In the summer of 2009, the SFMA Board of Directors established an International Affiliate Organization (IAO) status to recognize international groups of sports turf managers. This category was developed to formalize collaboration between SFMA and international organizations and will allow this relationship to operate in the spirit of an SFMA chapter, but without the legal complexities of affiliating with SFMA. Thus, SFMA has created International Affiliate Organizations for groups that reside in countries outside of the U.S. and its territories.
SFMA is pleased to welcome two Australian associations to its IAO network: The Australian Sports Turf and Sports Turf Canada (STC).
These associations join SFMA’s current IAOs, Sports Turf Canada (STC), the Grounds Management Association (GMA), and the Associação Brasileira das Empresas e Profissionais de Gramados Esportivos (ABGE) as International Affiliate Organizations.
To be recognized as an SFMA International Affiliate Organization, the group:
- must be recognized as a business entity in their country and provide proof to SFMA annually;
- develop bylaws or other governing documents; and
- elect a Board of Directors.
SFMA does not charge fees for this recognition, will share information and resources, list the organization on our website, provide one membership to the President of each international affiliate organization, and offers conference registration and education and training resources at SFMA member rates, including pursuit of the Certified Sports Field Manager program and registration to our annual and regional conferences.
