What is a National Invitational?
The Turfgrass Science competition will alternate between the national conferences of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and Sports Field Management Association (SFMA). During the conferences, participating FFA members and advisors will be offered both professional development and access to the trade show in addition to the competition.
Teams are not currently required to qualify at the local or state level to participate in this Invitational. Please review the handbook (coming soon) for competition rules.
The National FFA Organization continually revises National FFA Events to ensure they remain relevant to the industry, FFA members and the agricultural education classroom. In its effort to modernize and increase the number of quality experiences for FFA members, National FFA has created a new model to recognize endorsed activities with other organizations. The National Turfgrass Science Invitational is endorsed by National FFA, and open to FFA members. Recognition of winners and teams who competed at the invitational will be held in conjunction with SFMA Conference and Trade Show.
Important Dates
Registration for the competition is free.
- August 4th: Registration opens to state winners 10am CT
- August 25th: Registration opens to all programs 10am CT
- Nov 6: Virtual team orientation 6 p.m.
- Watch the orientation video | orientation slides
Invitational Schedule
Monday, January 19
- On-site registration and orientation 5:30pm
- 5:30-6:30 p.m. Orientation, Fort Worth Convention Center
- Room 201B
Tuesday, January 20
- 7:30 a.m. -7:45 a.m. Announcements, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Worth Downtown
[1111 W Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76102] - 7:45 a.m. Board Bus (1st Group), Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Worth Downtown
- 8:00 a.m. Drop off at TCU (1st Group)
- 8:15 a.m. Board Bus (2nd Group), Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Worth Downtown
- 8:30 a.m. Drop off at TCU (2nd Group)
- 9:00 a.m. First round of knowledge test/case studies, TCU
- 10:30 a.m. Second round of knowledge test/case studies, TCU
- 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m., Advisor PD
- 12:00 p.m.- 12:45 p.m. Lunch
- 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Practicum Stations, TCU Fields and begin boarding buses to return to Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Worth Downtown.
Wednesday, January 21
- 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Student/Advisors visit booths, SFMA Trade Show
- 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. NTSI Awards Ceremony
Invitational Resources ( Coming Soon)
- Housing – Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Worth Downtown
[1111 W Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76102]
$159.00/night, single/double occupancy plus taxes and fees - Turfgrass Science Invitational Handbook
- Turfgrass Science Case Studies Overview
- Turfgrass Science Practicums
- Turfgrass Science Knowledge Check Review
If you have questions, contact:
- Carson Letot, Ph.D. Event Superintendent, Turfgrass Science
