EVIAN SUPPORT TEAM SETTING THE STANDARDS with the launch of

Grounds Management Framework

The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has officially launched the Grounds Management Framework (GMF).

To support the sporting industry in better understanding how to maintain natural turf sports surfaces to the best possible level, as well as presenting grounds management as a viable career path, the GMA has developed the GMF, a set of standards for natural turf sports surfaces.

With the quality of playing surfaces directly impacting the standard, and amount, of sport played on them, the GMF shines a spotlight on the importance of grounds management to sport. It does so in a way that is simple to understand for people outside of the industry, like club chairmen and directors.

Developed by the GMA and experienced Sports Consultant, Tim Nicholls, the GMF combines long-standing Performance Quality Standards with relevant skills and knowledge.

Backed by National-Governing Bodies, the easy-to-use framework will determine whether users are at a ‘basic’, ‘good’, ‘advanced’, ‘high’, or ‘elite’ level and will ensure that those responsible for pitches are aware of the characteristics, resources, skills and knowledge required for their playing surface, and how to progress to the next level.

The framework is already in use on the Football Foundation’s web app, PitchPower, in addition to the GMA’s training programmes.

For more information and resources visit thegma.org.uk/GMF

BIGGA members have been invited to become part of the championship support team for the Evian Championship 2023.

This is an incredible opportunity to gain experience preparing the course for one of golf’s major championships. BIGGA members who are invited to join the team for the duration of the event will receive return air fares, accommodation, subsistence and uniform.

The LPGA Tour’s Evian Championship will see volunteers work alongside the club’s greenstaff and volunteers from across Europe, with greenkeepers required to be on site from 16 to 30 July.

The Evian Course is situated in Evian les Bains in France, bordered by Lake Geneva on one side and the Alps on the other.

If you are interested in this rare opportunity email Peter Wisbey at pwisbey@btinternet.com