Soccer Field Maintenance - Illinois Sports Turf Managers Association

Transcription

Soccer Field Maintenance - Illinois Sports Turf Managers Association
ILSTMA
Fall 2008
Illinois Sports Turf Managers Association
d
l
e
i
F
r
Socce ance
n
e
t
n
i
a
M
Also inside:
MIPE Vendor Fair
PRST STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
BRAINERD
Will the Cost of
Fertilizer Change
Your Program
Seeding Tips for
Maximum Effectiveness
...and more!
ILSTMA.Fall-08.indd 1
9/19/08 1:18:00 PM
You’re always ahead of the game with
a COVERMASTER® Raincover...
“Great Service...,
The Best...”
wrote Chip Baker,
Ass’t Baseball Coach,
Florida State University,
Chip’s comments confirm
what we hear from the
many groundskeepers who
use a COVERMASTER ®
raincover to keep their
fields dry and ready
for play.
Call us and we’ll gladly
tell you more.
The COVERMASTER® Advantage...
•
•
•
•
•
•
Superior in strength and UV resistance
Outstanding heat reflective properties
Light weight - easy to handle
Widest materials for least number of seams
Largest choice of weights and colors
Backed by truly dependable warranties
TARP MACHINE VIDEO!
Covers for football and soccer
fields are also readily available.
© 2008, Covermaster Inc. - ILL STMA
Tallahassee, FL
TARP MACHINE™ lets you roll
the cover on and off your field
in minutes.
Call, fax or e-mail for a free video,
material samples and a brochure.
CALL TOLL FREE
The TARPMATE™ plastic roller
comes in 3 standard lengths
and with safety end caps.
1- 800-387-5808
TM
MEMBER
MASTERS IN THE ART OF SPORTS SURFACE COVERS
covermaster. com
E-MAIL: [email protected]
COVERMASTER INC., 100 WESTMORE DR. 11-D, REXDALE, ON, M9V 5C3 TEL 416-745-1811 FAX 416-742-6837
ILSTMA.Fall-08.indd 2
9/19/08 1:18:00 PM
Illinois Sports Turf Managers Association
2008 ILSTMA OFFICERS
President
Scott Gaunky
Conserv FS
Service Center Manager
Phone (847) 526-0007
Cell (847) 774-2161
[email protected]
Executive Director
Libby Baker
ILSTMA
P.O. Box 471
Wadsworth, IL 60083
Phone (847) 263-7603
Fax (847) 263-7603
[email protected]
Rich Bailey
Field Crew Leader
City of Lake Forest
110 E. Laurel
Lake Forest, IL 60045
Phone (847) 615.4320
[email protected]
George Brandt
American Sod Corporation
P.O. Box 861
Palatine, IL 60078
Phone (847) 358-0144
[email protected]
Tom Edgcomb
C.T.S.
GraincoFS, Inc.
3107 N. Ste Hwy 23
Ottawa, IL 61350
Phone (815) 434.0131
[email protected]
Don Michaels, CTS
Conserv FS
27310 W. Case Rd.
Wauconda, IL 60084
Phone (847) 815-5671
[email protected]
[email protected]
Tom Rychlik
Civil Engineer
Gewalt Hamilton Assoc., Inc.
850 Forest Edge Drive
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
Phone (847) 478-9700
[email protected]
Mike Schiller, CSFM
Salesman
Olsen Distributing Co.
21 N 969 Pepper Road
Barrington, IL 60010
Phone (847) 381-9333
[email protected]
[email protected]
Dena DiVincenzo
Waupaca Sand & Solutions
7343 111th Street
Worth, IL 60482
Phone (715) 258-8566 x200
[email protected]
805 New Hampshire, Ste E
Lawrence, KS 66044
Phone: (800) 323-3875
Email: [email protected]
For advertising rates and information call (609) 655-2000, or
e-mail: [email protected].
The materials contained in this publication are designed
to provide accurate, timely and authoritative information
with regard to the subject matter covered. The opinions reflected within are the opinions of the authors and not necessarily of ILSTMA. Acceptance of advertisement in ILSTMA
Magazine does not constitute approval or endorsement of
the product or service by ILSTMA. ILSTMA reserves the
right to reject or edit any advertisement, articles or items appearing in this publication. Reproduction in whole or in part
without permission is prohibited.
President’s Message
By Scott Gaunky
F
or those of you who have not heard I have a new employer, Conserv FS. At the
time I sit and write this message it has been 121 days since I went to work for a
commercial vendor. The reason I bring this to your attention is two fold. First,
I knew that becoming an employee of a commercial vendor put me in a position with
the chapter that we have not been in before. The current bylaws state that the President
must not be a commercial vendor and that has been the situation for years until I lost
my job this past March. I did not plan on losing my job, but I knew I had to find one
and in this economy I feel blessed to have found the one I have. Now we were faced
with this issue and it was compounded by the fact that a new board was elected last
December. It was my concern and the concern of the other board members that to
maintain continuity for the chapter it was in the best interest of the membership that I
continue on as President until the end of my term. This would give time to find and or
train a replacement.
The second part of this involves the bylaws and the changes that we need to make.
The National STMA has recognized this as an issue also so, as part of a revamping of the
bylaws this issue was addressed. Having said
that, the National membership will vote this
winter on the changes the bylaws commit“By excluding commercial
tee has proposed. One of the things that this
group has noticed is that by excluding comvendors from holding the
mercial vendors from holding the position of
position of President we are President we are missing out on having some
individuals in that position.
missing out on having some veryInqualified
the case of our chapter it appears that
now only the commercial people have
very qualified individuals in for
stepped up to volunteer their time to be involved in the board. I would ask that if any
that position.”
member has issue with what has transpired
than they should get involved. This winter
the Illinois STMA will also look at changing the bylaws to bring them in line with the
National organization. These changes will only benefit the membership and provide us
with the ability to maintain strong leadership on the board.
If you ever have any questions on the changes we are making please contact me or
any of the other board members. We are here to represent you, and your opinion matters. As I have said in the past, “this is your chapter”. Get involved or let us know what
you think.
In December we will have a social event at the Fox and Hound in Schaumburg and
I would love to see you there. This will be done in conjunction with the IPTC conference and should be a great chance to meet, greet, and do some networking. Have a
great fall! n
Inside This Issue
2008 ILSTMA Officers...................3
Solid Tine vs. Coring Tine............11
President’s Message..........................3
Will the Cost of Fertilizer
Change Your Program?.................12
From the Executive Director..........5
ILSTMA Winter Social...................5
Membership Application...............12
Soccer Field Maintenance...............6
ILSTMA Field & Facility
Award..............................................14
Welcome New Members.................7
Email Etiquette...............................15
Calendar of Events...........................7
Seeding Tips For
Maximum Effectiveness................15
MIPE Vendor Fair...........................8
Do the Field Closures in
New Jersey Affect Us?....................10
3
ILSTMA.Fall-08.indd 3
9/19/08 1:18:01 PM
ILSTMA Magazine • Fall 2008
From the Executive Director
By Libby Baker
T
ake a good look through this newsletter. It is once again filled with some great articles. I hope it
provides you and your staff with pertinent information and resources you can use.
If you have ideas for articles or would like to see other topics addressed, let me know. The newsletter is provided as a benefit to you and it should include things you want to know about.
Watch your mail at the end of October for your 2009 membership renewals. If you are also a member
of STMA, you will be receiving a membership renewal from them as well. Please submit your chapter
dues directly to me and your National dues directly to National. It just makes the bookkeeping a bit
cleaner and easier for us both.
Don’t forget to go online to STMA.org. They have some new resources available, including Comprehensive irrigation designs for sports fields (provided by Hunter Industries), Bermudagrass Athletic Field Maintenance Calendar, Sports Field Painting Tips, Certification Recruitment Brochures, Baseball Maintenance Guide,
and Baseball Maintenance Guide IN SPANISH.
And last but not least, don’t forget the Field of the Year award and the scholarships. Please call me at
847.263.7603 or e-mail me at [email protected] for application forms. Wouldn’t you love to see
your field/facility on the next cover of the ILSTMA newsletter? n
4
ILSTMA.Fall-08.indd 4
9/19/08 1:18:02 PM
Illinois Sports Turf Managers Association
Instant Play Turf
American Sports Turf Surfacing
847-404-1820




































5
ILSTMA.Fall-08.indd 5
9/19/08 1:18:04 PM
ILSTMA Magazine • Fall 2008
SOCCER FIELD MAINTENANCE
By, Jeffrey A. Reinhard, CPRP
Superintendent of Parks, Gurnee Park District
T
he Gurnee Park District Youth Soccer League has experienced increasing growth over the last several years. Currently, 832 youth
play on our fields within District programs, with an additional 500
youth and adults playing for private leagues which utilize the same fields.
This increase has occurred while using the same number of fields we had
ten years ago with a much smaller program. Sports Field professionals
can attest to the wear and tear on fields from April to November and the
constant attention needed to keep the turf healthy while enduring the
continuous and steady abuse.
Cooperation between the Parks and
Recreation staff allows us to rotate fields
“The most important
on an annual basis. Planning allows us to
component in field
“rest” fields for over a year. While restmaintenance is having ing extra maintenance occurs: topdressing,
seeding, or adding calcined clay in the soil
a staff that takes pride structure. Even fields that are in use have
in the fields and cares had major work done during the season
without disrupting playability. Adding calabout the individuals
cined clay using a method called “drill and
fill” has helped our larger fields have less
that play on them.”
compaction and better quality turf.
The District Sports Field Team follows
accepted cultural practices when maintaining a sports field. The grass
needs to be maintained properly throughout the growing season; aerating, aeravating, fertilizing, irrigating, over-seeding, topdressing, soil testing and mowing frequency all have their use during the year. Mowing
once to three times per week keeps the grass healthy. As important as
irrigation is, it won’t do much without the proper nutrients and aeration.
Seasonal timing of these turf practices is also important. Planting grass
while it is hot and dry, with no chance of irrigation, will be a waste of
time, energy and money.
In my opinion, the most important component in field maintenance is
having a staff that takes pride in the fields and cares about the individuals
that play on them. Employees who work on our sports fields have been
trained at our park district. They get on the job training as well as the
opportunity to attend various workshops offered by other organizations.
They are also expected to become pesticide turf operators through the
State of Illinois. We also support education opportunities through the
local community college. In the end, we know we’ve done our job when
we receive compliments about our fields from the community and visiting teams. n
6
ILSTMA.Fall-08.indd 6
9/19/08 1:18:05 PM
Illinois Sports Turf Managers Association
Welcome New Members
The ILSTMA would like to introduce and
welcome our newest members:
ENCAP, LLC
Matthew Selle, University of Chicago
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Illinois Professional Turf Conference
December 10, 11, 12
Schaumburg Convention Center, Schaumburg
ILSTMA/IPTC Winter Social
December 10, 2008
Fox & Hound Tavern, Schaumburg
STMA 20th Annual Conference & Exhibition
January 13-17, 2009
San Jose, CA
J. W. TURF, INC.
www.JohnDeere.com
JOHN DEERE EQUIPMENT.
JOHN DEERE IRRIGATION.
HELP MAKE IT A GREENER WORLD.
NOTHING RUNS LIKE A DEERE™
Gator TX Turf
ProGator 2020A
1200A Bunker Rake
4-WHEEL SUSPENSION & TRACTION ASSIST.
POWER & EXTRA-LARGE CARRYING CAPACITY.
LOW-MAINTENANCE RAKE, MANY ATTACHMENTS.
J. W. TURF, INC.
14 N 937 US HWY 20
HAMPSHIRE, IL 60140
(847) 683-4653
7
������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
H23BCA3-00158918
ILSTMA.Fall-08.indd 7
9/19/08 1:19:20 PM
ILSTMA Magazine • Fall 2008
MIPE Vendor Fair
By Libby Baker
T
he weather was perfect for this years’ Vendor Fair, hosted by the
Midwest Institute of Park Executives. The sight for the day’s event
was the West Chicago Park District’s Reed-Keppler Park. Reed
Keppler Park is a beautiful 89 acre sports and recreation complex featuring 7 baseball/softball fields, 2 soccer field, 1 small lacrosse field, a skate
park, 2 playgrounds, concession stand, football field, ample parking and 5
acre water park. Reed Keppler also plays host to the areas largest annual
award winning Mud Volleyball Tournament every July.
More than 40 vendors were there to show off and demonstrate their
equipment, as well as promote their supplies and services. Some ILSTMA
member vendors in attendance were: Olsen Distributing, National Seed,
TPEC/Reinders, JW Turf, Gewalt-Hamilton, Conserv FS, Team REIL,
Commercial Turf & Tractor, Van’s Enterprises, and Hunter Industries.
Over 90 MIPE members and 40 ILSTMA members registered for
the event.
As you may recall, last year the ILSTMA hosted this event and allowed to the MIPE to attend at membership rates. This year it was
MIPE’s turn.
The ILSTMA will be talking with the MIPE about the possibility of having this event every other year, per the request of some of the vendors.
A big thank you goes out to Marv Wolf for allowing us to participate
in and attend this annual event. n
8
ILSTMA.Fall-08.indd 8
9/19/08 1:18:07 PM
ILSTMA.Fall-08.indd 9
9/19/08 1:18:08 PM
ILSTMA Magazine • Fall 2008
®
Athletic Field & Turf Maintenance Supplies
TURFACE®
LEGENDTM Professional
Turf Grass Seed
Kifco Water Reels
Line Marking Paint
Line Marking Machines
Ball Diamond Mix
Ball Field Rakes
Drag Mats
Making Your World Greener...TM
Since 1928
27310 W Case Rd 7851 183rd St 14937 IL Route 76 1925 S Meridian Rd
Wauconda, IL
Tinley Park, IL Caledonia, IL
Rockford, IL
847.526.0007
708.532.4723 815.765.2571
815.963.7669
www.conservfs.com
Do the Field Closures
in New Jersey Affect Us?
From STMA.org
R
ecently, many national news outlets reported on the high lead
levels found in three synthetic fields in New Jersey. If you manage
a synthetic field, you no doubt have received questions from your
employer and your user groups. We encourage you to continue to educate yourself on the issues. To help you stay current on this issue, STMA
has listed several links on STMA.org about current articles and information from the Synthetic Turf Council. This information is certainly not all
inclusive, but provides a snapshot of industry news. n
BUILT ON EXPERIENCE, SERVICE
& CUSTOMER SATISFACTION!
CONTRACTING, SALES, SERVICE, PARTS
Trust Your Turf to Us!
• Terra Spike Deep-tine Aeration • Overseeding & Slit Seeding •
• Core Collecting • Greens, Tees, Fairways, Sports Fields • Complete Turf Renovation •
®
Wiedenmann®
TERRA BRUSH
Wiedenmann
TERRA SPIKE
DEEP TINE
AERATION
Wiedenmann®
TERRA CLEAN
Wiedenmann®/
®
Terra-Combi
SHOWN
W/SPIKED
ROLLER
& OPTIONAL
OVERSEEDING
UNIT
ROTADAIRON®
SOIL
RENOVATOR
WaterWick®
GRAVEL VEIN
INJECTION
www.bryansblend.com
Home of Bryan’s Blend Barbeque Sauce!
®
1-800-748-7497
Bryan Wood, Owner
Serving the Industry for over 25 years
Check out our demo and trade-in equipment for sale
www.commercialturfandtractor.com

10
ILSTMA.Fall-08.indd 10
9/19/08 1:18:09 PM
Illinois Sports Turf Managers Association
SOLID TINE VS. CORING TINE
By Bryan Wood, Commercial Turf & Tractor
Copyright 2008
W
ith turf managers and golf course superintendents aerifying
year-round for different specific reasons these days, here is a
brainteaser question to answer: Should you use solid or coring
tines? The answer depends first on what style aerifier you’re using and
then the problems being addressed.
Some say that solid tines cause compaction, but they don’t quite have
their facts straight. It’s not the solid tine that causes compaction, but the
machine it’s attached to. Solid tines are available for both “straight-upand-down” (SUD) or “heave action” aerifiers. An SUD aerifier with solid
tines can do more damage than good. Even with coring tines the SUD
technology is obsolete compared to heave action machines. In fact, an
adjustable-depth heave action aerator is the best all around machine
choice.
A heaving action machine actually slices into the soil profile with a
slight lifting action. The tine is in a heaving motion at the bottom of
the stroke, thus not creating any hardpan. This creates pour space and
increases the cat ion exchange capacity of the soil. This is how it loosens
without pulling a core.
SUD aerifiers with solid tines can be used as a shallow pin spiker
(possibly on hydrophobic greens or “in season” athletic fields) but are
really only good for opening the surface during high stress times, allowing for quick water and air penetration with minimal disturbance
to the surface or sub-surface. Again,
this is only opening the surface, not
“It’s not the solid tine
relieving compaction. Be careful not
use this method too much or an
that causes compaction, to
even more serious problem will develop. The SUD aerifier will create
but the machine it’s
a “sheep’s-foot roller” effect and a
really bad hardpan layer in the soil
attached to.”
profile. I’ve seen these hardpan layers so severe that not only was there
a toxic gas build-up underneath, but
the soil also had a toxic chemical layer. So when using SUD aerifiers,
whether going deep or shallow, you should generally avoid using solid
tines and stick to coring tines for compaction relief.
Solid tines can effectively be used, adjusted to any depth, with “heaving-type” aerifiers – the deeper the better. With little or no damage to
the turf, these newer designed machines will relieve general compaction
as well as relieve the shallow hardpan and toxic layer created by the
SUD machines. Solid tines ranging from 3/16 to1 inch in diameter and
6 to16 inches in length, and can be used any time the ground has sufficient moisture for penetration. Avoid aerifying any ground (with any
style machine) in bone dry condition, or excess damage to the turf and
machinery will occur. The old mentality of bone dry “shatter-tining” has
been effectively replaced with today’s newer technology.
Turning to the subject of coring tines, they are used for thatch removal,
topdressing, and soil amending. Although 90-95% of thatch removal is
accomplished through a good verticutting/topdressing program, an important 5-10% of thatch is removed by pulling cores. This is especially
helpful during hot, high stress times when the thatch can become hydrophobic and repel irrigation water. Ironically, in high traffic areas such
as the center sections of sportsfields or cart path traffic areas, a certain
amount of thatch retention is recommended. Most turf managers would
love to have some thatch in these areas to help protect the crowns of the
plants and prevent players from making a muddy “pig pen” of the area
during wet conditions.
Another advantage in using a coring tine is to bring soil to the surface
for topdressing. This can be cost affective for multiple athletic fields
and fairways.
Lastly, soil amending through deep tine aerifying with coring tines has
been successful for many years now. Through core removal and heavy
topdressing, a soil profile can me modified over time without taking the
area out of play or spending excessive amounts of money. Care should
be taken to either alternate between solid and coring tines, or perform
several extra topdressing applications since the densely compacted soil
that is being removed is hard to completely replace with a single topdressing. This will prevent a “sinking” affect of the turf area being cored.
You may even consider exclusively using solid tines for soil amending
since they will generally heal faster and create less mess. Your turf will
love you for it, and the channels created with the deep tine make a permanent chimney of sand allowing water and roots to penetrate with ease
and flourish.
As you can see, the choice between solid and coring tines varies with
the machine design, the problem being addressed, and the desired outcome. There’s a time and place for both. For more tips on aeration, visit
our website at www.commercialturfandtractor.com to download our article “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Aerifying But Was
Afraid to Ask”. n
ILSTMA Magazine
Hits YOUR
Target Market.
To Advertise Call (609) 655-2000
or E-mail: [email protected]
11
ILSTMA.Fall-08.indd 11
9/19/08 1:18:09 PM
ILSTMA Magazine • Fall 2008
Will the Cost of Fertilizer Change Your Program?
By Thomas Edgcomb C.C.A. IL
Certified Turf Specialist, GRAINCO FS Inc.
N
ormally in the fall, we aerify and fertilize with starter fertilizer and
over seed areas that are over used or damaged to help thicken
and promote root growth. We also apply fall and winter fertilizer
to build roots and strengthen grass plants for winter stress so they can
wake up strong and compete with Mother Nature’s best.
With the cost of raw fertilizer products at record levels and rising,
can we afford to continue our same programs? Starter fertilizers such
as 13-13-13 or 19-19-19, even 14-24-9 are becoming very expensive with
the cost of phosphorus product.
It is looking like a no phosphorus
“Potassium applications policy might be in order, especially
on general maintenance applicain the fall improve
tions. On new seeding, a half rate
of phosphorus may be appropriate.
plant development,
I believe that phosphorus at seedstrengthen plant cell
ing helps with establishment and
improves root growth.
walls and make the
What about potassium? Do you
grass stand upright.”
neglect that nutrient? Potassium applications in the fall improve plant
development, strengthen plant cell
walls and make the grass stand upright. It is much safer to apply extra
potassium in the cool weather of the fall.
Usually Nitrogen is the factor that drove the cost of fertilizer, now it
may be the cheapest of the three. Things have changed.
The best recommendation would be to look at your soil tests. Make
recommendations based on these results. It is more important than ever
ILSTMA
Membership Application
to have current soil tests, hopefully within four years. If the soil tests are
above optimum levels, maybe all that is required is Nitrogen.
When getting soil tests, make sure you use a reputable soil lab and that
they do turf samples regularly.
Hopefully this strong market is short lived. It has already lasted longer
Jaydee_SC_Save
11:17
AM
than
some have predicted. With good1/2/08
information we can
make good
choices and decisions, and next year we may be able to get back to our
regular programs. n
Page
Save Time
Time & Material
Save
Material
TURFMARKER™ Model 15
The most operator friendly marker on the market.
Name:________________________________ Title:_____________
Company Name: ________________________________________
Company Address: _ _____________________________________
City:_____________________________ State/Zip:_ ____________
Company Phone:_ _________________ E Mail:_ ______________
Membership dues are $40 annually per member.
Payable by check or money order to: ILSTMA
Please fill out form completely and mail with your payment to:
Libby Baker
ILSTMA
P.O. Box 471
Wadsworth, IL 60083-0471
Call 800-443-3268 for more information
Mfg. by Jaydee Equipment Company
202 E. Joliet Hwy. - New Lenox, IL 60451
E-Mail: [email protected]
12
ILSTMA.Fall-08.indd 12
9/19/08 1:18:10 PM
Illinois Sports Turf Managers Association
NEW LOCATION IN 2008
Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center
Where Turf Professionals Grow™
M a r k Yo u r C a l e n d a r To d a y
In case you missed it last year, we’re repeating and
adding to our:
Synthetic Sports Turf Symposium
December 10-12, Schaumburg, Illinois
Innovative turfgrass education is the hallmark of the IPTC. Your attendance at the 2008
IPTC demonstrates your professionalism and
commitment to advancing yourself and your
career. There is simply no better regional
meeting than the 2008 IPTC for a vigorous and
beneficial exchange of ideas. After two full
member registrations from the same company, each additional registration is $50 per
person. Plan to bring your entire staff.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from the country’s
experts on synthetic sports turf. Learn about installation, selection, maintenance and current research findings on all the synthetics the market has to offer. The
Symposium will be comprised of the following talks followed by a roundtable discussion led by leading Sports
Turf Managers in the area.
Truths and Myths about Synthetic Turf
Design Considerations & Permitting
Synthetic Turf Surface Installation
Shopping for a Synthetic Turf Surface
Maintaining a Synthetic Turf Surface
Financing a Synthetic Turf Surface Installation
Sports Turf General Education Session Highlights
Soils for Sports Turf, Dr. Ken Diesburg, Southern Illinois University
Deep Tine Aerification-Improve Your Drainage, Dr. John Stier, University of Wisconsin
Converting a Native Soil Field with Sand Topdressing,
Dr. Trey Rogers, Michigan State University
Topdressing Materials to Improve Drainage, Mr. Brett Grahms, Waupaca Sand & Solutions
Making Sense of Soil Tests, Dr. Tom Voigt, University of Illinois
Subsurface Drainage Systems, Mr. Andrew Plowman, Varicore Technologies
Wetting Agents to Improve Drainage, Mr. Chip Houmes, Precision Laboratories
CSFM
The CEUs
IPTC isAvailable
sponosred by the Illinois Turfgrass Foundation
illinoisturfgrassfoundation.org
13
ILSTMA.Fall-08.indd 13
9/19/08 1:18:10 PM
ILSTMA Magazine • Fall 2008
ILSTMA Field & Facility Award
Purpose:
o recognize a sports turf facility that is managed with a high degree
of excellence. To show appreciation for individual professional efforts, leading to an exceptional degree of maintenance and quality
appearance of the field/facility. To inspire and challenge those responsible for maintenance of sports turf to achieve greater levels of excellence.
The Illinois Sports Turf Managers Association, by sponsoring this award
program, wishes to promote sports fields and facilities of exceptional
safety, quality and beauty.
T
Eligibility:
In order to be eligible for the ILSTMA Field & Facility Award:
• Must be an active member in good standing.
• Must be professionally engaged in and responsible for the maintenance of the sports field/facility described on the application form.
• Have a facility that is at least two (2) years old.
• The field is not eligible for submittal if an ILSTMA Board Member,
representing the agency, sits on the ILSTMA Awards Committee.
• Only natural grass surfaces/fields will be accepted.
Applying for the Award:
Completed applications must be postmarked by Monday, November 3,
2007 and mailed to:
ILSTMA, P.O. Box 471, Wadsworth, IL 60083
Any application that does not meet the eligibility criteria, has not been
completed properly, or is postmarked past the deadline, will be returned
and not considered. The Awards Committee will evaluate each application received. The Awards Committee will consist of a member vendor,
the Executive Director, a past FOY recipient, and two ILSTMA members. The winner will be presented with a plaque.
ILSTMA Scholarship Program
The Illinois Sports Turf Managers Association’s objective is the collection and dissemination of scientific, educational and applied knowledge through association with those person engaged in and who are con-
cerned with the construction, maintenance and use of sports turf areas for
superior playing conditions.
As part of this mission, the ILSTMA offers a scholarship program.
The scholarships are intended to help members to attend the National
STMA Conference, the Illinois Professional Turf Conference, or pay for
annual membership dues.
Winners will be notified prior to the IPTC.
Eligibility
Any ILSTMA member in good standing is eligible to apply for a
scholarship.
Types of Scholarships
A $750.00 scholarship is available to help cover expenses relating to
the National STMA Conference in St. Jose, CA. The conference will be
held at the xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
A $200.00 scholarship is available to help cover the expenses necessary to attend the Illinois Professional Turf Conference & Trade Show,
December 10-12, 2008, at the Schaumburg Convention Center.
A $95.00 scholarship to cover the cost of becoming a member of the
National STMA.
A $40.00 scholarship to cover the cost of the 2009 LSTMA membership dues.
Applying for the Scholarship
Completed applications must be postmarked by Monday, November 3,
2007 and mailed to:
ILSTMA, P.O. Box 471, Wadsworth, IL 60083
Contact Libby Baker, Executive Director at 847.263.7603 or baker60ft6in@
sbcglobal.net to receive the application packets for both the scholarships and the
Field of the Year. The deadline will be here before you know it and you need
to get started now! Take advantage of these membership opportunities. Show
off your field/facility! Apply today!
Questions should be directed to Libby Baker, Executive Director, 847-2637603 or [email protected].
ILSTMA Magazine
Hits YOUR
Target Market.
To Advertise Call (609) 655-2000
or E-mail: [email protected]
14
ILSTMA.Fall-08.indd 14
9/19/08 1:18:10 PM
Illinois Sports Turf Managers Association
Email Etiquette
By Dean DiVincenzo, Waupaca Sand & Solutions
E
mail is increasingly becoming the communication medium of choice both in
the workplace and at home. Following
some simple guidelines will help your email
communication look professional.
Choose a meaningful subject line
Always include a subject line that describes
the message’s content. Some people get hundreds of emails a day. The subject line helps
them decide which ones to open.
Use spell check before sending
Misspelled words mak you look unprofeshunl.
Use proper grammar
Email may seem like an informal form of
communication. However, when writing to
business colleagues, always follow basic grammar rules. Use complete sentences and proper
punctuation.
DON’T SHOUT!
Typing in all capital letters looks like you’re
YELLING!
Dn abrvt
Don’t type like a teenager on a cell phone.
Thx ur gr8. l8rg8r. ROTFL. Who knows what
those acronyms mean, anyway?
Avoid smileys
Typing a smiley face at the end of your email
doesn’t automatically make everything you
said OK. : )
Double-check recipients
Before sending, make sure the correct recipients are in the address lines. Be careful when
clicking the “reply all” button.
Pick up the phone
If you are upset or are dealing with a sensitive issue, call the person instead of emailing.
A written email does not convey the tone of
your voice. Your words could be interpreted
the wrong way. Also, email is a permanent
written record, so don’t unleash a poison pen
tirade that can come back to hurt you later.
Follow the postcard rule
Some agencies monitor their employees’
emails. Don’t write anything in an email that
you wouldn’t write on a postcard. Don’t send
personal emails from your work account.
Include a proper sign-off
When sending an email message to someone
outside of your agency, close with an appropriate signature. This should include your name,
agency name, and phone number. You may
also include your mailing address, email address, and cell phone number. n
Seeding Tips for Maximum Effectiveness
By Bryan Wood, Commercial Turf & Tractor
Copyright 2008
W
ith the popularity of the TV show “Myth Busters”, there are
some myths that need to be evaluated when seeding.
I’ve been seeding turf for over 25 years and my company
contract seeds thousands of acres of golf course tees, greens, fairways,
and athletic fields each year. With the
introduction of new seeding equipment in recent years, operators now “The main key to good
have the option of seeding up to 1 ½ seed germination is good
inches deep (I don’t know who really
would do that). The main key to good seed-to-soil contact, right?
seed germination is good seed-to-soil Not necessarily.”
contact, right? Not necessarily. If it’s
Bentgrass, Bermudagrass, Ryegrass,
Bluegrass, or Fescue, the results are always the same. If you plant the
seed too deep it’s not going to grow. Even if you have a bad thatch prob-
lem, don’t plant the seed so deep (to get in contact with the soil) that you
bury it!
For the smaller seeds such as Bentgrass, Bluegrass, or Bermudagrass,
I’ve seen the best germination results when planting around 3/16 to 3/8
inch deep. Even for larger Ryegrass and Fescue seeds, the best germination rates seem to be when planted no deeper than ½ inch deep. If
thatch is a problem, go ahead and plant the seed shallow, right into the
thatch layer. This will give you the best germination rates, faster germination, and usually a cleaner seeding job. After getting the turf grass
re-established, then start to tackle the thatch issue. Through verticutting,
top-dressing, and coring the thatch can then be remedied with little disruption to play.
So remember, with all the new seeder technology out there…. Just
because the seeder will go that deep, doesn’t mean you have to do it.
PS…. Don’t plant the seed upside down! n
15
ILSTMA.Fall-08.indd 15
9/19/08 1:18:11 PM
ILSTMA.Fall-08.indd 16
9/19/08 1:18:12 PM