certified Builders with ASBA). ASBA offers its voluntary certification program which allows builders of specific athletic facilities (including sports fields, running tracks and tennis courts) to demonstrate proof of their experience, and to achieve the designation of Certified Field Builder (CFB), Certified Track Builder (CTB) or Certified Tennis Court Builder (CTCB).
The program was developed in order to help raise professional standards and improve the practice of sports facility construction. The CFB designation encompasses both natural grass and synthetic turf fields; however, an individual may choose to specialize and become either a CFB-N (the designation for those specializing in natural grass fields) or CFB-S (for those specializing in synthetic turf).
Those who want to learn more about the certification program are encouraged to go to the ASBA website at www.sportsbuilders.org, and using the top toolbar, select the “Certification” button (fourth from the left). A drop-down menu will allow the user to choose among certification pertaining to sports fields, tennis courts, or running tracks. A full list of currently certified builders is provided as well as information on eligibility, on the exam, on maintenance of certification, and on policies relating to certification.
Advance registration is recommended, since the application process requires specific information, and those involved will benefit from additional time to review study materials.
Roundtable Discussions
Also on the agenda for the Winter Meeting are roundtable discussions on industry matters. Those who have concerns about any aspect of the association, or its standpoint on issues within the sports facility construction, design or supply industry, is invited to attend these meetings.
Division Meetings
ASBA’s members are involved in a wide variety of sports facility construction. At the Winter Meeting, various divisions, representing those interests, will be meeting. The Fields Division (which encompasses both natural grass and artificial turf sports fields and surfaces) will also hold meetings. Among its discussions will be:
· 2011 Technical meeting topics/speakers
· Discussion and development of Fields Division position papers
· Review and discussion of Fields Division web page(s) on ASBA website
The meeting will also include social events, including the association’s golf and tennis tournaments, receptions, meals and more. A detailed schedule of events, including registration information, is expected to become available shortly. Members of ASBA will receive this information automatically; others can call and request it, or can go to the website.
For additional information, contact the Association by phone at 866-501-ASBA, 410-730-9595, by fax at 410-730-8833, or electronically at www.sportsbuilders.org or info@sportsbuilders.org.