Course Overview

This occupation is found in a wide range of relevant venues, for example, athletics, bowls, cricket, croquet, football, golf, hockey, equestrian events, rugby league and union, and tennis. Venues include public parks, sports clubs, schools, first class stadia, training facilities and golf courses including links, parkland and heathland. Facilities can range in size and stature, from international stadia and championship golf courses that host big events through to smaller, local venues serving the local community.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to ensure that public and private sports turf surfaces (including hybrid but not fully artificial surfaces) meet the requirements of the sport and are available for use at all levels from amateur to professional sport. They supervise the staff and the maintenance of the sports turf surfaces. They supervise the planning, maintenance, care, and overall appearance of surfaces in line with the employer’s requirements and the requirements of the sport’s governing body. They may lead, support and supervise renovation and associated projects and typically have responsibility for maintaining wider facilities.

Subjects you will study in this course:

• Supervise and undertake the preparation and maintenance of the playing surface in accordance with governing bodies requirements, rules and regulations.
• Evaluate performance and agronomic data of playing surfaces (e.g. weather data, soil conditions, performance quality standard). Recommends improvements to turf health and playing surface conditions.
• Monitor and control threats to turf health and apply sustainable integrated pest management practices (encompassing weeds, pests, and diseases).
• Supervise and implement processes, procedures and strategies for the effective usage of irrigation and drainage systems to maximise sports turf health and surface performance.
• Prepare sports turf machinery and supervise maintenance programmes for equipment and machinery.
• Agree the specification and implement resource and budget requirements for sports turf projects.
• Supervise and mentor operatives and report on staff performance.
• Supervise the adoption of sustainable and environmentally friendly working practices.
• Ensure a safe working environment and the adoption of legal working practices including the reviewing of risk assessments.
• Maintain own personal development by keeping up to date with current industry practices.
• Communicate with stakeholders on the factors affecting the condition of the sports turf and manage expectations.
• Plan, prepare for and supervise the construction or renovation of the sports turf facilities.
  

Assessment Methods

• Portfolio of evidence
• Observation in the workplace
• Professional discussion
• Photographs
• Written questions
• Projects

Progression Options

• Level 5 Golf Course Manager
• Level 5 Horticulture and Landscaping Technical Manager