CRICKET, RACECOURSE & WINTER PITCH TRAINING LAUNCHED

The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has announced the launch of the latest addition to its online training suite, Online Level 3 Cricket Surfaces (Advanced Turf Culture) along with the return of 3 face-to-face training courses in 2022; Level 2 Racecourse: Turf Management, Level 3 Racecourse: Management Skills, and Level 2 Winter Pitches (Applied Turf Culture).

Taking place during the off-season so that grounds staff can develop their knowledge ahead of the new season, the GMA say Online Level 3 Cricket Surfaces (Advanced Turf Culture) is designed to help cricket grounds staff to better understand the advanced technical aspects of turf maintenance and management, and how they may form an integral part of a detailed work programme.
 
The course, taking around 6 hours to complete, with content developed by experts, is suitable for the experienced volunteer or grounds team member. It covers a wide range of advanced technical turf areas, including the influence of drainage, soil type and compaction on playability, soil nutrient testing and what this might mean for turf surfaces, grass cultivars and selection and evaluation, controlling undesirable organisms and more.
 
The GMA is also announcing that a trio of face-to-face training courses will return in 2022.
 
Taking place from 09 – 14 January 2022 at the British Racing School in Newmarket and developed in conjunction with the Racecourse Association and the British Horseracing Authority, Level 2 Racecourse: Turf Management, a repeat of the November training course, will teach students how to apply the theory required to understand the science of racecourse grounds maintenance.
 
Following Level 2 will be Level 3 Racecourse: Management Skills at York Racecourse from 20 February – 23 February 2022. The three-day course will help students better understand and utilise the supervisory and managerial skills required to manage and control resources on the racecourse.
 
Level 2 Winter Pitches (Applied Turf Culture) will take place at Runwell Sports and Social Club, Essex on 18 May 2022. Ideal for the experienced volunteer, established grounds team member, or just as a refresher, the training course will support and develop the skills of those involved in maintaining or managing a winter sports pitch.
 
The GMA say they will continue to develop and introduce new online training as the seasons and weather change in the new year. It will also continue to reintroduce face-to-face training sessions next year, providing conditions remain safe to do so.