Level 2 & 3 Sports turf / Groundsmen or Greenkeeping Apprenticeship Standard

Requirements – Knowledge:

The knowledge which underpins the required skills will allow a Sports Turf Operative to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the principles of the maintenance and renovation requirements of different sports turf surfaces which are appropriate to their level of apprenticeship and the specific needs of the industry sector. These are:

• Compliance with environmental and health & safety legislation and regulations
• Compliance with policies & procedures – Company, client, health & safety risk assessments, rules of the game from the different Governing Bodies of Sport
• The identification & correct application of materials, tools, equipment and machinery used in maintenance & renovation activities
• Identification and understanding of different grasses, soil types, weeds, pests, diseases, turf disorders, artificial surfacing material, underlays, infill material, turf and soil reinforcement material, line marking materials
• The principles of photosynthesis, respiration & transpiration in the growth and development of plants
• The impact of weather, ground conditions & usage on pitch quality and playing quality
• The different Performance Quality Standards for a range of different sports turf surfaces
• How to minimise waste & reduce environmental impacts. How to monitor, record & report basic grounds maintenance findings.

Requirements – Skills:

The Sports Turf Operative must be able to apply the knowledge and skills in a logical & systematic approach & demonstrate a positive work ethic in achieving the desired outcomes from the sports surfaces being maintained. In order to do this they will need to be capable of the following:

• Maintain & renovate turf surfaces in a safe and appropriate way to ensure games can take place which provides for a fair, safe & exciting contest for players. This will include the safe use of a range of equipment & machinery, such as mowers, scarifiers, aerators & other specialist turf care equipment, covering hand tools, as well as pedestrian-operated, ride-on & tractor mounted implements
• Correctly calibrate equipment for material requirements & apply at the correct rates a range of materials, including grass seed, fertiliser & bulky top-dressing
• Use integrated prevention and control methods to reduce the incidence of diseases, disorders, pests & weeds on turf
• Set & mark out sports areas in accordance with the Laws of the Governing Bodies of Sport  Maintain tools, equipment & machinery used for maintenance & renovation activities to ensure their safe & effective use
• Maintain & conduct basic routine servicing & repairs to drainage & irrigation systems. Effectively communicate with others & provide an excellent level of customer service
• Work safely, efficiently & effectively at all times, whether under supervision, as an individual, or in a team

Requirements – Behaviours:

Customers demand safe & appropriate quality playing surfaces, which can range from pitches produced on limited budgets to first class televised events where pitches are at the cutting edge of technological developments. The Sports Turf Operative will frequently work in situations involving the general public, customers or commercial events. It is therefore important to ensure an operative is capable of demonstrating certain behaviours at all times, including the following:

• Safety orientation – This occupation operates within an industry that has significant hazards and risks from the use of machinery and materials (such as pesticides). The potential for harm to self, others, wildlife and the environment is considerable. There needs to be a competent understanding of health and safety and implementation of these practices at all times
• Positive work ethic – Positive attitude, committed, motivated by providing an excellent customer service and getting the game on wherever possible. Able to adapt to a change in conditions, products, situations and working environments, is dependable, reliable, responsible and responsive to embracing social and cultural diversity and ethical in the treatment of others. Wants to stretch and drive their Continuous Professional Development
• Quality focused – Follows approved procedures and processes in a logical manner, paying attention to detail and applying approved checks throughout work activities to ensure work completed is fit for purpose
• Team player – Be able to work on own initiative but also able to interact and communicate effectively within a team applying a respectful professional manner. Able to listen and absorb information, to ask questions when instructions are not understood or unclear and to work within the limitations of the job role
• Contributor to sustainability – Continuously strives to work efficiency and effectively to assist others in activities as appropriate to the job role. Aware of the financial, social and environmental impacts of their actions

The following qualifications will be required prior to taking the end-point assessment.

• Emergency First Aid – Level 2 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work.
• Pesticides – Level 2 Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides Guidance OR Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Pesticides
• English & maths – Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths must achieve Level 1 and take the test for Level 2 before taking the end-point assessment

This standard is recognised by the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG), the Professional Body for Sports Turf Operatives and others working in the grounds care industry. Upon achievement of this standard, the apprentice will be eligible to join the IOG register of Turf Management Professionals.