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GaNTIP update
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Plans for life post-pandemic
Like everything else, the role of the Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme (GaNTIP) also had to change at short notice as the country endured lockdown. Now, as we emerge from the coronavirus pandemic, GaNTIP is focusing on a ‘back to play’ strategy
WITH CORONAVIRUS having had such a dramatic effect on all areas of life, it is important that the grounds industry adapts to provide as much assistance as possible as sport finds its feet and everyone faces new challenges. In order to be best placed, GaNTIP is now focused on a ‘back to play’ strategy as we enter a period of enormous challenge for sport and those who maintain playing surfaces. The Grounds Management Association (GMA) and GaNTIP are ready to play their part, and our ‘back to play’ strategy will be key: Local authorities risk register: We have gathered information on how the maintenance of local authority pitches has suffered. This will help the national governing bodies of sport (for football and cricket) and Sport England to formulate their strategies of support. Webinars: GMA has been updating and upskilling volunteers. Guidance documents: GaNTIP has created free-to-all advice and instruction on what needs to be done to bring playing surfaces ‘back to play’. Online training: GMA has developed a series of affordable online, sportrelevant Level 1 training courses. Support: GaNTIP has been supporting the Football Foundation’s online Hive app, as well as County Cricket Boards and County Football Associations, in meeting their aims, objectives and strategies. Pitch Grading Framework: Scheduled for launch in September, GMA’s new Pitch Grading Framework will offer a clear ‘measure’ of pitch quality alongside with the appropriate and necessary training and education needed at each level for the staff and volunteers who maintain them.
GaNTIP is helping to bring sports grounds back into use after lockdown
Jason Booth GMA director of technical and learning
GaNTIP success rate
GaNTIP’s record of success over the past six years includes: • Assessed more than 10,900 pitches and has a success rate of 84% at improving these pitches. • Contributed key advice and guidance that has resulted in a significant increase in funding for grass pitches. • NGBs and Sport England now have, for the first time, a breakdown of playing facilities and the quality of their surfaces, along with the average age and numbers of volunteers who maintain them, their budgets and the level/ amount of training they have experienced. • Supported and assisted over 100 cricket and football pitch advisors. • Developed a data collection system that has led to a self-assessment app which enables grassroots volunteers to assess their own pitches. The data also provides key information for GaNTIP regional pitch advisors to remotely assess and provide consistent and sustained ongoing support. • Completed reviews and updates of the services of cricket grounds associations and cricket pitch advisors to enable the delivery of an improved and consistent approach across England and Wales. ■
