The Groundsman November 2018

THE

GROUNDSMAN WWW.IOG.ORG

NOVEMBER 2018 £4.00

ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE IN GROUNDS MANAGEMENT IOG UPDATE

The highlights and achievements of the past 12 months

HOW TO GET A PAY RISE

Top tips and advice for negotiating a better wage deal

SHAKE IT UP The grounds team’s new pitch-care regime has been reaping results at Bury FC

I N SIDE

GaNTIP UPDATE AMENITY FORUM CONFERENCE TRAINING AND EDUCATION PRODUCT SHOWCASE: ESTATE MANAGEMENT AND DRAINAGE

Contents

November 2018

REGULARS

GET A PAY RISE

05 Welcome

Industry initiatives

Negotiate better pay and conditions page 28

06 Update

The latest news from the IOG and the world of turf care

14 GaNTIP: Update

Helping to transform grassroots football and cricket

22 Award sponsor

Hybrid grass used for first time at World Cup

30 In Action

Irrigation and fertiliser rewards

16

37 Product showcase

Estate management and drainage

44 Tools & guidance

Maintenance and weather

FEATURES 16 Best practice

The IOG Industry Awardwinning team at Bury FC

24 Geoff Webb

Face to face with the IOG’s chief executive

ON THE COVER

24

Gareth Lester and Michael Curtis, part of Bury FC grounds team

28 Pay and conditions

Negotiating improvements to your pay and benefits package

33 Tech update

The Amenity Forum – Change, Challenge and Opportunity

49 Grow with the IOG

Our training strategy of vision, action and innovation

28

33

THE GROUNDSMAN

Editorial address: 28 Stratford Office Village, Walker Avenue, Wolverton Mill East, Milton Keynes, MK12 5TW t: 07785 293077 Managing editor Karen Maxwell e: kmaxwell@iog.org t: 01908 552987 Features editor Colin Hoskins e: editor@iog.org t: 07785 293077 Product editor Charlie Lyon e: charlie.lyon@jamespembrokemedia.co.uk t: 01225 337777 IOG membership and general enquiries t: 01908 312511 e: membership@iog.org Magazine subscriptions Sue Fernandes t: 01908 312511 e: accounts@iog.org Subscriptions £72 UK, £82 Europe, £112 rest of world Publisher James Houston Head of design Simon Goddard Advertising Jasper Keeling e: jasper.keeling@jamespembrokemedia.co.uk t: 0203 859 7097 Published by James Pembroke Media The Groundsman is published monthly by the Institute of Groundsmanship. All material is copyright of the Institute of Groundsmanship and may not be reproduced without permission. The publishers do not accept responsibility for any advertisement appearing in the journal and cannot be held liable for editorial omissions or errors. The views expressed in the journal are not necessarily those of the Institute of Groundsmanship.

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Welcome Your show, your awards, your industry

Contributors

Karen Maxwell Managing editor

Everything the IOG does is aimed at raising the profile, status and standing of the profession – and a number of ongoing initiatives, as well as an exciting new development, ensure we do just that.

When we launched the Industry Awards back in 2009, we wanted to create a scheme that, in the first instance, was for grounds people and was judged by grounds people, with both professionals and volunteers judging good practice. We also wanted to recognise groundsmanship across all turf-related sports, both amateur and professional.

Turning to SALTEX, a large part of the strength of the event is the overall quality of buyers who attend. This is something we work very hard to improve every year – the key is to never be complacent. We are close to celebrating 75 years of SALTEX which, for a show in a relatively below-the-radar industry, is no mean feat.

Colin Hoskins Features editor

Phil Blackwell Director, SIS Pitches

Within the IOG itself, we constantly work to raise standards, and we have a small team of dedicated staff and a strong Board of directors. On a day-to-day basis, the visits and advice by the Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme’s regional pitch advisors is certainly having an impact at grassroots facilities.

At this year’s IOG AGM, the Board committed further funds to a dedicated ring-fenced budget to create the Grounds4Sport campaign, targeted at accelerated investment into natural turf. The campaign will start with the improvement and maintenance of natural turf surfaces, which are vital to sports and physical activity provision nationwide, and aims to: • Give new life to natural turf provision across sports and activity through education, advice, pitch grading and assessment • Harness industry knowledge, skills and research to show how grass can do more with modest investment • Inspire, recruit and develop a new generation of trained volunteers and professionals • Maximise the influence of the turf industry’s expertise and the IOG in sport’s decision making and to subsequently generate £1.7m a year over the next 10 years to improve 3,500 pitches and playing surfaces.

John Moverley Chair, Amenity Forum

Frank Newberry Careers counsellor

We believe there is a real prospect of securing the necessary funding and support from partners to transform natural turf surfaces across sport, and we would like to engage industry expertise and partners to join us in this new initiative. Please contact the IOG if you are interested.

Chris Gray IOG learning programme architect

Geoff Webb Chief Executive The Institute of Groundsmanship KEEP IN TOUCH

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Update

READ MORE

IOG NEWS

Read all the latest news and updates, and discover what members are entitled to www.iog.org

THE LATEST HEADLINES FROM THE IOG AND THE INDUSTRY

CASH BOOST

PIRATES PLEDGE £1M CORNISH PIRATES HAS pledged an extra £1m towards the Stadium for Cornwall project amid worries over Truro City’s ability to contribute. The football club, the Pirates and Truro and Penwith College had each pledged £2m to the scheme. But there are concerns that Helical, the firm that bought Truro City’s ground, will not pay the club before construction is due to start. Another £6m will come from Cornwall Council and central government.

Spurs has unveiled a new state-ofthe-art pitch grow lighting system Image: @SpursO�cial/Twitter

STADIUM INNOVATION

World-first design for pitch grow lights at new Spurs stadium TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR HAS developed a world-first integrated pitch grow lighting system that is now in operation at the new 62,000-seater Spurs stadium, following the laying of the new pitch.

The moving structure, developed in partnership with SGL, SCX and Hewitt Sportsturf, weighs about 120 tonnes with 864 lights covering 7,525sq m.

The club’s old pitch grow lighting

“The structure is lifted hydraulically and rolls from one end of the pitch to the other”

6 THE GROUNDSMAN November 2018

system at White Hart Lane consisted of traditional ‘wheeled-in’ units rolled onto the pitch and manoeuvred into position. The club’s engineers have now developed an integrated system that is quicker and more effective to operate from a dedicated storage room underneath the North Stand.

From here, the structure is lifted hydraulically onto rails mounted permanently on the east and west pitch trays, and then seamlessly rolls from one end of the pitch to the other.

An irrigation system is fitted on top of the structure so that the grass can be watered from above when the units are in use, and an analysing system measures all pitch and growth conditions and displays data to the grounds team on the online SGL Portal.

30M EURO REVAMP

VISION FOR STADIUM

CONNACHT RUGBY HAS announced plans to redevelop The Sportsground stadium in Galway. The development is expected to cost about €30m (£26m) and will increase capacity to 12,000. The site will also house the Irish province’s new highperformance training centre.

Galway Sportsground currently has a capacity of just over 8,000.

£100K INVESTMENT

GRANTS FOR PARKS FOUR UK PARKS are set to benefit from £100,000, which will encourage local people to get active. Grants from The London Marathon Charitable Trust have been awarded through the Active Spaces programme in partnership with Fields in Trust.

The four recipients of £25,000 are The People’s Park in Ballymena, Antrim; Halewood Park in Knowsley, Merseyside; West Pilton Park in Edinburgh; and Gelligaled Park in Rhonda Cynon Taf, south Wales.

U P D AT E

GREEN GOALS

FGR wins United Nations award FOREST GREEN ROVERS has been recognised by the United Nations, picking up a Momentum for Change climate action award in New York.

Forest Green, which plays in League Two and featured in the October issue of The Groundsman, received the award in the Climate Neutral Now category, after becoming the first football club in the world to work with the UN to go carbon neutral at the start of the season.

The 15 winners were presented with their awards by Patricia Espinosa, executive secretary of UN Climate Change, at Climate Week NYC – one of the key sustainability summits in the international calendar.

Club chairman, Dale Vince, was one of five speakers at the event, where he discussed the club’s unique approach to tackling climate change, which includes the introduction of a vegan menu, an organic pitch, electric car chargers, the installation of solar panels and a solar-powered robot lawnmower.

Forest Green Rovers will now travel to the next UN climate change

conference, which takes place in Katowice, Poland in December.

Dale Vince said: “We’re chuffed to have this recognition from the United Nations for our work in promoting sustainability through sport.”

FGR head groundsman Adam Witchell is assisting the ops team at SALTEX 2018

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€6.5M FOR SPORT IRELAND SPORT IRELAND HAS received a €6.5m (£5.7m) increase in its annual funding levels. The boost was announced as part of the Irish government’s Budget 2019 and the additional funding is designed to help deliver the government’s new National Sports Policy, which was published earlier this year. In total, the budget for sport in 2019 will be €126m, a figure which includes €8.8m for a new Large Scale Sports Infrastructure fund. The Budget announcement also included a €16m pledge to further develop the infrastructure at the Sport Ireland National Sport Campus.

PERENNIAL PARTY PERENNIAL HAS ANNOUNCED the date for its 2019 Party for Perennial, which will celebrate the charity’s 180th anniversary. The party will be held in La Goccia restaurant at Petersham Nurseries in Covent Garden, London on 29 January.

Tickets, costing £28, include a glass of fizz on arrival, as well as Italian light bites, and there will be a raffle with some fabulous prizes up for grabs. For more information and to book tickets visit www.perennial.org.uk/party

TURF TECH APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

Allan Cochran presents the award to Sean Murphy of Charlies Groundcare

FUNDING BOOST

SAVE THE DATE

TRAINING SCHEME

SEAN MURPHY, OF Charlies Groundcare in Newtown, has been awarded Turf Tech Apprentice of the Year after graduating from the latest John Deere Turf Tech advanced apprenticeship programme, run in partnership with national training provider ProVQ. Sean visited the company’s

NEWS

cab factory and European Parts Distribution Centre in Bruchsal, Germany, before receiving his award at the John Deere Forum in Mannheim.

He was presented with a certificate, a crystal plaque and vouchers for workshop tools worth £250 by John Deere’s new branch training manager Allan Cochran.

Fellow graduates from the Turf Tech apprenticeship programme were: Ryan Parsonson, P Tuckwell, Ardleigh; Thomas Breeds, P Tuckwell, Cromer; Polat Sadrazam, Tallis Amos Group, Evesham; and Robbie Weir, Thomas Sherriff, Haddington.

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DISTRIBUTION DEAL

1ST FOR REESINK REESINK TURFCARE HAS secured the exclusive UK distribution rights for a specialist range of tractormounted aeration equipment from the American-based company 1st Products.

From better ways to aerate and remove thatch to more efficient seeding, the capsule range of 1st Products tractor attachments, which are available now, complement Reesink Turfcare’s range of tractor-mounted attachments. twitter.com/the_iog

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NEWS

Matthew Lowry (right) and Aaron Cross

NEWS

TIM O’HARE ASSOCIATES

MATTHEW LOWRY & AARON CROSS LANDSCAPE AND SOIL consultancy Tim O’Hare Associates (TOHA) has welcomed two new members to its team of soil science specialists.

Matthew Lowry from Enniskillen, Northern Ireland and Aaron Cross from Nottingham joined the practice in the summer.

Matthew graduated last year from the University of Aberdeen with an MSc in Soil Science, having achieved a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Science from the University of Stirling in

TRAINING

2012 and subsequently working for Syngenta.

Aaron graduated this year with an MSc in Environmental Management from the University of Nottingham, following on from his BSc (Hons) in Geography from the University of Leeds.

Both Matthew and Aaron have joined TOHA as graduate soil scientists and are currently undertaking site work, soil testing, writing reports and liaising with clients.

WOMEN IN FOOTBALL

Jane Purdon

WOMEN IN FOOTBALL (WiF) has named Jane Purdon as its first ever chief executive.

Jane Purdon

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Purdon will officially take up her role as the head of WiF – a network of professional women working in and around the football industry – on 1 December.

Purdon, a trained lawyer, is a sports industry veteran and has a track record of working at the highest level of football and sport.

She was most recently head of governance and leadership at UK Sport, and prior to that, director of governance at the Premier League.

She also had a stint as club secretary at Sunderland AFC.

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IOG TO IMPROVE O S RACE COURSE MAINTENANCE COURSES THE IOG HAS a long history delivering race course maintenance training to grounds staff at basic, intermediate and advanced levels. While the courses, held over threefive days, have always been well received, the IOG and the Racecourse Association (RCA) recognise that there is always room for improvement.

The IOG is now working on a programme of course improvements covering delivery and assessment methods, course content and structure – to fall in line with the ever-changing requirements of the sport, the needs of the groundsmen and to continually improve this niche corner of the industry where the maintenance and management of race course surfaces are concerned.

This will be a thorough and detailed course upgrade so please do watch this space as our team of industry experts and tutors work away behind the scenes.

To find out more about IOG learning opportunities, visit: www.iog.org/learning twitter.com/the_iog

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NEWS

Limagrain hosted the independent school event at AELTC

TWITTER PRANK

CLUB’S MOLE ALERT

BEHIND THE SCENES

Learning from the best at Wimbledon

GROUNDSMEN AT INDEPENDENT schools across the UK were treated to a look behind the scenes at one of the world’s most famous sporting venues.

The tour of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon, was hosted

by Limagrain and conducted by head of courts & horticulture Neil Stubley and head groundsman Grant Cantin.

The visitors were shown the exclusive players-only area, the media centre and the legendary centre court.

Did mischievous moles really dig up this Ukranian stadium?

NEWLY QUALIFIED

CONGRATULATIONS TO IOG COURSE GRADUATES THE IOG WOULD like to congratulate all these students who have successfully completed an IOG qualification or City & Guilds qualification within the past 12 months.

• IOG Level 2 Certificate in Turf Surface Maintenance: Andrew Winterburn, David Barlow, Jamie Hayes, Stephen Hewlett, Elliott Wilson • IOG Level 3 Technical Diploma in Turf Surface Management: Charlie Ellis, Steve Turrell • IOG Level 3 Certificate in Supervisory Management: Richard Hagar, Wayne Broadley, Stephen Fidler, Neil Bache • IOG Level 4 Professional Certificate in Turf Surface Management: Ben Black, Shane Webb, Mark Wakefield, Craig McCartney

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UKRAINIAN CLUB SHAKHTAR Donetsk claimed to have uncovered a mole ahead of its Champions League tie against Hoffenheim last month.

The club posted a picture on Twitter of three large molehills allegedly found by groundsmen on the Metalist Stadium pitch.

Thankfully for the grounds team, the story was a stunt inspired by the nickname for the club’s fans. The supporters of the Ukrainian giants are known as the Moles due to the club’s historic ties to the mining industry.

The pitch was looking pristine again for the game against Hoffenheim.

• IOG Level 6 Professional Certificate in Turf Surface Consulting: Stuart Wilson.

CITY & GUILDS • Level 2 Extended Certificate in Sports & Amenity Turf Maintenance: Neil Caldicott, Lee Meades, Sam Williamson, Ashley Fletcher, Conor McDuff, Jonathan Blakeman • Level 2 Diploma in Sports & Amenity Turf Maintenance: Ollie Deeming, Stevan Nash, Thomas Hughes • Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Horticulture: Paschal McGovern, James Down.

To find out how to progress your career through IOG Learning, visit: www.iog.org/learning

GET INVOLVED

2022 CAMPAIGN THE BIRMINGHAM 2022 organising committee has launched a campaign that will allow local communities to have their say and help shape the city’s Commonwealth Games.

People have been invited to attend roadshows and get involved online via social media using the hashtag #2022voices.

Comments and ideas received before 2 November will inform the design process ahead of a new brand being launched in early 2019. The Games take place between 27 July and 7 August 2022.

PRODUCT UPDATE

S H OWC A S E

Discover drainage and estate management products on page 39

3 AUTOMOWER 535 AWD

The latest developments in grass seed and irrigation, plus a new mower

HUSQVARNA

S has unveiled a mountain-climbing AWD robotic mower. Designed for professional use, the quiet, connected mower manages inclines and rough terrain, with zero direct emissions and top performance. ull aut mati a c ecti it helps save time for landscaping teams. Cutting times, cutting height and more is managed via the Automower Connect mobile app, and the performance, locations and machine health of a fleet of robotic mowers can be tracked via CO M I N G us ar a leet SOON Services.

Available www.husqvarna.com

PurePro creates rich, dense turf

1 PUREPRO SEEDED BERMUDAGRASS

spring 2019

PURE SEED / ATL AS TURF INTERNATIONAL

O T I ST S highest performing hybrid bermudas, PurePro combines the attributes of multiple varieties to produce a fine-textured, dark green, elite blend.

Under optimal conditions, PurePro germinates in seven to 14 days. Quick establishment of a dense, hearty turf means sports fields and golf courses can be ready for play in as few as eight to 12 weeks.

The deep-rooting, dense turf is traffic tolerant, meets the demands of heavy play and recovers quickly from injury.

The blend offers excellent salt tolerance, performing well with all types of water quality, and is also drought, disease and heat tolerant, maintaining its vigour through extreme temperatures. www.atlasturf.com www.pureseed.com

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RAIN BIRD

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RAIN BIRD NOW offers a full range of R-VAN rotary adjustable, full circle and strip nozzles. Quick to install and easy to maintain, just nine models are required for full 45 to 360-degree coverage and ranges from 2.4m to 7.3m.

All R-VAN nozzles can be adjusted by hand for arc and radius: simply push down and turn the nozzle cap to increase the arc by up to

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November 2018

The Automower 535 AWD

S 270-degrees, or turn the radius adjustment dial clockwise to increase the throw distance. arger r plets a t ic er streams of water mean high wind resistance, so irrigation is kept within the target zone, and the nozzles have been designed to let dirt and debris pass through. If a nozzle does stick, a simple twist flushes out the debris. www.rainbird.eu

PROGRESS FOR GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL AND CRICKET Led by the IOG and supported by funding partners, the Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme (GaNTIP) continues to make tremendous strides in helping to improve grassroots playing surfaces in England and Wales

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By Colin Hoskins Features editor

ith its focus on raising the quality of natural turf pitches to enhance player experience and increase capacity, the latest results of the Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme (GaNTIP) – of year one within phase two (2017-2021) – have revealed that: • 86 per cent of the 788 football pitches that adopted GaNTIP recommendations have improved pitch quality, leading to a reduced number of postponements and the implementation of better maintenance processes and practices • GaNTIP’s role in supporting the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has led to a full review of the role of County Cricket Boards, County Grounds Associations and Cricket Pitch Advisors, resulting in a strengthened support infrastructure for groundsmen, especially volunteers, in the sport.

These advances add to the gains made by GaNTIP phase one – 2014 to 2017 – when more than 2,000 pitches were surveyed and the resultant recommendations for improvement – in both pitch maintenance regimes and in the training and education of those responsible for pitch care – has had a significant impact on the improvement and increased playability of natural turf pitches.

Here’s a snapshot of the rewards being felt by grassroots clubs:

“We are now at a stage where education pathways and support can be provided” 14 THE GROUNDSMAN November 2018

• 34 pitches improved at Nottinghamshire County FA • Pitch improvements at Hilton Harriers FC in Derbyshire have dramatically reduced the number of cancelled games • In the first year after GaNTIP involvement, the Bayham Road Playing Fields in Kent (which hosts Tunbridge Wells Forresters FC) accommodated an additional 44 matches, compared to the previous season.

ONWARD AND UPWARDS

Reporting on the latest tranche of improvements to the grassroots game, GaNTIP programme director Jason Booth says that the year April 2017 to March 2018 “has been one of great progress for grassroots sport and of the GaNTIP team”, which includes eight regional pitch advisors plus two key account managers (one each for cricket and football).

He continues: “This year’s aims have been focusing on nationwide reviews, establishing strong working relationships, updating data collection systems and looking at initiatives including training and education options that will enhance our offerings while also increasing the capacity of our services. We are now at a stage where clear initiatives, education pathways and support can be provided.”

He adds: “Training and education are high on the agenda and GaNTIP not only recognises but has also responded to the essential need to provide adequate levels and quality of training and education for everyone involved, at every level of the sport.

“Hence the development by the IOG of the new Pitch Grading Framework – which creates career pathways for volunteers and professionals by identifying and linking training

Hanwell Town FC grounds after help from GaNTIP

and education needs to the technical levels of pitch playability.

The framework will be crucial to the longterm success of the programme.”

PHASE TWO, YEAR ONE RESULTS – THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION • Sites visited – 403 • Pitches assessed – 1,068 • Users/beneficiaries – circa 19,700 • Clubs that followed recommendations – 84% • Pitch quality improved – 86% • Reduced postponements – average of 11.7 at first visit, and nine at second visit • Delivery of nine PIP awareness evenings in each of the eight regions covered by

the programme • Nine training courses held in each region • 72 grassroots clubs trained through County FA courses • Improved maintenance practices – 87% • Number of volunteers engaged with – 363.

“One important point that has come to light during GaNTIP visits is that compaction continues to be a major issue,” says Jason. “We found that three in every four pitches tested had serious issues with compaction. In addition, 19 per cent of clubs did not have a maintenance budget or did not know what their budget was, and 32 per cent of clubs and venues have a budget of less than £2k.”

PHASE TWO, YEAR ONE RESULTS – FOR THE ENGLAND AND WALES CRICKET BOARD (ECB)

PQS sampling: the 3m straight edge measures the surface levels across the area; the Quadrat measures the percentage of grass species, ground cover and weeds; and the penetrometer measures soil compaction

GaNTIP provides a support role within cricket and this year’s focus has been to review current offerings within County Cricket Boards (CCBs), County Grounds Associations (CGAs) and Cricket Pitch Advisors (CPAs) – the people who undertake the site visits.

The result is an improved support structure for the volunteer/ groundsmanship network, since GaNTIP has re-engaged with and established excellent working relationships with the CPAs, CGA and CCBs. GaNTIP is now also: • Developing local plans with the regional club and facilities managers • Understanding the needs and structures

of each CCB and the level of support required within each region • Developing a skilled network of regional pitch advisors/CPAs in all areas of grassroots cricket to support each County Board • Developing relationships with the county cricket head groundsmen.

GaNTIP is now also working closely with the ECB, The FA, the IOG and Sport England to provide assistance and support in a much wider capacity as well as investigate the viability of equipment banks (where a ‘pool’ of suitable machines and equipment is shared by a number of clubs in a certain area), remote assessments, data collection and the development of apps that will allow clubs and volunteers to assess their own pitches.

Jason Booth concludes: “A lack of knowledge of the training and education available has been consistently high scoring, which prompted the IOG to develop the Pitch Grading Framework and training courses to sit alongside traditional courses.

“There’s no doubt that GaNTIP and its partners – which include the IOG, the ECB and the FA – continue to make great strides in improving grassroots pitches as well as raising the bar in terms of education and expertise of the people who look after them.”

Visit www.iog.org for more information on how GaNTIP is raising pitch standards in grassroots sport

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ELITE FOOTBALL

BEST PRACTICE

MOVERS AND SHAKERS When Gareth Lester joined Bury FC – aka The Shakers – as grounds manager, he immediately set about instigating a new pitch-care regime. It paid dividends for the playing surfaces and the grounds team, and led the club to IOG award success

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By Colin Hoskins Features editor

areth Lester dreams of the day when grounds teams at clubs in the lower football leagues would be able to access a ‘Pitch Pension Pot’, so that they could utilise the appropriate resources – equipment and cash – to ensure that at least two pitches at each club are maintained and managed to the highest level.

“Being able to access the resources required would lead to an overall improvement in pitch quality at each club’s stadium pitch and on one of their training surfaces at least, too,” says Gareth, grounds manager at League Two side, Bury FC.

16 THE GROUNDSMAN November 2018

“Better pitches would attract better players to the clubs and, in turn, that would undoubtedly lead to overall improvements in the standard of play and the quality of the game.”

His idea is based on the Football League putting up to £1 million into the pot. “This would be complemented by an annual contribution of, say, £35k by each participating club. I reckon it costs about £12k-£18k to keep a single pitch up to the right standard so, if you assume 48 clubs participate (each club in the English Leagues 1 and 2) then, as time goes by, the clubs’ contributions would effectively make the Pitch Pension Pot self-sustaining.”

BEST PRACTICE

ELITE FOOTBALL

The Bury FC grounds team has improved pitch appearance and playability at the Energy Check Stadium

ABOUT THE BURY TEAM

Gareth Lester (pictured, right) will be celebrating four years at Bury FC in April 2019, joining the club after over 17 years at Bolton Wanderers FC – his time spent at the club’s stadium and training and academy grounds.

Michael Curtis (pictured, left), who has been at Bury FC since 1986, says his family has strong ties with the club. “My grandfather was the club’s most capped player and, today, both my mother and sister also work here, for 45 and 30 years, respectively.”

Michael Warburton and Michael Steele (the latter now with Bolton Wanderers FC) completed Bury FC’s award-winning quartet.

www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 17

BEST PRACTICE

ELITE FOOTBALL

LESSONS TO LEARN “The UK exports a lot of expert groundscare knowledge,” says Gareth Lester. “You’ve only got to look at the worldwide acclaim garnered by people like Paul Burgess (Real Madrid), Jonathan Calderwood (Paris SaintGermain) and Tony Stones (Stade de France). As a nation, we are very good at pitch care, but I do feel we have lessons to learn in some respects from others – especially the top grounds managers in New Zealand, Australia and the USA.”

The pitch hosted 47 games during the 2016/17 season, plus training sessions, youth team games, academy games and other events

”A small team and a heavy workload meant that any pitch care technology had to make life easier for everyone – without detriment to the playing surfaces” Gareth’s plan has, he says, already been unofficially mooted and “unfortunately fell on deaf ears”, but that doesn’t stop him professing the wisdom of the scheme at every opportunity.

WINNING TEAM

Indeed, Gareth and his team have shown how the correct use of the correct products on a limited budget have improved pitch appearance and playability at Bury FC’s Energy Check Stadium at Gigg Lane – to the extent that the club won the 2017 IOG Industry Award for Professional Football Grounds Team of the Year, a category open to grounds teams outside the English Premier League and Championship, and the Scottish Premier League Joining the club in May 2015 (from Bolton Wanderers FC), Gareth immediately set about standardising pitch care maintenance routines by him and his team of three grounds staff – including long-serving Michael Curtis, who this year celebrates 33 years of looking after the stadium pitch – across the 21

The grounds team regularly receives positive comments about the pitch

pitches/45 acres within his remit. These include four engineered surfaces and two sand/soil pitches at the Carrington training ground (Manchester City FC’s former training base), in addition to the soil-based stadium pitch and 20 acres of soil-based playing surfaces at the Goshen Community Sports Facility.

The pitches are used all year round, and not just by the club; corporate and commercial events are hosted as well as local league finals and international training camps. The stadium pitch, for example, hosted 47 games during the 2016/17 season and average weekly usage at the training ground includes 19.5 hours of training sessions, 16 youth team league games, 24 weekends of academy games (three/four games every Sunday) and academy training (three nights/six hours a week) when daylight hours permit. In

addition, during any season, the ground also hosts 45 other events mainly at the end of the season and 10 ‘behind closed door’ sessions for the first team.

“While I needed to bring the club up to speed in terms of the use of the correct amenity products, it was also essential that, with such a small team and heavy workload, any pitch care technology introduced would also make life that little bit easier for everyone – without detriment to the playing surfaces.”

A keen advocate of ICL products, Gareth started using the company’s range some years before he entered football groundsmanship. “The first time I used one of the company’s fertilisers (then called Fisons’ Long Life) was when I was at a golf club and we were struggling to get the course to hold the feed. I tried the product and it did the trick. Then, in www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 19

ELITE FOOTBALL

”A 100-year-old soil-based pitch with no undersoil heating creates unique problems – not least drainage issues” football terms, I was really hooked once I’d seen the products (then from Scotts) being used in a stadium environment. It was the best pitch I’d seen.”

GAME-CHANGING PRODUCTS

At Bury, Gareth affirms that the introduction of the Primo Maxx growth regulator, in particular, has been “a game-changer”, adding: “At the stadium, for example, we used to take off 20 boxes of clippings at each cut – now it’s only three. The time saved in less cutting means we can get on with other tasks and are much more efficient. It also 20 THE GROUNDSMAN November 2018

means less wear and tear on, and less fuel for, the mowers.”

That said, while Primo Maxx is not used at the training ground due to budget, this is not the case in the stadium in respect of the treatments (ie spraying and fertilising), which leads back to the Pitch Pension Pot idea. “You’ve got to work with what you’ve got – and the weather, of course,” says Gareth.

“I try to ensure that everything I use is a management tool and, while we obviously trial everything at Carrington before introducing it to the stadium pitch, I am also conscious that amenity products and grass seed (the stadium is over-seeded with ICL ProSelect 1 Premium Pitch, for improved colour and wear tolerance, for example) can only go so far in maintaining top-class playability. So much also depends on pitch construction.”

At the stadium, a 100-year-old soilbased pitch with no undersoil heating does, however, create unique problems – not least drainage issues, which in recent years have been addressed.

Michael Curtis, head groundsman,

explains: “The work undertaken in the past was not altogether a great success until we introduced a concerted programme of sanding (300 tonnes lock sand), gravel banding (10,000 linear metres) and, this summer, 2,000m2 of top drainage work.

“As a result, we can now move more water off the pitch than the main drain out of the stadium can take and during that very wet spell earlier this year, when 400mm of rain fell here in six weeks, we successfully staged six games in 21 days.”

With a heavy workload and a restricted budget, both Gareth and Michael obviously love the job: “It’s great to look over and take pride in pristine playing surfaces, knowing that they are the result of our actions,” says Gareth. “We regularly receive good comments about the stadium pitch, which is very gratifying.

Gigg Lane has always been renowned for it’s pitch. It is good, but it could be better!”

To see the finalists of the IOG Industry Awards 2018, see The Groundsman, September, page 11.

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IOG INDUSTRY AWARD SPONSOR

WORLD CUP FIRST FOR HYBRID GRASS Reflecting the growing popularity of hybrid grass, for the first time in World Cup history, a combination of hybrid grass and aeration systems were used and six of the 12 stadia featured SISGrass technology

A

measure of the success of SISGrass pitches at this year’s World Cup was the fact that the Luzhniki Stadium accommodated more than 84 hours of use in 35 days. The stadium hosted 16 hours of games, eight hours of training sessions, 31 hours of rehearsals and ceremonies, and 29 hours of VAR (video assistant referees) and GLT (goal line technology) tests. Despite the intensive use of the pitch, it looked and performed exceptionally well for the final – a credit to the maintenance team as well as to the pitch technology.

BOOSTING HOURS OF PLAY

Hybrid grass is increasingly popular, offering increased pitch stability, more 22 THE GROUNDSMAN November 2018

playing hours in comparison to 100 per cent natural grass and it can be installed in an existing full-size football pitch in as little as four days. Six of the 12 World Cup stadia pitches featured the innovative SISGrass technology, developed by SIS Pitches. The hybrid surfaces are installed

by SIS machines at a variety of spacings and depths, using patented fibre injection technology and laser guidance for greater accuracy when inserting the uniquely engineered, polyethylene fibres into the grass surface. These soft, two-tone, greencolour fibres maximise player comfort and blend into the natural turf sward to provide a seamless playing surface.

SISAir (aeration system) manages soil moisture content, aids root development and supports the promotion of healthier

By Phil Blackwell Director, SIS Pitches

turf. It can also boost ventilation of the root zone, providing optimum levels essential for healthy root growth and managing potential disorders. SISAir brings benefits throughout the year, providing optimum root zone temperature, especially during the summer and winter months with cooling and heating modes.

Developed three years ago, SISGrass has been installed on 80 pitches worldwide, across a variety of sports, including a pitch in Japan for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Lambeau Field USA for the Green Bay Packers NFL team, The St Andrews Golf Club and The Oval.

For more information about SISGrass pitches, visit www.sispitches.com

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INTERVIEW

A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF THE IOG

Chief executive Geoff Webb highlights some of the IOG’s biggest achievements over the past 12 months and how they will impact the industry

What has the IOG been working on over the past 12 months and how do you hope it will benefit the industry?

We constantly work to keep up momentum and to raise our standards. We have a small team of dedicated staff and a strong Board of Directors, and the recent appointment to the Board of the AELTC’s Neil Stubley underlines our intent to continually attract respected industry figures who can help elevate our thinking and approach.

What has been achieved in the past years through SALTEX at the NEC and through the annual Industry Awards has certainly raised the profile, status

and standing of the profession. And on a day-to-day basis, the visits and advice from the Grounds and Natural Turf Improvement Programme’s (GaNTIP) regional pitch advisors is having an impact on grassroots facilities. One club recently reported: “Our under-13s loved the playing surface today; well done to whoever maintains and looks after it.”

This simple comment highlights our increasing knowledge and understanding of how to maintain a natural turf surface effectively and affordably. The impact of GaNTIP using evidence-based research is not only set to significantly alter the

MEET GEOFF WEBB

Geoff is responsible for all aspects of IOG business.

He was previously employed by the Football Foundation as head of grassroots in January 2001, before being promoted to director of facilities and stadia development in January 2003, a role that saw him develop the grassroots facilities and football stadia grant aid programme.

24 THE GROUNDSMAN November 2018

“SALTEX and the Industry Awards have raised the profile, status and standing of the profession” investment in and understanding of how to manage these surfaces but, more importantly, increase the priority given to future investment in natural turf. The National Framework for Natural Turf Surfaces incorporates a pitch-grading system that links technical levels to courses available, for volunteers and professionals. It provides tangible guidance for anyone wanting to learn more or advance their career, or to simply take that first step to learning about turf.

Our wide-ranging education portfolio is soon to be detailed in The IOG Prospectus – a publication that will summarise information on all our courses and the ways in which users can engage.

INTERVIEW

GEOFF WEBB

SALTEX has grown in size and quality since the move to the NEC

The awards help raise the pr le t e i ustr

The IOG has pledged its allegiance to the Mental Health Charter and wants to engage with a more diverse membership. Can you explain how it is hoping to do this?

There is a clear need to address the problems of mental health and to open up discussions surrounding the issue.

Whether it be stress, depression, addiction or isolation, we have to create pathways to every individual who is suffering. Several studies have highlighted that men ‘internalise’ and rarely open up to family or friends or get professional help to overcome such problems.

The IOG will play its part in promoting awareness of the challenges and collaborate with others to find solutions, as we have done with Perennial over the past year. Indeed, we hosted a Learning LIVE session at SALTEX on the topic and our intention is to ensure this important issue continues as part of our ongoing narrative.

When it comes to diversity, we need to consider how our industry reflects today’s society. Last year, we launched

The IOG Industry Awards are an excellent opportunity to network

the Women in Turf forum at SALTEX and we are repeating it this year. Also, from a standing start, we now have more than 1,000 followers on the Young IOG (YIOG) Twitter feed, and we continue to create opportunities to network and engage with young people. Ethnicity is another aspect that we, as an industry, should look at; in essence, we should look to create entry points for a diverse workforce and a forward-thinking and inclusive profession.

SALTEX is now in its third consecutive year at the NEC – how have you erc me t e c alle ges m i g a outdoor show inside and ensured its growing popularity?

We recognise that moving the event to the NEC was a hard sell for those exhibitors and visitors who loved being at Windsor, next to the Thames, on a glorious summer afternoon! We reduced the show from three days to two, and we moved the Industry Awards to be a part of the NEC mix, too. The nature of exhibitions (visitors) has changed, but we are achieving consistent numbers both in

terms of attendance and exhibitors.

In moving SALTEX, we looked at many factors including overall costs (of being at Windsor/NEC) and created a package that is reflective. Also, the NEC’s central location and the ease of access by road, rail and air has definitely helped. And we have worked hard to develop relevant show content that sits alongside the exhibits.

A large part of the strength of SALTEX is the overall quality of buyers who attend. This is something we work hard to improve every year. The key is to never be complacent. We are close to celebrating 75 years of SALTEX which, for a relatively below-the-radar industry, is no mean feat.

“We should look to create entry points for a diverse workforce and a forward-thinking and inclusive profession” www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 25

INTERVIEW

GEOFF WEBB

The IOG’s pitch grading framework matches surface needs with the skillsets of those who manage them

“It’s always encouraging to see the recognition and wider understanding of the industry that the awards provide” The IOG Industry Awards celebrate their 10th anniversary in 2018. Why did you launch the awards and what impact do you think they have had on the nominees and winners?

In the first instance, we wanted to create something that was for grounds people and judged by grounds people, with both professionals and volunteers judging good practice. We also wanted something that recognised groundscare in turf-related sports, both amateur and professional. And we wanted to raise the profile, status and standing of the profession overall.

Our first event, in 2009, took place at Arsenal FC’s Emirates Stadium, linked with a conference held during the day, and around 150 people attended the awards dinner. The awards were subsequently held in Cardiff, Bolton, York, Coventry and Milton Keynes before the event joined with SALTEX at the NEC. As with SALTEX, each year we try to improve the awards.

It’s always encouraging to see the recognition and wider understanding of the industry that the awards provide, not only throughout the industry but also in the public domain through national and regional TV, radio and newspaper coverage. It is, however, important to recognise that the awards present a snapshot of the annual achievements within our industry – there are many great examples of groundscare that happen away from the awards too.

The effect on those who enter does, I guess, depend on the result! But even those who don’t make the final cut receive their certificates with pride.

Today we have a sell-out event that is a great social occasion. It offers fantastic opportunities for networking and it brings people together to celebrate the industry.

What has also been amazing over the years is the generous support of our sponsors, without whom the event would not have been possible. So, a massive thank you to everyone who has supported the event over the years.

The IOG has announced its intention to embark on another State of the Industry research project. Can you update us on its progress and what industry trends it could reveal?

After reviewing our Hidden Profession Research from 10 years ago, we are now finalising the questions and the methodology for the latest project – looking at how the questions we asked then are answered now, and whether there are new areas that need to be addressed – so that as many people as possible can take part this time round. The results will help the IOG shape its policy and direction, as well as provide a unique insight into the profession and the way it is perceived, both from within, and by stakeholders and interested partners. The results will be revealed at SALTEX 2019.

Tell us about the Grounds4Sport initiative that you are working on.

At last year’s AGM, the IOG Board committed to a ring-fenced budget to create the Grounds4Sport campaign for accelerated investment into natural turf.

It will start with the improvement and maintenance of natural turf surfaces,

which are vital to sports and physical activity provision nationwide. The campaign aims to: Give new life to natural turf provision in sports and activity through education, advice, pitch grading and assessment Harness industry knowledge, skills and research to show how grass can do more with modest investment Inspire, recruit and develop a new generation of trained volunteers and professionals Maximise the influence of the turf industry’s expertise and the IOG in sport decision making and to subsequently generate £1.7m a year over the next 10 years to improve 3,500 pitches and playing surfaces.

We believe there is a real prospect of securing the necessary funding and support from partners, to transform natural sports turf surfaces.

If you would like to discuss Grounds4Sport or play a role in the initiative, please visit the IOG stand at SALTEX or contact the IOG

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www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 27

PAY A N D CONDITIONS

HOW TO GET A PAY RISE Counsellor Frank Newberry provides practical tips on getting a pay rise

With some attention and a sound strategy, you could see your wages grow

TIP 1: DON’T BE LIKE OLIVER TWIST

In his famous book, Charles Dickens had Oliver Twist saying, “Please, Sir, I want some more.” Negotiating is different. It is not about asking, it is about trading. You have something your employer wants; and the value of what your employer wants has not yet been agreed – with you.

Value is the key word here. How much are you worth to your employer? Can your employer get someone as good for less?

Or will your boss have to offer more pay and perks to get someone as good as you?

28 THE GROUNDSMAN November 2018

If you are valued by your employer, then move on to Tip 2. If you are not valued, then go away and come back to the negotiating table when you are of value.

TIP 2: LET UNCERTAINTY AND TENSION WORK IN YOUR FAVOUR The thought of a negotiation makes some people defensive. If this is the case, then call it by another name – maybe you could call it a ‘review meeting’. Say something like, “I’d like to discuss my future, I’ve got some concerns, when would be a good time to meet?”

Many bosses will want to talk to you

“Oliver Twist said, ‘Please, Sir, I want some more.’ Negotiating is different. It is not about asking, it is about trading” straight away to reduce their tension and uncertainty. Let them wait a couple of days.

Let them wonder what’s on your mind.

JOB CLINIC

TIP 3: SEND A SIGNAL ABOUT YOUR FUTURE

Begin the review meeting by sincerely asking, “How are things for you?” before saying that you have some concerns you would like to discuss. Indicate that you want to stay in the job but you need some clarity on your prospects. You can then get a discussion going about your future which could include eligibility for pay rises, bonuses, improved conditions and opportunities for development. You can say that you just want to be clear on how these are earned and how you will be rewarded for your good work.

TIP 4: HAVE A SHOPPING LIST – BETTER STILL, HAVE TWO!

For every review or negotiation, it may be worthwhile having two lists. The first list could have ‘no cost’ or ‘low cost’ items that are of value to you and are relatively easy for your employer to give you. The second list could be comprised of things that cost money. If your employer resists some of the items on either list, then suggest a trial period and an early review to reassure your boss. Typical first list (just suggestions) • You attend and eventually participate at all higher level management meetings • You take charge of all your own team’s hiring and firing decisions • You take charge of all delegated budgets • You visit other organisations to research best practice • You take over and run meetings with customers or other stakeholders.

MEET FRANK AT THE SALTEX JOB CLINIC Careers counsellor Frank Newberry is hosting one-toone Job Clinic sessions at the IOG Hub (C180) between 9am and 3pm each day at SALTEX. Six sessions are available, with tips on perfecting your CV, doing well at job interviews, negotiating your package and being a better interviewer (for employers).

Frank also offers advice on proactive job searching and cover letters. Plus, new this year: ‘should you be selfemployed?’ Simply turn up and register at the IOG Hub (C180), and take your pick of the sessions.

Typical second list (again, just suggestions – you should compile your own list) • Pay rates – how much you earn per hour, per day, per year • Pay increases – automatic, earned or incremental • Company vehicle or equivalent private use of vehicle • Overtime/extra hours rate • Extra holiday leave.

TIP 5: BE CLEAR ON WHAT YOU ARE TRADING IN ORDER TO GET WHAT YOU WANT Now that you have your shopping lists, you will need to find a way to pay for them so be clear on what are you are trading to get what you want. For example, are you offering: • Cost savings?

• Greater productivity?

• More leave, in lieu of a pay rise?

• Set pay budget that you control?

• Greater flexibility eg. hours worked?

• To take on additional responsibilities?

• Long-term pay deals in return for loyalty?

• To give up some perks in return for cash?

• To reduce your overtime rate for a higher basic salary?

• Additional vocational qualifications and the better work that comes from them?

In your preparation anticipate what the employer wants from you and the likely reactions. You might consider having what are known as ‘positions’ ie:

PAY A N D C O N D I T I O N S

“Now that you have your shopping lists, you will need to find a way to pay for them, so be clear on what are you trading.

For example, are you offering cost savings, or greater productivity or flexibility?”

• An optimistic position – the most you think you can get • A pessimistic position – the least you will accept • A realistic position – what you think you will get.

TIP 6: ALWAYS ASK FOR MORE THAN YOU WANT

It is important to always ask for more than you want. This is so that your employers can knock you down and feel that they have won the negotiation.

Talk to Frank at the Saltex Job Clinic (see box, below left). For more information see www.iogsaltex.com/job-clinic

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a a e e ts eg tiati s are all a ut ma i g tra es sa s ra rig t

www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 29

IN ACTION

REMOTE CONTROL IRRIGATION MJ Abbott’s pitch installation at Newcastle features fully automatic, remotely controllable irrigation When the decision was made to install a new playing surface and irrigation system at Newcastle United, a fast response and close co-operation between pitch contractors MJ Abbott and Premier Pitches was essential.

As part of the project, the club had to select a new, fully automatic pitch irrigation system.

For this system, MJ Abbott had to take into account the particular conditions created by the configuration of the pitch.

Nathan George, contracts manager, explains: “The stadium design means that at certain times of the day, the southern end is in full shade with the remainder in full sun. Complete control

over individual sprinkler application rates was therefore essential. We knew from experience that Rain Bird offers high-quality products for stadia applications in terms of rotors, sprinklers and automatic irrigation control systems, so would be an excellent partner for this project.”

Rain Bird 950E valve-in-head sprinklers were chosen for the perimeter and the corners of the pitch.

8005 pop-up rotors, with a reach of up to 24.7m and easy arc adjustment, as well as Rain Curtain nozzles that ensure uniform water distribution, were chosen for the central areas.

Integral to the new pitch is the SISGrass Hydrobox system. Nathan explains:

“Hydrboxes are installed to all central pitch sprinklers. The box is filled with rootzone and stitched in the same configuration as the main pitch. To access the sprinkler for maintenance, the Hydrobox is simply lifted out.”

Rain Bird’s IQ Cloud Platform, used in conjunction with an ESP-LXD controller fitted with a network communication cartridge, was selected to give the grounds staff a real time, fully automatic remote irrigation control system. It can be managed by a web-enabled computer, tablet or smartphone connected to the internet.

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For more information visit wwww.rainbird.eu

ON TRACK FOR SUCCESS Marathon is the front runner at Hamilton Park Stephen Fyles, track manager at Hamilton Park racecourse, has noticed significant improvements since switching to a variety of Marathon Sport extended release fertilisers from Sherriff Amenity.

With a glowing CV, including roles at Aintree, Epsom, The Jockey Club and now Hamilton Park, it’s safe to say that Stephen knows a thing or two about preparing a horse racing track.

Hamilton Park’s race season consists of 18 days a year throughout the summer months, which Stephen says is the most intense time in the grounds team’s diary.

“I came into this role three years ago with the mindset of giving the existing fertiliser programme a chance,” he says.

30 THE GROUNDSMAN November 2018

“I gave it two years, but unfortunately I was finding holes in the regime – we were losing track pace, recovery times and generally were just not seeing the results I wanted.

“I had seen the Marathon fertilisers in action in a previous role at Epsom and knew what I could expect from them.

Therefore I made the switch last year.

“We went with an all Marathon feed for the track over the course of the summer with four feeds and the results have been fantastic. It’s been a very positive year – the track has stood up to the heavy use and at the same time it is helping me meet the requirements of our soil analysis tests because at the moment the phosphate levels in the soil are high so it requires us to have a low

phosphate fertiliser to stop them from getting locked in.”

Stephen chooses to use Spring 16.4.8; Summer 10.0.15 and Autumn 7.0.21 and applies them anywhere between the recommended rate of 20 – 35g/m2 dependent on conditions.

In conjunction with the Marathon base feeds, Stephen regularly applies long-lasting iron liquid in the form of Sherriff Amenity’s GoGreen Energy and GoGreen Plus.

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For more information visit www.sherriffamenity.com

TECHNICAL U P D AT E

Amenity Forum chair John Moverley announced to conference delegates the development of an all-embracing assurance scheme for the sector

MAKING A CHANGE

Change, Challenge and Opportunity was the title of this year’s Amenity Forum conference, where a record number of attendees representing the diverse amenity sector recognised the progress made in improving practice across the board

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By John Moverley Chair, Amenity Forum

n my introduction, speaking at the ‘Change, Challenge and Opportunity’ Amenity Forum, I pointed out: “While we are certainly in the midst of changing and challenging times, this is, in many ways, nothing new for our sector. I am confident that, as so many times before, we will grasp the opportunity to undertake our vital work – effective management of amenity and sports spaces affects every UK citizen, every day, as we create safe, healthy and fit-for-purpose amenity spaces.’’

POLICY CHANGES

The conference programme began with three presentations focusing on policy change. Grant Stark, from the Chemicals Regulation Division of HSE, reported on the achievements in the UK implementation of the Sustainable Use Directive. It was confirmed that much progress had been made by the sector in all areas. Grant then described recent policy changes as well as the important current review of the UK National Action Plan, directly related to

“Effective management of amenity spaces affects every UK citizen, every day, as we create safe, healthy and fitfor-purpose spaces”

weed, pest and disease management. He emphasised an integrated management approach and a need for greater emphasis on continuous professional development going forward.

Nick Cartwright from the Environment Agency focused on water, with quality issues being key to his presentation. Nick also referred to the publication of an over-arching chemicals strategy and identified some current concerns, reiterating how the amenity sector could help the country meet current water quality targets.

Richard Davis then provided an excellent account of pesticide regulation and the work of the Expert Committee on Pesticides, of which he is a member.

His presentation also gave some of his thoughts on the challenges and opportunities of future UK regulatory changes post-Brexit.

During breaks in the conference, delegates visited the exhibition area where almost 20 amenity-related organisations had stands – and there was a great opportunity to network.

MEETING THE CHALLENGE

The second element of the conference comprised speakers from various sub sectors of amenity describing the challenges in their areas and, of course, the opportunities. Speakers included Neil Strong from Network Rail, who spoke of the responsibility for 52,000 hectares of trackside. This was certainly not the www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 33

T E C H N I C A L U P D AT E

AMENIT Y FORUM

Policy challenges and opportunities were discussed by, from left: Grant Stark, CRD; Richard Davis, Expert Committee for Pesticides; and Jonathan Newman, Environment Agency

“Development of an assurance scheme will allow those who employ organisations to be sure of their professionalism” easiest of areas to maintain and he spoke of developing techniques and approaches being taken.

Guy Barter from the RHS turned attention to the home and garden sector, examining current issues and challenges. While there is not as much detailed information on this sub sector as some others, it is very important.

Guy discussed integrated approaches to weed management and called for more research in this area.

Steve Hodgson, chief executive of the Property Care Association, provided a valuable insight into the issues of weed management in the built environment, which often creates specific challenges – especially in terms of invasive weeds.

Other presenters included Duncan Jones from Hortech, who looked at the challenges facing contractors, as well as Steve Isaac, director of sustainability at the Royal and Ancient, who provided information on an ongoing project aimed at creating sustainable golf courses for the future. The presentations also focused on the issues of

ground maintenance and the adoption of well-managed and planned approaches.

LEARNING FROM RESEARCH AND OTHER SECTORS

The conference also looked at alternative approaches. Francis Bayliss from Royal Holloway, University of London, reported on research into biological control. In particular, she discussed her own current research, ‘Can soil ecology be aided by microbial inoculants?’ While this may seem very technical, it soon became clear that it has much to offer practically in terms of how we approach amenity management in the future.

Andy Richardson, from the Allium and Brassica Agronomy Centre, looked at alternative approaches to weed, pest and disease control, and how findings in his own area of commercial horticulture might translate to amenity. It was a presentation that sought to challenge and, at times, provoke, but one that was certainly well received in the hall.

MANCHESTER CITY FC’S VISION

The conference concluded with a fascinating insight into the developments at Manchester City FC in enhancing the landscape across all its areas and activities.

This was led by the club’s Daniel Lewis, supported by Dominic Knower from idverde.

The two brought to life the transformation over recent years, and the challenges involved in creating quality training and match pitches. The session provoked

many questions, and it was an excellent example of having a clear vision and then implementing it correctly.

PROFESSIONALISM AND PRIORITIES

In my conclusion, I referred to the words of Charles Darwin: ‘It is not the strongest of the species that survives, but the one most adaptable to change.’ I also announced the development of an allembracing assurance scheme for the sector, allowing those who employ organisations to undertake work to be sure of their professionalism and qualifications. I want the scheme – and its logo – to be universally recognised, akin to the Red Tractor Scheme for farming and food production.

In addition, I provided information on the Forum’s recently updated strategy and the key drivers going forward. It is clear that the need for an integrated approach to weed, pest and disease management will receive even more profile in future, ensuring chemical approaches continue to be adopted, while being used in the most effective and efficient way through professional and safe practices. Also very much in focus is water quality, and it is essential that all operators undertake practice in line with best practice guidelines, all available on the Forum website.

Next year’s event will be held on Thursday 10 October. For more, visit www.amenityforum.co.uk

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www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 35

Product showcase

READ MORE

IOG NEWS UPDATES Go to the IOG website www.iog.org

FOCUS ON: ESTATE MANAGEMENT AND DRAINAGE

TRAILBL AZING

A TRAILER TO RELY ON

The grounds team hopes J Premier Wicket will improve Goodwood’s wicket spec

GREEN SHOOTS

The seed that keeps Goodwood looking great A MIXTURE FROM across the DLF Seeds portfolio is what delivers sitewide results at the Goodwood Estate, Chichester. With a remit including two 18-hole golf courses, a cricket ground, gardens, an airfield, a racecourse and a motor circuit, general manager of sports turf and grounds, Phil Helmn, is certainly kept busy with such a breadth of surfaces to prepare.

Joining the Goodwood Estate four years ago, from a greenkeeping background, has seen a steep but fascinating learning curve for Phil: “Everyone says it, but in this job no two days really are the same!” he says. “One day me, and any one of my full-time grounds team of 35, could be working on golf course renovations, or the next co-ordinating ground preparations for Goodwood’s Festival of Speed, which has an attendance equal to that of the Glastonbury Festival!”

As a long-standing user of seed from DLF’s Masterline and Johnsons Sports Seed mixtures, introducing those across the estate was one of Phil’s first

KEEP IN TOUCH

www.iog.org

exercises. “Ryegrass is the primary species used because of its hardwearing qualities and quick germination, making it suitable on a wide variety of sports and fine turf areas. On our cricket wicket, Johnsons J Premier Wicket mixture has been working really well.”

Johnsons J Premier Wicket features a four-cultivar blend, and delivers outstanding shoot density, rapid establishment and high disease resistance. In terms of its usage, Goodwood’s cricket ground has seen a surge in popularity, which is driving investment into the facilities this year.

“We currently host lots of local league matches but developments on one of the wickets will hopefully see that prepared to a higher spec with the J Premier Wicket, along with a £1m new pavilion, in the hope of heading towards county level play.” www.dlf.co.uk

“Ryegrass is used because of its hardwearing qualities”

www.facebook.com/theIOG

Institute of Groundsmanship

THE GWT415 IS a four-wheeled, heavy-duty turntable trailer, designed and manufactured in Britain. It has its wheels mounted under the chassis so the sides can be dropped down unhindered, or removed completely to give a platform trolley. The high mesh-covered extension sides more than double the trailer’s carrying capacity, perfect for bulky cargo and autumn leaves that need removing.

The wide profile wheels give the trailer stability over rough or wet ground, and the chassis is of high-strength welded steel.

The trailer is usually fitted with a clevis hitch so that it can be pulled by a small tractor or rideon mower, but a 50mm ball hitch can be fitted instead. The trailer comes with a pull handle, which simply pins into the clevis hitch.

This allows you to easily pull the trailer by hand, which is useful for short journeys or manoeuvring the trailer into tight spaces. www.schsupplies.co.uk

The GWT415 trailer

twitter.com/the_iog

www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 37

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

E S TAT E M A N A G E M E N T

MOW AND GO

ALL-WEATHER WINNER THE ETESIA HYDRO 124 DN features a 1.24m cutting width with two counter-rotating blades and this multi-functional machine, which can work to speeds of up to 16km/h, is also extremely versatile.

Karl Brotherhood, head of grounds at Solihull School, said his new Etesia Hydro 124 DN ride-on mower is ‘perfect’ for helping him fulfil a number of maintenance tasks.

Founded in 1560, Solihull School is surrounded by a 50-acre site including a floodlit artificial pitch, five rugby pitches, four cricket pitches and four junior school football pitches. After ten years using a zero-turn mower

“It picks everything up – even in wet conditions”

Karl Brotherhood is a big fan of the Etesia Hydro 124 DN

to keep the grounds intact, Karl felt that the time had come to invest in a multi-purpose machine.

“We use it to cut the cricket outfield and then with minimal adjustment, we can use it for the rugby pitches – it’s that easy,” he said. “We can also pick up leaves, twigs, acorns and other forms of debris – it picks everything up – even in wet conditions.

“In fact, the first thing I noticed was how much better it was compared to the zero-turn that we had. With our other machine we had to have perfect conditions for it to do a good job otherwise it just wouldn’t do it.

“I like the fact that the grass box tells you when it’s full and the high lift is a massive help for us too because it saves us double moving everything.” www.etesia.co.uk

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

E S TAT E M A N A G E M E N T

EASY RIDE

Smooth operator

BRAND NEW FROM Ferris, the zero-turn, ride-on ISX800Z features the latest technology to provide a commercial mower that promises performance, quality and comfort.

The 132cm rear discharge deck features a factory-fitted mulching insert as well as Ferris iCD technology, with the user also benefitting from mowing speeds up to 16km/h.

New to the industry, according to Ferris, is the addition of a double wishbone suspension system, providing increased contact with the turf for more uniform mowing, as well as ensuring a more comfortable ride over bumps and dips in the ground with improved steering and handling.

The 400S, which launched this year, features the patented Ferris all-round suspension as well as a ‘Triple Deck’ with easy-to-change deck options including side and rear

www.greenmech.co.uk

|

SEE MORE PRODUCTS

discharge, mulch and 50/50 rear and mulch discharge.

Other features include large 23-inch traction wheels at the rear, a premium high-back adjustable seat with padded arm rests, large 21-litre fuel tank capacity and a foldable ROPS system. www.thwhite.co.uk

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The zeroturn, ride-on ISX800Z

Pedestrian

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Road Tow

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Tracked

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Tractor Mounted

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

E S TAT E M A N A G E M E N T

A GOOD ANGLE

Making light work of grassy gradients The Ventrac 4500 compact tractor

MULTI-TASKING

TAKING THE ROUGH WITH THE SMOOTH

PETER PATTENDEN, the course and estates manager at Carden Park since 2006, appreciates the benefits of the Ventrac 4500 compact tractor he purchased back in 2017. So much so, that he has recently purchased a second machine.

“Every piece of equipment we buy has to earn its keep and the Ventrac certainly falls into this category,” he said. “I’ve been operating equipment since 1991 and buying machinery since 1996 – I can honestly say this is one of the best machines I have ever bought! Summed up in three words, it’s exceptional, versatile and robust.

“The Contour deck is great out on the golf courses, especially on sloping tee banks, the Tough Cut deck is superb for land management as it can cut through saplings, bracken and gorse, helping to maintain the areas that consume man-hours, and the Edger has saved hours’ of labour “The Ventrac is the perfect size: not too heavy, so we can use it in the winter months and not too light that it can’t handle the implements.

It has uplifted the presentation of the estate in the short time that we’ve had it; it’s simply a no-brainer purchase for any estate manager.”

Price Turfcare, based near Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, is the UK & Ireland distributor of the Ventrac 4500 compact tractor and implements. www.priceturfcare.com

IN THIS HEALTH and safety conscious age, employers have to think carefully before sending in teams to maintain difficult and complex green spaces. This is especially relevant in the estate management sector due to the differing size and complexity of equipment required to maintain land.

Steep banks and hillsides are particularly problematic as they are often overgrown.

However, there is a solution for managing this type of terrain, as Nick Penn, territory sales manager for Spider Mowers in the UK explains: “Spider mowers have been specifically designed to cut through thick vegetation on steep hillsides and have been adopted in the UK by the Environment Agency, municipal authorities and national and regional groundscare contractors.

“The USP is that they can

mow slopes of up to 40-degrees comfortably, and up to 55-degrees with the integral winch system. They can cut down brambles, gorse, long grass and small saplings, making them ideal for this type of application.

Unlike their tracked competitors, which tend to tear up the terrain when turning in soft or wet conditions, they have four-wheel drive and fourwheel steering, a light footprint and a mulching action, which leaves a very acceptable finish.

From an operator perspective, they are not in contact with the machine, so there are no hand and arm vibration issues – they operate it remotely so they are subject to less noise and they can stand on level ground, without the strain on skeletal joints that can be associated with brushcutting.” www.thwhite.co.uk/ machinery-imports

Spider mowers excel on steep slopes

www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 41

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

DRAINAGE

FOUR IN ONE

KEEP MUD AT BAY THE 4GCS IS a versatile pitchmaintenance system that increases the drainage of the pitch while leaving a superb finish. A single pass allows up to four operations to be carried out simultaneously – surface aeration, dethatching, brushing and rolling.

The 4GCS is an ideal unit for general pitch grooming and maintenance on both sports fields and fine turf. The star-shaped slitters pierce the surface to increase drainage and promote root growth. The brush and rake tines tickle over the surface to remove thatch and enhance the quality and appearance of the area. The rear roller firms up the surface and gives that much sought-after striping.

A weight tray is incorporated in the design to give the option of adding top weight to vary the penetration depth of the slitters.

The versatile 4GCS

This tray is also extremely useful for the transportation of tools and equipment. All three tools can be adjusted by individual screw jacks for depth and pressure, and the side wheels can be lowered to easily transport the equipment when not on the pitch. The 4GCS connects to any tractor with a three-point linkage, and the four attachments can be arranged in any order and can be lifted out of use when not required.

The slitter attachment is an ideal tool for breaking down the compacted surface of grassed areas, and the single pass on the tractor reduces the amount of mud being churned up by the wheels. www.schsupplies.co.uk

“A single pass allows up to four operations to be carried out simultaneously”

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

DRAINAGE

PITCH PERFECT

Drain your troubles away THE GKB DRAINMASTER is designed to improve and accelerate the drainage of surface water, ideally creating a more stable and betterquality pitch.

The machine, which launched in 1985, and has been continuously refined over the years, works by digging two or three 4cm-wide trenches, which are positioned perpendicular to the existing underlying drainage. The soil is disposed of by a conveyer belt, and is also available to re-use.

During the same operation, the trenches are filled with drainage sand to the operating depth of 23cm; the wheels of the Drainmaster press the drainage sand into the trenches.

You can operate the full length of a pitch with one operation, or you can decide to do two operations across the width of the pitch.

The grass should grow on the

trenches within a matter of weeks and because it’s stronger, it should suffer less damage from the activities on the surface. www.gkbmachines.com

The GKB Drainmaster digs tre c es t ll wit sa

Tools & guidance MAINTENANCE CALENDAR AND WEATHER UPDATE

DECEMBER OPERATIONS CRICKET SQUARE

Check for disease activity and, if identified, spray with a propriety fungicide. Continue to brush as regularly as possible to allow sward to remain upright and to remove excess moisture/dew and, if any earthworm activity is noticed, try not to smear the casts. If possible, aerate using solid tines to a depth of 125mm.

If climatic and ground conditions allow, mow sward by ‘topping off’.

CRICKET OUTFIELD

Check for damage, especially if used for winter sports. If climatic and ground conditions allow, mow sward by ‘topping off’. If possible, aerate outfield to 125mm.

BOWLING GREENS

Earthworms may be a problem, so regular drag brushing – ideally daily when conditions are such that large amounts of earthworm casts are produced – and aeration to keep the surface open to improve surface drainage and drying, may help towards reducing the effects of the earthworm activity.

Regular applications of sulphate of iron, say every 3-4 weeks, can help to minimise the effects of surface casting earthworms. If all else fails, then you may have to apply synthetic pesticides.

Watch out for Fusarium patch during mild damp spells. Sulphate of iron applications can help to harden the grass against this KEEP IN TOUCH

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FOOTBALL

disease, or alternatively, have a suitable stock of contact fungicide available to spray, usually at the first signs of infection.

Keep the grass topped at about 10-12mm high: this will also help to reduce the chance of disease attack which may be more prevalent with longer grass as it will retain a more humid and damp ‘atmosphere’ among its leaves.

Finish off bank repairs if possible.

Prepare your maintenance schedule for next year, along with a budget requirement.

GOLF COURSE

Frost holes may be required in the early morning to protect against inappropriate wear.

Slit tine aerate on a regular basis.

Maintain green height in accordance with course standards – typically no higher than 8mm.

Tees should still be topped, although the actual height will depend on whether they are rested for the winter or maintained in play.

If artificial mats or carpets are used, ensure they are safe and secure, while sand-filled ones are properly topped up.

Fairways – if topping hasn’t already ceased, then this might be the last occasion for a few months.

Remove leaves to prevent the turf being smothered.

Start, or continue, planning for next year’s requirements.

A budget report/proposal may need to be submitted. www.facebook.com/theIOG

44 THE GROUNDSMAN November 2018

Divoting is a key task at this time of year. Repairs need to be made to maintain a reasonable surface for as long as possible.

Brush and/or harrow.

Overmarking should not be neglected. Consider the weather conditions and how many games have been played in determining a suitable overmarking programme.

Slit tine aerate the pitch if smearing of the soil is not going to take place – be prepared to stop if conditions are found to be unsuitable, as more harm than good will be done by continuing.

Sand worn areas as required.

RUGBY UNION

Soil conditions may become unsuitable for routine aeration, so selective handforking might be the order of the day.

Sanding of wet or bare areas may also be needed.

A final topping of the grass may be required, but a little extra length at this time of year will help counter some of the wear.

Machinery should be prepared for its winter servicing schedule.

RUGBY LEAGUE

The end of season should be here and all renovations completed.

A light topping off might still be required if conditions allow.

Constant switching or dragbrushing of the surface will be required.

An autumn/winter feed should be applied – something like a 4-12-12 – before it gets really cold.

Make sure the pitch is protected to the best of your ability to alleviate any damage from unwanted visitors.

Institute of Groundsmanship

All machinery should be looked at for end-of-season repair or servicing.

If possible, aeration maybe beneficial to the surface by way of handforking, vertidraining or slitting.

With the growing season coming to a close, some training/ education courses may be looked at to aid personal and professional development.

On the amateur side, constant pitch repair is essential. Any divots not replaced will lead to pitch deterioration. Chain harrowing could be used to aid the repair or presentation of the surface. Bare areas may be becoming apparent, so a light topdressing with sand will aid with playability and wear tolerance.

Constant communication with coaches is essential for rotation of drills, as any damage inflicted now will not be able to be repaired before the winter.

HORSE RACECOURSE

Avoid the use of relatively heavy machinery over the winter months when ground conditions are generally unsuitable.

Aeration can be carried out during dry periods, assuming the soil moisture content is not high.

Continue to divot and repair after each meeting.

TENNIS

Continue to aerate, although ground conditions may now be unsuitable for most of the time.

Dragbrush as required.

Occasional topping of the grass might be required in the south.

Machinery should be given an annual service over the next few months.

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TOOLS & GUIDANCE W E AT H E R

NOVEMBER TOP TIPS • Watch out for the risk of Microdochium Patch infection • Use ITM practices and fungicide treatments to reduce disease risk

TAILOR ACTIONS TO AUTUMN GROWTH

N

ovember ought to see the onset of winter, but in recent years we’ve become more used to conditions staying like early autumn – with turf activities typically going on for longer, too.

This season conditions have again stayed very mild through October, with continued growth. The extension of growing conditions has helped to recover and retain good surfaces – particularly valuable after the harsh effects of the summer’s prolonged heat and drought, and the necessary remedial activities.

NOVEMBER WEATHER: HIGHS AND LOWS

Warmer sunny days, but cool nights, resulted in greater diurnal temperature ranges across the UK in November 2017 Night temperature lows in Scotland were below average, but the number of frosts was actually less than the norm Sunshine levels were particularly bright in northern and eastern England (+43 per cent) and Scotland Although overall conditions were drier, the north of Scotland received nearly 25 per cent above average rainfall, at 222.2mm.

NOVEMBER WEATHER, COMPARED TO RECENT SEASONS Av temp (°C)

Sun (hours)

Diff to average

Diff to average

2017

5.8

2016

4.9

-0.6

2015

8.2

+2.7

2014

7.6

+2.1

52

Longterm av

+0.3

5.5

Rain (mm)

72

Diff to average

+22

108

75

-27%

36

-39% -12%

124

59

Nights with air frost Diff to average

-5%

6

105

+8%

8

+1

173

+51%

3

-4

+9%

2

114

0

-5 7

November 2017 saw temperatures once again above the long-term average, after a cold 2016 and two years of incredibly mild conditions. Although cold at night, during the day it was much warmer and brighter with clear skies

• Cold nights after warm, bright days can put extra stress on turf plants • Be prepared to change strategies if conditions dictate

WET WEATHER RISK

Temperature variability, shorter days and wet weather all put extra stress on turf, as well as creating conditions conducive to disease. Where warmer days initiate growth, any soft leaf tissue can be especially susceptible to infection.

In milder periods of intermittent turf growth, mixing actives to include both contact and systemic activity, such as Instrata Elite, will give greater flexibility to target different stages of disease. Research results have also shown benefits of tailored mixes with the cool-action systemic, Banner Maxx II, and contact+ Medallion TL, according to growing conditions.

GreenCast historic disease and weather charts have also shown that where rainfall occurs in conditions where leaf surfaces are slow to dry, disease pressure is significantly higher.

Integrated Turf Management options to dry surfaces – including drainage and aeration, improving air flow, switching-off dew and thatch removal – can help minimise disease development.

Preventing disease attacks and consequential damage to playing surfaces is especially important through the late autumn and early winter. As weather conditions deteriorate, there will be limited opportunity for recovery until the spring.

www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 45

GROW WITH THE IOG

All grounds people need to drive a clearl e e lear i g pat wa

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

CONTINUING TO MEET INDUSTRY DEMANDS Ever-increasing user expectations, advances in technology and constant budgetary pressures mean professionals in our industry need to keep skills and knowledge up to date. In recognition of this, we continue to develop our range of learning opportunities and support mechanisms to ensure the UK maintains its global lead in groundsmanship

O

By Chris Gray IOG learning programme architect

KEEP IN TOUCH

ne way in which the IOG continues to provide help and guidance in light of the challenges the industry faces is by working and consulting with numerous stakeholders to devise what the IOG considers is the most complete suite of continuously progressive qualifications and training courses available to all involved in turf maintenance and turf management.

For any individual – whether a young person considering career options, a volunteer, or someone employed in the profession – there is a need to have a well-defined learning pathway which shows the progression and opportunities available.

To help facilitate this need, the IOG has created a comprehensive learning progression pathway which links in with its new Pitch Grading Framework (of which you’ll be hearing more about in future articles).

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A full range of professional development qualifications are now available from Level 2 up to and including Level 6. All the qualifications are ‘knowledge’ qualifications (without any practical assessments), which help to develop longer-term learning and memory recall, and are mostly assessed through written exam papers – though two qualifications require detailed written reports to be submitted (highlighted *): • Level 2 Technical Certificate in Turf Surface

“There is a need to have a learning pathway which shows the progression and opportunities available”

Institute of Groundsmanship

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www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 49

GROW WITH THE IOG

“We provide innovation with vision and action ” Maintenance • Level 3 Technical Diploma in Turf Surface Management • Level 4 Professional Certificate in Turf Management • Level 5 Professional Diploma in Turf Management • Level 6 Professional Certificate in Turf Surface Consulting.

To complement the turf culture specific qualifications, the IOG also offers: • Level 3 Certificate in Supervisory Management* • Level 4 Certificate in Sustainable Turf Management*.

A particular difficulty with modular assessments used by other qualifications (available elsewhere) is that they encourage good short-term memory retention but limit long-term learning. The IOG’s approach has been especially welcomed by many learners wishing to develop their knowledge and understanding, as they are regularly applying their practical skills at work and they do not wish to spend time going over areas they are confident with. This doesn’t, however, mean there isn’t a place for such practical skills qualifications in a learning suite.

50 THE GROUNDSMAN November 2018

T R A I N I N G A N D E D U C AT I O N

Future developments are also planned for some practical skills qualifications at Levels 1 and 2, as well as additional short training courses – another large area the IOG offers.

APPRENTICESHIPS

Raising standards is a continual process and in 2014 the IOG helped to facilitate the Groundsmanship Trailblazer employer group in developing the new Level 2 Sports Turf Operative Apprenticeship Standard. The IOG has supported employers and the industry in developing this and has acknowledged the positive initiative provided by Government in wanting to raise standards across all industries. The approach taken is certainly challenging some training organisations in delivering the higher quality standard, yet the IOG considers this an essential process if it is to continue to have world-class groundsmanship in the UK. This is especially important if we are to attract young people into our industry, especially when there are so many other industries competing for the same labour pool.

To ensure that the final assessment for the new standard is delivered appropriately, Lantra was approved this summer to act as the End Point Assessment Organisation. To further ensure standards are maintained during the assessment process, the IOG was also approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships in August, as the External Quality Assurance organisation. The IOG is already liaising with other quality assurance organisations to help identify best practices

across different industries, so that it can further help our industry to develop.

MATRIX STANDARD

The IOG wants to ensure that it provides impartial information, advice and guidance (IAG) to learners and customers (because it is so easy to focus on one’s own offerings).

With this in mind, the IOG has continued to improve its services by again being re-accredited to the Government’s Matrix quality mark for IAG.

INNOVATION AND VISION

This is just a snapshot of some of the activity the IOG is involved with and it’s all about meeting the needs of ever-increasing demands faced by industry. There are plenty of challenges ahead, but we are an organisation that continually improves and develops, providing innovation with vision and action – rather than rhetoric – and delivers on making turf futures happen now.

For more information about IOG training and education, visit www.iog.org/learning

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