Welcome to the Conference Education page! Here you will find presentations and handouts for education sessions occurring at SFMA’s 2023 Conference and Exhibition.
Welcome to the Conference Education page! Here you will find presentations and handouts for education sessions occurring at SFMA’s 2023 Conference and Exhibition.
Tracks (key): Turfgrass Management (TM); Water (W); Research and Technology (RT); Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI); Professional Development (PD); Baseball (B); Synthetic (S)
Enjoy a relaxed, reception-style atmosphere where you can interact with academics for a refresher in the basics of turfgrass management.
This year’s General Session will focus on the hosting and delivery of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and transitioning to the 2026 World Cup. In 2022, Qatar is the single host city. In 2026, various cities throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico will serve as hosting sites. The presentation will discuss the challenges of working in parallel on different events in different stages of the event lifecycle as well as preparing and planning for consistency and uniformity of fields across different climate zones and stadium types. The integration of science and the latest technology for the development of a quality surface that meets FIFA standards will also be discussed.
We have assembled a panel of diverse experts that represent a combination of international expertise and local knowledge:
Gregg Munshaw, Ph.D. – Pinnacle Agricultural Research Center
This presentation will break down how plants function, why various maintenance practices are necessary, and how season can affect everything. Understanding how plants function is critical to knowing how to manage them. The impact that specific practices such as fertilizing, watering, and mowing have on turfgrass will be discussed.
Attendees will:
Troy Carson – The Toro Company
Autonomy is an inevitable addition to most maintenance programs. We will explore how understanding and defining problems informs good innovation. We will look at the challenges that exist with transitioning to electric equipment and data driven maintenance. Finally, we will examine how autonomy can be a solution to some maintenance challenges.
After attending this session, participants will have gained a better understanding of WHY seeking to properly understand customer problems is key to good innovation; WHAT challenges exist with the acceptance of new product categories such as electrification and data driven maintenance; and HOW autonomous equipment and data driven management may/will fit into their maintenance activities.
Gerald Henry, Ph.D. – University of Georgia
The application of biological substances, microorganisms, and plant growth enhancers has increased throughout the turfgrass industry over the past decade. Many of these products are applied to increase nutrient absorption, boost tolerance to environmental stress, and improve overall growth and aesthetic appearance. However, not all of these products are created equal and manufacturer claims often go unverified. This presentation will examine the impact of these products alone and in combination with cultural practices for the increase of turfgrass rooting and field performance.
After attending this session, attendees will:
AJ Lindsey, Ph.D. – University of Florida
The presentation covers environmental concerns with traditional fertilizers and some of the recent research trials conducted with humic and alternative fertilizers. It will also explore how humic and alternative fertilizers can be incorporated into a fertilizer program to reduce overall nitrogen use and potential nutrient losses on athletic fields.
Attendees will learn about the following:
Marc Douglas – World Rugby, Kieran O’Donnell – Sports Labs LLC
World Rugby’s approach to quality synthetic turf focuses heavily on player welfare and global best practice. The approach of the American market could change to provide better quality and more player-oriented surfaces. This presentation will help attendees understand some of the science behind synthetic turf and how to potentially help reduce injuries and protect the athlete
The session will cover:
Drew Miller – Brentsville Turfgrass Management Program, Leah Withrow – Reno Aces
Sports Field Managers across the country spend endless time preparing fields at all levels for athletes, from Little League to the Professionals. Many of these people are unaware of who we are. During this presentation, we will be discussing new and innovative ways to show the world what a Sports Field Manager is!
Session objectives:
Pamela Sherratt – The Ohio State University
This session will focus on establishing playing surfaces in a time crunch. Topics will include species selection, pest control, and water and nutrient management.
Attendees will:
Nick Christians, Ph.D. – Iowa State University
The presentation will cover the history and current research concerning the use of natural products for weed control in turfgrass.
Presentation Objectives:
Geoffrey Rinehart – University of Maryland
Preview this education session
This presentation will review important steps and principles for integrated pest management as it relates to insect control and discuss common insect pests of cool-season sports fields including their identification, life cycle, damage symptoms, and control approaches emphasizing cultural and less-toxic approaches.
The learning outcomes for attendees of this presentation:
Preview this education session
Bryan Hopkins, Ph.D. – Brigham Young University
This presentation will discuss saving water with Hybrid Bermudagrass replacing Kentucky bluegrass in cool-season climates.
Attendees will learn:
Scott Campbell – Pinnacle Turf Services
As more sports fields become multi-use facilities, synthetic turf is increasing in popularity. As managers and caretakers of these fields, how do we examine and adapt to the number and variation of events taking place on these surfaces? This presentation looks at the direction of sports field construction, increased event traffic and associated revenue, and the things to look out for to maintain the highest quality playing surface for the teams involved.
Three key points to be learned:
Lisa Goatley, M.S., L.P.C. – Counseling Solutions, LLC
Personal well-being is an important factor in the total person. A happy person is a productive person—individually, with family, and at work. This presentation addresses the science behind happiness, factors contributing to happiness, and strategies to cultivate this state of mind. A happy and healthy individual is better able to contribute in all aspects of life (at work, with family, and in the community).
The attendee will:
Now in its 16th year, women in the industry will participate in a facilitated discussion and enjoy lunch.
Growing New Grass: How Women in Turfgrass can Leverage Originality for Success – Devon Carroll, Ph.D.
Jason Kruse, Ph.D. – University of Florida
With many new bermudagrass cultivars available, questions remain regarding differences in performance for use on athletic fields. This seminar will cover results of research conducted at the University of Florida that compared seven bermudagrass cultivars to evaluate wear and divot recovery, shear strength, as well as fall color and spring green-up.
Session objectives:
Preview this education session
Response of Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass Mixtures to Wear
Brad Park – Rutgers University
This presentation will provide insight on sports field and grounds scenarios where tall fescue may be an establishment option, maximizing tall fescue competitiveness, and examining National Turfgrass Evaluation program (NTEP)-derived research information related to tall fescue variety selection.
Presentation objectives:
Cale Bigelow, Ph.D. – Purdue Turf Science, Jada Powlen – Purdue University
This presentation will cover the ways that turfgrass managers can reduce synthetic fungicide products for disease suppression. An emphasis will be placed on factors like selecting a disease resistant cultivar, summer nitrogen inputs and dew mitigation methods.
Attendees will learn:
Philip Braselton – St Andrews School, Alfie Gardiner – Target-Specialty Products, Matthew Kerns – The Episcopal Academy
Sports field managers are always looking for new ideas to improve turfgrass recovery. Field paint or dye is not a new concept in aiding in plant health. With advances in these two products over the years, have we as managers overlooked the potential they have in turfgrass recovery, especially during our slowest growing months. In an exciting new study we will present our findings from two organizations by using turfgrass paint on cool season and warm season grass.
Attendees will learn:
Kyley Dickson, Ph.D. – The University of Tennessee
The presentation will cover the minimum maintenance needs of a synthetic turf field and highlight the key factors that influence the need for maintenance. Practical tips for improving field playability and performance for any budget synthetic field will also be covered.
Presentation objectives:
Kaylin Dillon, CFP – Kaylin Dillon Financial, Amy Fouty, CSFM – The Motz Group, Eddie Jones – Hunter Industries, Abby McNeal, CSFM, CPRP – City of Louisville, Christine Sionne – Hunter Industries, Leah Withrow – Reno Aces
This panel will focus on effective strategies for a successful career. Individuals on the panel will share their experiences and provide advice about entering and pursuing a career in the industry, various life and career stages, and retirement preparation.
Nick Christians, Ph.D. – Iowa State University, Adam Thoms, Ph.D. – Iowa State University
Topdressing is one of the most common practices, but one of the most misunderstood practices. This presentation presents what happens when the topdressing rate is too fast or too slow. We will also present what to do if your field has layers. Finally, we will discuss what to topdress with.
Presentation objectives:
Erick Begitschke, M.S. – University of Georgia, Gerald Henry, Ph.D. – University of Georgia
Developing an effective weed control program is a skill that is becoming increasingly important for sports field managers. Similar to what is implemented with disease management, an effective weed control program allows turfgrass managers to maintain weed-free turfgrass (or as closely as possible) of optimal quality from January to December. Successful programs not only make use of different herbicide technologies varying in mode of action, but also implement effective cultural management practices such as fertilization, aerification, irrigation, and mowing. This session will teach attendees how to build effective weed control programs for the southern United States.
Attendees will:
Weston Floyd, CSFM – Texas A&M University, Chase Straw, Ph.D. – Texas A&M University
This presentation will provide an overview of currently available technologies, which includes, but is not limited to, soil moisture sensors, GPS sprayers, autonomous mowers and painters, and drones. On-going research from Texas A&M University and others involving these technologies will be discussed, as will the future direction of technology in the industry.
Presentation objectives:
Michael Boekholder – Boekholder & Associates
Executing a field renovation project properly takes a multi-step approach to ensure the best project outcomes. Analyzing current field conditions, preparing accurate specifications and plans, selecting quality contractors, conducting a robust quality control program and ensuring a proper close out of the project are all critical steps needed to complete any construction project. Special attention will also be given on how to make sure your MiLB field is PDL compliant after a renovation project.
Attendees will:
John Clintsman – Ensworth School, Mike Goatley, Ph.D. – Virginia Tech
Mentors and mentees both have responsibilities in forming a successful relationship, and while we typically think that the primary beneficiary of a mentoring relationship is for the mentee, both parties have plenty to gain (or lose) in the association. This presentation details the qualities of a successful mentoring relationship.
Attendees will learn:
John Mascaro – Turf-Tec International
This is a live version of the Photo Quiz article that has appeared each month in Golf Course Management Magazine since September 2002 and SportsField Management Magazine since 2006. The live Photo Quiz is an interactive presentation with questions on what caused a particular turfgrass problem and an answer on how it was solved.
Presentation objectives:
Paul Cushing – Paul Cushing Agronomic Sports Turf Consulting Services
Reinvigorate Your High School Sports Fields is designed to help Sports Field Managers at the high school level, as well as coaches and administrators, in assisting them in the process of rejuvenating their athletic fields. This presentation touches upon weed control, animal abatement, soil testing, soil fertility programs, renovation programs (aerification and verticutting), proper height of cut (HOC), topdressing and seasonal scheduling for school district employees. This session will also include many case studies with school district sports fields over the past few years with before, during and after pictures to illustrate points and give Sports Field Managers practical knowledge to inspire change to their own high school athletic fields.
Attendees will take home:
Bryan Hopkins, Ph.D. – Brigham Young University
Surveys show that most managers waste water, often resulting in oxygen deficiencies in the root zone. Using water for grass during a mega-drought is bringing us under severe scrutiny. It is possible (and even better for the grass) to grow healthy/functional grass with significantly less water.
Attendees will learn:
David McCall, Ph.D. – Virginia Tech
Natural playing surfaces are not uniform but are typically managed as if they are. Most pests are distributed in localized clusters, yet entire surfaces are treated equally with pesticides. However, there are both simple and complex strategies that allow turfgrass professionals to target applications. This presentation will provide tools available to help sports field managers apply products to the right place, while reducing total inputs.
Attendees will learn:
Keith Fisher – Central Regional School District
What we do as Major League groundskeepers is no different from Little League, High School, Minor Leagues, except our attention to detail. I believe if we manage our time and our resources we can get that Major League quality no matter what products you have. I will cover how to achieve this at the high school level. Form how to start the process in the off-season or the time between games or tournaments and how to maintain that level throughout the season. I will cover how to use maintenance practices specific to your site.
Attendees will learn:
Lisa Goatley, M.S., L.P.C. – Counseling Solutions, LLC
Improving and protecting our mental health has benefits for us individually, for our families, for our employers, and for our communities. We can learn the basics of mental health, simple strategies to improve our mental health, and learn to recognize when we need to respond and take action. Becoming a mentally healthier person has benefits on many levels and, like any health behavior, is achievable.
Attendees will learn:
Mike Goatley, Ph.D. – Virginia Tech, Gregg Munshaw, Ph.D. – Pinnacle Agricultural Research Center
Problems in sports field management arise in a variety of situations and are not always agronomic in nature. Real-world sports field problems will be presented and the audience will be tasked with asking the right questions to begin the problem-solving effort, followed by the development of possible solutions to the problem.
Attendees will learn:
Cale Bigelow, Ph.D. – Purdue Turf Science, Barry Stewart, Ph.D. – Mississippi State University
Many athletic field managers are unsure of their math skills or might need a refresher. This workshop will cover common calculations that athletic field managers need to know how to do in the course of their jobs. Attendees will learn the practical aspects of calculating turfgrass management inputs like seed, fertilizer, chemicals, sand topdressing, etc. An emphasis will also be placed on calibrating various fertilizer and liquid application equipment.
After attending this presentation, the participant will be able to:
Ben Hartman – Wichita Wind Surge
Little do groundskeepers know, we are asked to be weathermen and make the call. This presentation is geared towards giving you the tools and resources you need to help better your call in the future!
Presentation objectives:
Preview this education session
Lorenzo Lopez, CSFM – SouthWest Sports Fields – Autmow
New technology shouldn’t be considered scary. We saw fear and pushback when central-controlled irrigation systems arrived, now we can’t live without those systems. I will share how simple robots can remove mundane tasks from our daily checklist. And show you how groundskeepers have successfully utilized robots into their current operations.
Three of the main things you will take away from this class will be:
Keith Winter – Fort Wayne Tincaps
The science of engineered soils has changed the way baseball fields are managed and maintained. For over three decades, calcined clay conditioners have been the industry standard. For the 2022 season, The Fort Wayne TinCaps transitioned to the use of expanded shale as its conditioner on all clay surfaces, including the infield, game mound, plate, and bullpens. What were the results and feedback, successes and failures? You don’t know until you are willing to “try something new.”
Presentation objectives:
Bryce King, CPRP, AFO – Centerville City
Finding the right people for your organization can be challenging and time-consuming. Learn new ways to create powerful interviews, produce an out of the ordinary training program, birthday like first day experiences and reachable retention programs. This presentation will give specific examples of hiring from entry level to full time employees.
Presentation objectives:
DeMaurice Fitzgerald Smith is the Executive Director of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA), the Labor Union for Players of the National Football League (NFL). He was reappointed to his fifth term as Executive Director in fall 2021.
In March 2020, he successfully negotiated his second long-term Collective Bargaining Agreement with the National Football League. The eleven-year deal will introduce an additional game into the regular season but also provide players with their guaranteed highest share of NFL revenue in history.
Almost immediately following ratification of the new collective bargaining agreement, he led the negotiations with the NFL to create comprehensive Covid-19 protections and protocols for his membership, obtained comprehensive testing and opt out provisions for players and designed the return to play agreements that secured NFL Players being paid their full salary for the season despite a projected $3 billion revenue shortfall for the NFL in 2020. The NFL was able to play an entire season, playoffs, and Super Bowl LV in Tampa Bay, Florida during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
On August 4, 2011, Smith signed an historic 10-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with NFL management, leading the Players through the owners’ 132-day lockout. The two Collective Bargaining Agreements remain the longest standing agreements between labor and management in any sports league.
Prior to his post at the NFLPA, Smith was an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Columbia and was Counsel to then-Deputy Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr. Smith served as a Partner in the international law firms of Latham & Watkins, LLP and Squire Patton Boggs, LLP, in Washington, D.C. where he represented corporations, boards of directors and senior executives in civil and criminal matters.
Mr. Smith is a sought-after motivational speaker for corporations, labor unions, and charities, and a guest lecturer and distinguished speaker on college campuses around the country on the topics of leadership, ethics, sports law, and high-stakes negotiation. Smith, a native Washingtonian, resides in the Washington DC metropolitan area with his family.
DeMaurice Smith and the NFL Players Association have been at the forefront of issues surrounding NFL Player health and safety since the groundbreaking achievements negotiated into Smith’s first collective bargaining agreement with the National Football League.
Larry DiVito, CSFM – Minnesota Twins Baseball Club, John Turnour, CSFM – Washington Nationals, Keith Winter – Fort Wayne Tincaps, Luke Yoder – DuraEdge Products
Sports field managers from across the country will share the various management strategies they utilize to maintain baseball fields. After a brief introduction from each panelist, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss challenges and solutions related to baseball fields and facilities.
Casey Scheidel, CSFM – Iowa Sports Turf Management, Mark Baginski, LEED AP, RLA – Verde Design, Inc., Casey Carrick, CSFM – The University of North Carolina, Sam Titchener – Colony Landscape
As designers and builders, we often hear from facility owners and grounds managers after a facility has been in operation for a period of time about “things they wish had been done differently.” Wouldn’t it be nice if you considered those things BEFORE a new facility was designed and built?
Attendees will:
Representatives from Anuvia Plant Nutrients, Beacon Athletics, Hunter Industries, Pure Seed, Sipcam Agro USA Inc., Smithco, Inc., Sunbelt Rentals, Inc.
Chris Ball, CSFM – Ewing Irrigation and Landscape, Amy Fouty, CSFM – The Motz Group, Sarah Martin, CSFM – City of Phoenix, Parks and Recreation Department, Maritza Martinez St. Louis CITY SC, Sun Roesslein, CSFM – Jeffco Schools Athletics
This panel will discuss the experience of volunteering for the Little League Softball World Series, the importance of such an event, and how that experience has made us better at our jobs.
Attendees will learn:
Wes Ganobcik – Columbus Clippers, Gerald Henry, Ph.D. – University of Georgia, Allen Johnson, CSFM – Green Bay Packers, Nick McKenna, CSFM – Texas A&M Athletics, John Sorochan, Ph.D. – University of Tennessee
The panel will focus on professionalism, interviewing, negotiating, choosing an internship, grad school options, and other topics. Attendees will gain insight into skills and areas of focus that will benefit and help prepare them for their future careers.
Presentation objectives:
Troy Carson – The Toro Company
Autonomy is an inevitable addition to most maintenance programs. We will explore how understanding and defining problems informs good innovation. We will look at the challenges that exist with transitioning to electric equipment and data driven maintenance. Finally, we will examine how autonomy can be a solution to some maintenance challenges.
After attending this session, participants will have gained a better understanding of WHY seeking to properly understand customer problems is key to good innovation; WHAT challenges exist with the acceptance of new product categories such as electrification and data driven maintenance; and HOW autonomous equipment and data driven management may/will fit into their maintenance activities.
Pamela Sherratt – The Ohio State University
This session will focus on establishing playing surfaces in a time crunch. Topics will include species selection, pest control, and water and nutrient management.
Attendees will:
Kyley Dickson, Ph.D. – The University of Tennessee
The presentation will cover the minimum maintenance needs of a synthetic turf field and highlight the key factors that influence the need for maintenance. Practical tips for improving field playability and performance for any budget synthetic field will also be covered.
Presentation objectives:
Wes Ganobcik – Columbus Clippers
Wes will discuss everything a student needs to consider when choosing the internship that will provide the best experience. He will also discuss the factors that a young turfgrass manager needs to consider when choosing a job and negotiating a starting salary.
Attendees will learn the following:
Tom Gould – Iowa State University, Adam Thoms, Ph.D. – Iowa State University, Josh Tvrdik – Iowa State Athletics Department
This presentation will cover how Iowa State University grew their own sand-based football field on a cornfield near the college. We will discuss how the ISU Athletic Department supported student education by funding students and giving them turfgrass management experience during this project. We will also discuss all of the steps to go from a cornfield to a sand-based sod to installing and maintaining the new playing surface on MidAmerican Field at Jack Trice Stadium. This presentation will cover sand selection, cultivar decisions, fertility and herbicides used as well as steps to care for the field such as mowing height and frequency. Finally, we will present how the field played during its first season in action.
Attendees will learn:
Bryan Hopkins, Ph.D. – Brigham Young University
Managing salts and pH are critical, especially when using irrigation water that is marginal. Impacts on plant health, nutrition, toxicities, soil microbiology, specific ion toxicities, and water infiltration will be discussed.
Attendees will learn:
Daniel Sandor, Ph.D. – Virginia Tech, Tyler Carr – University of Tennessee
Sports field managers (SFMs) are required to produce playing surfaces that maximize field quality, playability, and safety, in an environmentally-sound and economically-sustainable manner. To determine which products and practices are right for managing their field, SFMs must first understand the importance of the scientific method and be able to correctly interpret scientific data and research findings.
Attendees will learn:
Kyley Dickson, Ph.D. – The University of Tennessee, Gregg Munshaw, Ph.D. – Pinnacle Agricultural Research Center
This talk will cover how sustainable turfgrass varieties can reduce inputs. We will discuss where to find information on sustainable turfgrass varieties in addition to their pros and cons. Also, discuss how sustainable grass varieties perform in player to surface interaction and ball to surface interactions for athletic fields.
Presentation objectives:
Watch the full presentation here.
Marc Moran, CSFM – Atlee High School
This presentation focuses on building, maintaining or repairing a healthy relationship between the sports field manager and athletic administration. The relationship is critical for the long-term success of the strong sports field system, no matter if you are at the K-12, Collegiate or professional level. Understanding the challenges of each allows the other to effectively make decisions and tackle issues or set effective goals for the athletic facility.
Attendees will learn:
Watch the full presentation here.
Kurt Thompson – IrriTech Training
This advanced discussion takes the irrigation system manager, contractor, or designer through the cause and effect of the velocity of the water in the pipe and size of valves on the damaging cyclical forces that affect the operational costs and sprinkler performance, and then practical methods to minimize those surge pressures.
At the conclusion of the workshop, the learner should be able to:
