The most important item you can start on now is photography. Be sure to take pictures of your field throughout the different seasons, so that means springtime photos should be taken now. Noted below is the criteria and the field areas that must be included in the photos.

Time to begin preparing your entry for STMA Field of the Year Awards

Now is the time to begin preparing the elements for your Field of the Year submittal. The application is undergoing a few minor changes, but it will not be much different from the 2013 application. The 2014 application will be ready mid-month, and STMA Headquarters will notify you via Facebook and Twitter, as soon as it is available. You will also be able to find it at www.STMA.org, under the Professionalism tab, Field of the Year awards.


The most important item you can start on now is photography. Be sure to take pictures of your field throughout the different seasons, so that means springtime photos should be taken now. Noted below is the criteria and the field areas that must be included in the photos. The application is due Oct. 15, so don’t forget to take pictures during the summer and fall, too.


·         Provide no more than 30 – and no less than 15 – quality, un-retouched photographs.


·         Present the photos in Microsoft PowerPoint or other presentation/slideshow format. The judges do count all photos, so if you include a photo montage with 5 photos, 5 will count toward the 30 maximum.


·         Include pictures from all seasons of the year, include captions describing the pictures, and date the photos. This can easily be accomplished using PowerPoint. STMA Staff can assist if this presents challenges.


·         Take creative photos, those that show the versatility or unique characteristics of the field, and photos that show the unique talents of the crew. Focus on issues specific to your field which tell the story: i.e. drainage, traffic, weather. Provide before and after shots. Go easy on the “beauty shots” of your field, as they do not reflect the true struggles and triumphs of you and your crew.


Here is a list of the required photos:


·         Pictures of the sidelines and other wear areas


·         Pictures of the center of the fields (between the hash marks, center field, etc.)


·         Pictures of the field from behind the goalmouth, goalposts, or home plate


·         Pictures of the field in use


·         Pictures of the field in all seasons


·         Pictures of the field renovation or unique issues (if applicable)


·         For baseball/softball entries only, pictures of the dugouts and bullpens


Be recognized for your hard work. Submit an entry to the Field of the Year program.