Programs

SFMA strives to provide comprehensive and relevant services to its members to help them succeed in their careers.

Recognition

SFMA’s rich awards program acknowledges those in the profession who have excelled in their field management programs through the Field of the Year awards. Four Founders awards recognize those who have given unparalleled service to the profession, and the President’s Award for Leadership highlights an individual or group whose vision has advanced the industry. The Innovative Awards identifies companies who advance sports field management.

The two SFMA Certification programs: Certified Sports Field Manager and the Environmental Facility Certification validates the commitment of members to be the best that they can be by achieving these special designations, individually and for their facilities.

Continuing Education

The SFMA annual Conference is the largest educational event for the membership. Many other education and training programs are available on line, 24/7, to meet individual needs.

Future Leaders

SFMA, through its SAFE Foundation, awards students and current members with scholarships and grants to help them finance their the education and continuing education.

Turfgrass Science Curriculum – For Secondary Agriculture Education Classrooms

SFMA’s Turfgrass Science Curriculum was developed to provide agriculture educators with lessons to introduce secondary students to the turfgrass industry.  Turfgrass is vitally important to the economy, the environment, and to the communities where we live. Help students become aware of the turfgrass science field and give them an appreciation of the science and skills necessary to care for a turfgrass surface. The curriculum can provide a foundation for students pursuing a college degree in the green industry, or it can help them in their everyday life to manage a home lawn, or as a volunteer to help care for parks or community recreation areas.

Curriculum Goals:

  • Build a solid foundation in the science and practices of turfgrass management so secondary students can successfully care for a turfgrass surface.
  • Introduce students to community, environmental, and economic benefits of turfgrass.
  • Introduce students to career opportunities in the turfgrass industry.
  • Provide a competitive edge to students interested in pursuing higher education in the turfgrass industry
  • Provide a comprehensive curriculum that can be easily implemented in secondary agriculture education classrooms regardless of teacher experience and background.
  • Meet the needs of students and requirements set forth by Pennsylvania Department of Education.  Can easily be adjusted to meet the requirements of state Departments of Education

A comprehensive curriculum is available in 5 Units:

  • Introduction to Turfgrass Science
  • Turfgrass Growth & Development, Anatomy, and Identification
  • Turfgrass Soils
  • Turfgrass Cultural Practices
  • Turfgrass Establishment

Each unit includes complete lesson plans, PowerPoint presentations, worksheets, individual and class projects, quizzes, and hands-on learning labs (indoor and outdoor). The curriculum was developed to provide agriculture educators with lessons that could supplement any secondary plant science curriculum. The units can be used to enhance the plant science curriculum or replace other units in the plant science curriculum. The units should be used as a whole in the order they are presented to provide the most benefit to learners.

 

Purchase the Classroom Curriculum

SFMA Member – $82

Nonmember – $207

Log into the member portal to purchase.