Sports Turf Management: Best Practices from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

MODULE 1 | Principles of Athletic Field Construction

Module one will examine the principles of athletic field construction. Explore site analysis factors such as drainage and soil condition. Overall, the principles of athletic field construction require careful planning, attention to detail, and expertise to ensure a safe and functional playing surface.

MODULE 2 | Athletic Field Maintenance

The right tools and techniques are essential for effective athletic field maintenance. Regular maintenance is vital for the safety and longevity of the field and for the enjoyment of the players who use it. This module will discuss critical aspects of athletic field maintenance, including mowing, fertilizing, aerating, and irrigating. An athletic field can provide a safe and enjoyable playing surface for years with proper care.

MODULE 3 | Traffic and Compaction on Athletic Fields

Maintaining athletic fields can be a challenge, especially when it comes to traffic and compaction. Traffic refers to the movement of people and equipment over the field, while compaction refers to the compression of soil caused by this traffic. Both can harm the health and longevity of the field, leading to reduced playability and increased risk of injury. In this module, we will explore the causes and effects of traffic and compaction on athletic fields and strategies for preventing and mitigating these issues. Whether you are a coach, groundskeeper, or concerned community member, this module will provide valuable insights into how to keep your athletic fields in top condition for years to come.

MODULE 4 | Artificial Turf Fields

Artificial turf fields have become increasingly popular due to their durability and low maintenance requirements. Constructed of synthetic fibers that mimic the look and feel of natural grass, these fields make an attractive option for sports teams and recreational facilities. In addition to being more resistant to wear and tear than natural grass, artificial turf can be used regardless of weather conditions. However, some concerns about these fields' safety and environmental impact exist.

Additional Resources & Final Assessment

Explore additional resources, use the information you learned throughout the course to analyze a case study, and complete the final assessment.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Designed for those who work in the management and maintenance of athletic fields or sports facilities, including groundskeepers and coaches

Provides a comprehensive overview of the major aspects of athletic field construction and management

Focuses on practical knowledge and skills, emphasizing the principles and techniques of athletic field construction and maintenance

Emphasizes the importance of proper maintenance practices in ensuring the safety and longevity of athletic fields

Covers the challenges of traffic and compaction on athletic fields and provides strategies for prevention and mitigation

Taught by Bruce Branham, an expert in the field of athletic field management

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Sports Turf Management: Best Practices with these activities:

Volunteer at a Local Athletic Field

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Gain practical experience in maintaining athletic fields by volunteering with local organizations or clubs.

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Identify local athletic fields that offer volunteer opportunities
Contact the field manager or organization to inquire about volunteer roles
Attend volunteer training sessions to learn proper maintenance techniques
Participate in regular volunteer shifts to assist with field maintenance tasks

Explore Irrigation Systems for Athletic Fields

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Learn about the various irrigation systems used for athletic fields, including their advantages and disadvantages.

Browse courses on Irrigation Systems

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Understand the principles of irrigation and water management
Research and identify different types of irrigation systems, such as sprinklers, drip irrigation, and subsurface irrigation
Consider the factors that influence the choice of irrigation system, such as field size, climate, and water availability

Analyze Athletic Field Soil Conditions

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Familiarize yourself with the soil used in athletic fields and practice identifying variations in composition from collected samples.

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Review soil testing methods and procedures
Collect soil samples from various locations within your athletic field
Prepare soil samples for testing
Test soil samples using appropriate equipment
Analyze test results to determine soil characteristics

Two other activities

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Develop a Budget for Athletic Field Maintenance

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Gain hands-on experience in budgeting for athletic field maintenance, considering costs for labor, materials, and equipment.

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Estimate the labor costs associated with maintenance activities
Research and compare costs for materials such as fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation supplies
Consider the costs of equipment, including mowers, aerators, and irrigation systems
Develop a budget that allocates funds to various maintenance tasks

Create a Maintenance Plan for an Athletic Field

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Develop a comprehensive maintenance plan for an athletic field, considering factors such as field usage, climate, and available resources.

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Identify the specific athletic field to be maintained
Determine the usage patterns and scheduled events for the field
Research and consider the local climate conditions
Create a detailed plan outlining maintenance tasks, frequency, and responsible parties
Present the maintenance plan to relevant stakeholders for feedback and approval

Career center

Learners who complete Sports Turf Management: Best Practices will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sports Turf Manager

Sports Turf Managers oversee the construction, maintenance, and repair of athletic fields. They may work for schools, universities, professional sports teams, or other organizations. The Sports Turf Management: Best Practices course can help aspiring Sports Turf Managers gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in this field. The course covers topics such as field construction, maintenance, and pest control, which are essential for Sports Turf Managers to know.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sports Turf Manager

Athletic Field Manager

Athletic Field Managers are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of sports fields. This can include tasks such as mowing, fertilizing, aerating, and irrigating. The Sports Turf Management: Best Practices course can provide a valuable foundation for aspiring Athletic Field Managers, as it covers many of the essential principles and techniques involved in field maintenance. The course can help Managers improve their skills, increase their knowledge of the industry, and advance their careers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Athletic Field Manager

Turfgrass Specialist

Turfgrass Specialists study the science and management of turfgrass. While the Sports Turf Management: Best Practices course focuses on the management of athletic fields, many of the principles and techniques covered in the course apply to turfgrass science and management in general. The course can help Turfgrass Specialists gain a better understanding of turfgrass science and management and improve their skills in turfgrass establishment, maintenance, and renovation.

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Groundskeeper

Groundskeepers maintain outdoor areas, including athletic fields. The Sports Turf Management: Best Practices course can be useful for Groundskeepers who want to specialize in the maintenance of athletic fields. The course can provide Groundskeepers with the knowledge and skills they need to properly care for athletic fields, ensuring they are safe and playable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Groundskeeper

Agronomist

Agronomists study the science of soil management and crop production. While the Sports Turf Management: Best Practices course focuses on the management of athletic fields, many of the principles and techniques covered in the course apply to agronomy in general. The course can help Agronomists gain a better understanding of agronomy and improve their skills in soil management and crop production.

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Golf Course Superintendent

Golf Course Superintendents oversee the maintenance and upkeep of golf courses. While the Sports Turf Management: Best Practices course focuses primarily on athletic fields, it can still be useful for aspiring Golf Course Superintendents. The course covers many of the same principles and techniques involved in maintaining athletic fields, such as mowing, fertilizing, aerating, and irrigating. The course can help Superintendents improve their skills and expand their knowledge of the industry.

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Athletic Director

Athletic Directors oversee operations for sports programs at schools, recreation centers, and other organizations. While most Athletic Directors have a background in sports, the Sports Turf Management: Best Practices course provides further insight into athletic field maintenance. This can be especially valuable for Directors who want more practical knowledge of how to care for playing surfaces or who work at facilities with athletic fields. The course can help Directors improve their decision-making when it comes to field maintenance and construction, and they can earn the trust of coaches, players, and administrators by ensuring the fields are in prime play condition.

See salaries and explore the career path for Athletic Director

Soil Scientist

Soil Scientists study the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil. While the Sports Turf Management: Best Practices course focuses on soil in the context of athletic field construction, many of the principles and techniques covered in the course apply to soil science in general. The course can help Soil Scientists gain a better understanding of soil science and improve their skills in soil analysis and management.

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Landscape Architect

Landscape Architects design and create outdoor spaces, including athletic fields. The Sports Turf Management: Best Practices course can be useful for Landscape Architects who want to specialize in the design and construction of athletic fields. The course can provide Landscape Architects with the knowledge and skills they need to create safe, playable, and visually appealing athletic fields.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its interactions with humans. While the Sports Turf Management: Best Practices course focuses on the environmental impact of athletic field construction, many of the principles and techniques covered in the course apply to environmental science in general. The course can help Environmental Scientists gain a better understanding of environmental science and improve their skills in environmental assessment and management.

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Sports Facility Manager

Sports Facility Managers oversee the operations of sports facilities, such as stadiums, arenas, and recreation centers. The Sports Turf Management: Best Practices course may be useful for Sports Facility Managers who work at facilities with athletic fields, as it provides valuable insights into field maintenance and construction. The course can help Managers make informed decisions about the care and upkeep of their fields, ensuring they are safe and playable for athletes and enjoyable for spectators.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan, coordinate, and execute projects. While the Sports Turf Management: Best Practices course focuses on athletic field construction, many of the principles and techniques covered in the course apply to project management in general. The course can help Project Managers gain a better understanding of the project management process and improve their skills in planning, coordination, and execution.

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Construction Manager

Construction Managers oversee the construction of buildings and other structures. While the Sports Turf Management: Best Practices course focuses on athletic field construction, many of the principles and techniques covered in the course apply to construction in general. The course can help Construction Managers gain a better understanding of the construction process and improve their skills in planning, coordination, and execution.

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Park Manager

Park Managers oversee the operations of parks and recreation areas. They may be responsible for managing a variety of facilities, including athletic fields. The Sports Turf Management: Best Practices course can be useful for Park Managers who lack special knowledge of athletic fields, as it provides valuable insights into field maintenance and construction. The course can help Managers improve their decision-making when it comes to field care and upkeep, ensuring the fields are safe and enjoyable for park visitors.

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Engineer

Engineers design and build structures and systems. While the Sports Turf Management: Best Practices course focuses on athletic field construction, many of the principles and techniques covered in the course apply to engineering in general. The course can help Engineers gain a better understanding of the engineering process and improve their skills in design, analysis, and problem-solving.

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