Groundsmanship

Pitch Adviser Scheme

For £100 WCB can send out their ECB Pitch Advisers to do a neutral and expert report on your pitch.

They will take a core sample to identify root growth, observe any layering and register thatch (dead grass which needs removing). A written report will then be delivered with recommendations for actions.

The Warwickshire advisers are Geoff Calcott, Groundsman at Kenilworth Wardens CC and Dick Chase from Moseley CC.

Warwickshire Groundsman Association

This is an active association which organises talks and seminars and occasional small grants for individual groundsmen to attend IOG courses.

The contacts are:
Chairman: Dick Chase - dickchase@hotmail.com
Secretary: Ed McCabe - edmccabe@edgbaston.com
Pitch Adviser: Geoff Calcott - geoffcalcott@aol.com

IOG Courses

All of our courses are delivered by professional trainers who are, or have been, practising groundmen at the most senior level. To ensure you can put what you learn on the day into practice on your pitch, every delegate receives a comprehensive pack which explains in detail all of the elements of that course.

Many of our sports turf courses are delivered at three levels. To follow is an explanation of what you can expect to gain from each level, and who would benefit from attending.

Level 1
Level 1 focuses on the practical skills required to prepare, maintain and renovate the sports surface.

This would suit any person involved in a practical grounds maintenance role who is working alone or as part of a larger team. It is particularly beneficial as an introductory course for those who are new to the profession, or as a refresher course for the more seasoned groundsman who wants to keep abreast of up-to-date techniques.

Level 2
The level 2 course explains the theory and science behind the practical elements of the Level 1 course and provides the groundsman with the required skills to make longer term assessments on the management of the surface.

This would suit any person involved in a practical grounds maintenance role who is working alone or as part of a larger team. It would be of particular benefit to those who have already completed a Level 1 course, or as a precursor for those who would like to develop complete surface and resource management skills on a Level 3 course.

Level 3
The Level 3 course explains the management techniques and principles required by today's experienced groundstaff to produce a safe and consistent surface. It also builds on technical knowledge in line with current processes and techniques.

This will be suitable for experienced groundstaff and for those who have already completed an IOG Level 1 and 2 course in their sporting field. This level of course would be of most benefit to those in senior or stand-alone positions and who are responsible for making assessments and decisions about the management of resources and the surface.

To attend any of the above courses, contact Ed McCabe or go direct to the IOG website at www.iog.org