Are you looking for natural sports turf maintenance training? 

INSTRUCTOR: Gord Horsman, City of Moncton 

This Sports Turf Canada course is designed to introduce the latest principles and techniques of managing and maintaining natural sports turf. The course will be of interest to those who manage or maintain sports turf, other turf areas, and those who wish to develop additional knowledge and skills in this important field. The course offers a range of options to deal with issues such as restricted pesticide use, restricted water use, and how best to manage with limited financial resources. 

TOPICS INCLUDED:

• Turf species and their uses, characteristics and benefits, emphasizing the latest and best varieties for particular uses
• Soils as a growth medium for turfgrass including soil fertility, soil water movement and management of soils for better athletic field performance
• Cultural practices which enhance and promote good turf and improved playing conditions
• Water management including sub-surface and surface drainage systems, irrigation practices and systems and the efficient use of water and weather information for managing improvements under water restrictions
• An overview of the identification, monitoring and control of weeds, insects, and diseases in sports turf
• Integrated pest management (IPM) programs to recognize and monitor infestations of weeds, insects, and diseases, to identify thresholds, to reduce pesticide use, and to utilize biological and cultural methods to control/reduce infestations
• Renovations and restoration methods for poorly performing fields and best practices which promote good conditions and improved maintenance practices
• Sports field construction including proper design, layout, orientation and the hidden aspects for good turf

The course is two (2) consecutive days length with 8.0 instructional hours for two days (8:00 am to 4:00 pm) which includes a 2-hour test on the final day.

STC & RFANS members can bring a colleague from their place of employment and we will extend the membership rate to them also.

There will be several breaks along with a one hour lunch break and lunch will be provided.  Registrants are responsible for their own accommodations, as required.  Registration fees include course content and workbook. 

This course includes a short test on the last day to ensure you received the information which was taught.  It is done online and is multiple choice.  Registrants are required to attend 100% of the classes in order to write the test.  Those who achieve a passing grade of 60% will be provided a Certificate of Successful Completion for the course. Support is provided for those with learning challenges.

Notice of cancellation received by Sports Turf Canada no later than 7 calendar days before the course date will receive a complete refund, less a $50 administration fee.  Those who register but do not attend will not receive a refund.  If you are unable to attend, you may send a replacement in your place, provided written notification with replacements name and email is sent before the course begins.  Registrants will receive a full refund should the course be cancelled. We reserve the right to cancel a course due to conditions beyond our control.

Registration Deadline: May 2, 2024