STMA President Jimmy Simpson, CSFM, offered a message to STMA membership on March 12:
As we all deal personally with our own and our family’s health and safety issues, STMA is also hearing about workplace challenges, including shutdowns of entire athletic facilities. We encourage you to have a specific conversation with your employer about the needs of the living, growing plants that are your sports fields. Although the entire facility may have restrictions, make sure your administration is aware of the facility’s maintenance needs and that you may need an exemption. Bring a plan of action to show them how you will conduct your work without coming in contact with any other team members. Be prepared to explain what can happen to the field without some minimal care. Of course, human life is of paramount importance, much more important than a field, but a plan that highlights no interaction with any staff may be an acceptable compromise.
Your board of directors is available for questions. Please contact STMAinfo@STMA.org or contact me directly at ph. 919-380-2126.
Sincerely yours,
Jimmy Simpson, CSFM
STMA President