2016-12-06 Services and Organisation Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA   6 DECEMBER 2016




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SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                               6 DECEMBER 2016

               AUSTRALIAN SPORTS TURF CONSULTANTS                                    [www.ASTCs.com.au
              Turf Maintenance
               We pride ourselves on our nation’s sporting prowess and, in general, we place high
               expectations on our sports grounds at either a community based or elite level. Historically,
               there was greater acceptance of the playing surface condition. Good or bad, it was considered
               the same for both sides. However, in this new era of sport, the playing surface, like all other
               aspects of the game, is required to meet a “standard”. A below par surface will not only impact
               on the quality of the match, but also the likelihood of player injury. In order for an athlete or
               team to successfully perform, it is essential that the playing surface be appropriately managed,
               consistent and most importantly, safe (Roche, 2010).
               Following is information to assist your club and volunteers on planning, budgeting for and
               implementing a turf maintenance program for your sports field.
               Table 4 A general annual turf maintenance plan to assist with the upkeep of your sports
               field

                SPRING        1. Mowing               1. Mow weekly.
                              2. Renovations          2.  Scarify to remove thatch and topdress with sand
                              3. Turf Replacement         if achievable.
                              4. Fertiliser           3.  Turf replacement should be undertaken
                                                          following fixtures to highly worn turfed areas.
                                                      4.  Fertiliser immediately following renovations in
                                                          September. Secondary application, smaller
                                                          amount, in November if required.
                              2. Fertiliser           2.  Fertilise again in February.
                AUTUMN        |1. Mowing              1.  Mow weekly to fortnightly.
                              2. Fertiliser           2.  Fertiliser again in May to get you through until
                                                          spring.
                WINTER        1. Mowing               1.  Mow weekly to fortnightly.
                              2. Weed control         2.  Be mindful of germinating weeds in spring. Pre-
                              3. Soil testing             emergence weed control may be necessary.
                              4. Irrigation audit     3.  Independent soil testing is recommended in July
                              5. Sportsfield audit        to determine your soil fertility and nutrient
                                                          requirements.
                                                      4.  Conduct an internal irrigation audit in June to
                                                          make sure everything is operation and efficient.
                                                      5.  An annual sports field audit to assess the
                                                          playing surface conditions is recommended.

               Reference #14R160614                                                       9of 17| Page

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