What is it:
SFMA received a grant to investigate if it was possible to determine when a field becomes unsafe for athletes. Led by Dr. Brad Fresenburg, SFMA’s Playing Conditions Index (PCI) was reengineered into a digital format. It is a protected Excel spreadsheet and users can only enter information in the cells that allow entry. The spreadsheet can be saved under different file names by the field manager to maintain records for each field. Not only does the spreadsheet automatically generate a PCI for the field being tested, but it also provides immediate feedback to sports turf managers about areas of their field that need attention if unsafe conditions are present. You may use this spreadsheet for all your fields and as many times as you wish. Click here to access.
What do you need:
Access to a smart phone, tablet, or computer. Download Microsoft’s free app for Excel if you are using a smart phone or tablet. Access the spreadsheet here.
To enter data on percent turfgrass cover, you will need to download the free Canopeo app.
To enter data on field hardness, compaction, and volumetric soil moisture, you will need the following instruments:
– Clegg Impact Hammer
– Soil moisture sensor
– Dial penetrometer
What to do with your results:
Over the course of time, SFMA hopes to develop a database that will help bring us closer to making informed decisions about when fields become unsafe by identifying trends with field usage. Once you collect field data using the spreadsheet, please send the results to kalthouse@stma.org. The spreadsheet can be used as many times as necessary and may act as a recordkeeping tool for your fields. It may also be a good tool for providing data to your administrators to validate your need for additional resources. Please send your results any time you enter data to help us further the mission of keeping fields safe and playable for our athletes.