Promote enrolling in STMA’s Sports Field Management Certificate course to high school students in your area. This free self-paced training provides continuing education opportunities for anyone who has not been formally educated in turfgrass science, and is interested in entering the industry. Completing the course will build a solid foundation in the science and practices of turfgrass management so students can successfully care for a turfgrass surface and be prepared to enter a position in sports field management. Those who complete the course can be hired for seasonal and crew assistance at your facilities.
The course is set up to provide basic knowledge in the core areas of turfgrass science. The curriculum offers comprehensive training in 5 units:
Unit 1 – Introduction to Turfgrass Science
Students will learn about the economic, environmental, and community benefits turfgrass surfaces provide. Students will also learn about the various careers available in the green industry.
Unit 2 – Turfgrass Growth & Development, Anatomy, and Identification
Students will learn about turfgrass germination and growth. They will also learn about different anatomical features and how to use those features to identify turfgrass plants. Adaptations and use of turfgrass species is also covered.
Unit 3 – Turfgrass Soils
Students will learn about the importance of soil properties in a turfgrass system. Soil texture, compaction, and drainage and how they influence turfgrass health is the focus.
Unit 4 – Turfgrass Cultural Practices
Students will learn about the cultural practices essential for maintaining healthy turfgrass. Mowing, fertility, irrigation, aeration and topdressing, and integrated pest management are discussed in detail.
Unit 5 – Turfgrass Establishment
The final unit utilizes all of the information presented in the course to give students a broader picture of the requirements to manage turfgrass from start to finish. Successful establishment cannot take place without a firm understanding of turfgrass species and adaptations, soil requirements, and essential cultural practices.
Upon successfully completing this course, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion that can printed out to show a potential employer.
This course is not restricted to students and may also be used a training tool for current sports field crewmembers. Although the course is free, those pursuing it must be an STMA member or join as an STMA student member ($30) to participate. For more information, visit https://www.stma.org or contact Kristen Althouse at kalthouse@stma.org.