The Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) - STMA

“I’m sure most sports facilities are like our company, andreceive dozens of résumés for positions. Those who arecertified rise to the top of the stack at Sodexho becausethose sports turf managers send the message that theyare willing to go that extra step. You know that they willbring great value to the job.”John Fik, CSFM, Grounds and Sports Fields Consultant,Sodexho Education Services, Vermontville, NY“As a contractor, I am seeing more and more jobs thatrequire CSFM certification for companies to be involvedwith projects. This is great for the whole industry becausepeople are starting to recognize that quality sports turfcontractors are needed for sports field projects. HavingCSFM status sets you apart from the rest. It shows youhold your company to a higher standard.”Patrick Coakley, CSFM, Stadium Turf Specialist,Sports Construction Management, Inc., Asheville, NCThe Certified SportsField Manager (CSFM)Experienced. Educated. Effective.Support your sports field manager’spursuit of Certification and ensure thatyour sports fields are the safest and mostplayable for your budget allocation.805 New Hampshire, Ste. ELawrence, KS 66044800-323-3875fax 785-843-2977www.STMA.orgSTMAinfo@STMA.orgPrinted on recycled paper.

Certified Sports Field Managers Add ValueWhether you are hiring a new sports field manageror allocating training funds for continuing education,consider the value that a Certified Sports FieldManager adds to your facility’s operation.STMA CSFMs are:Qualified – Through a demanding preparation processand then rigorous testing, the Certification programverifies that recipients have superior knowledge, skills andabilities in sports turf management.Continuous Learners – To keep the certified status, theCSFM program requires continuing education that istimely and relevant. One of the most desired skills in theworkplace is the ability to learn and to apply that learningto job responsibilities.Contributors – CSFMs contribute inside yourorganization and in your community. The CSFM programrequires its Certified members to attain Industry ServicePoints, which are earned by volunteering time and talentsoutside of their daily duties.Problem Solvers – CSFMs anticipate challenges andeffectively resolve issues before they become problems.If there is a crisis, CSFMs can be counted on to bringeffective solutions to the table.Users of Technology – Technology continues toadvance the profession, and CSFMs are early adaptersof technology to apply viable and efficient managementpractices.Scientists – Sports turf management is a science, andCSFMs are typically educated in plant and soil science,horticulture, agronomy or turfgrass management.Stewards of the Environment – Protecting theenvironment is the norm for CSFMs. Their managementpractices have always included conserving and reusingwater, implementing IPM strategies, using fuel and energyefficient equipment, recycling, composting and other‘green’ activities.Operations & Resource Managers – CSFMs understandthe business aspect of running a sports facility. Purchasing,inventory control, and hiring of support staff and seasonalworkers is accomplished with the bottom line at theforefront of every expenditure.Invest in Excellence. Invest in Certificationfor your STMA Sports Field ManagerSports Turf Managers are committed to providing safeand playable fields for athletes at all levels of play. Thosewho achieve certification have taken that commitmentone step further. Through the attainment of certification,sports turf managers validate their knowledge of turfgrassscience, facility management, sports rules, and businesspractices through an in-depth exam and continuingeducation. There are also pre-requisites that must be metbefore being eligible to take the exam.FeesApplication fee $250Testing fee $100Annual renewal fee $100Seventy percent of employers pay for CSFM fees.*“My employer is very supportive of the certificationprocess, financially and initially in allowing me the time tostudy. Preparing for the exam greatly expanded myknowledge base, and I was able to apply this knowledgedirectly to my job responsibilities. My certification helpedme add to the continued improvement of our facilities.”Brian Winka, CSFM, Parks Supervisor, City of Chesterfield, MO*STMA 2008 CSFM Survey