Prepare and maintain the condition of sports turf surfaces
Overview
This standard is for those who prepare and maintain the condition of sports turf surfaces. This will involve clearing the sports turf of debris, marking and setting out for different sports events, producing a surface to the desired speed, surface response to ball, animal or player, moisture content, grass cover, consolidation and trueness according to the requirements of the sport and standard for the event.
If you are working with chemicals or machinery you should be trained and hold current certification in line with relevant legislation.
You must carry out your work in a way which will minimise any impact on the natural environment and enhance its nature, conservation and recreational value.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- be aware of hazards associated with the activity to be carried out
- wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)
prepare, use and maintain tools, equipment and machinery required for the preparation and maintenance of sports turf surfaces safely and correctly
clear sports turf surfaces of unwanted debris
- prepare the sports turf playing surface so that it meets the requirements of the sport and the standard for the event in accordance with specifications
- maintain the condition of sports turf surfaces to enhance quality and appearance
- mark out clearly the sports turf surface appropriate to the sports event
- set out the sports equipment required by the rules of the sport and the standard of the event
- deal with waste safely and correctly in accordance with instructions and relevant legal requirements
- clean tools, equipment and machinery and store them safely and securely
- carry out your work in accordance with relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and organisational policies
- carry out work in a manner which prevents damage to the surrounding area
- restore the site to a clean and tidy condition after the preparation and maintenance of the sports turf surface
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- the hazards associated with preparing and maintaining sports turf surfaces
- the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for the activity
- the types of tools, equipment and machinery required for preparing and maintaining sports turf surfaces and how to prepare, use and maintain these safely and correctly
- how ground conditions affect the preparation and maintenance of sports turf surfaces
- why it is important to clear sports turf surfaces of unwanted debris
- the methods used for preparing and maintaining the condition of sports turf surfaces
- the effects of season, climate and soil conditions on intensity, type and frequency of maintenance operations
- how to mark out the sports turf surface appropriate to sports and events
- the required standard of sports turf surfaces for different events
- the rules governing the relevant sports and how they impact on the preparation and maintenance of the sports turf surfaces
- why it is important to set out sports equipment according to the rules of the sport and the standard of the event and what might happen if you do not
- the importance of following environmental and ecological best practice to help minimise the impact of your work on the environment
- how to handle, transport and dispose of waste in accordance with relevant legal and organisational requirements
- how to clean and store tools, equipment and machinery safely and correctly
- your responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation, codes of practice and organisational policies
- the importance of restoring the site to a clean and tidy condition
Scope/range
A. use the following types of tools and equipment when preparing and maintaining the condition of sports turf surfaces:
- hand tools
- powered equipment
B. use the following methods to prepare and maintain the condition of sports turf surfaces:
- mowing
- irrigation
- scarifying and verticutting
- rolling
- top dressing
- brushing or switching
- aeration
- edging (where appropriate)
- feeding
- grooming
- marking out sports surface
- setting out equipment
C. maintain the following aspects of the playing surface:
- speed
surface response to a ball, animal or player
moisture content
- grass cover
- degree of consolidation
- trueness
Scope Performance
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
Skills
Glossary
Instructions: verbal or written.
Bunker Maintenance: replenish sand, rake,
Specifications: drawings, schedules, method statements, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), manufacturers' guidelines, organisational policies