Course Overview

Who is the course for?
This course is for those who wish 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. This would include supervising the staff and the maintenance of the sports turf surfaces as well as supervising 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.

What does the course involve?

Core Duties:

• 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.

What makes this course special?
Based in a real working environment, you learn and hone your skills as a Sports Turf Technician with one-to-one support from a specialist trainer and workplace mentor, all while earning a wage.

Assessment Methods

• Online courses
• Learning journals to record practical skills
• Project work
• Review visits with assessors

Progression Options

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