The Sports Turf Management: Best Practices course will cover the construction, management, and challenges in maintaining athletic fields intended for football, soccer, and baseball. You will learn the fundamental management practices for maintaining athletic fields, such as fertilization, irrigation, mowing, and pest control. An overview of athletic field construction, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of native soil versus modified soil fields, will be provided. Lastly, you will explore the effects of traffic and compaction on athletic fields and the development of artificial turf.
This course is a non-credit course that is part of the College of ACES suite of online programs. To learn more about online programs from the College of ACES and explore ways to apply your work toward a degree program at the University of Illinois, visit acesonline.illinois.edu.
Module one will examine the principles of athletic field construction. Explore site analysis factors such as drainage and soil condition. Overall, the principles of athletic field construction require careful planning, attention to detail, and expertise to ensure a safe and functional playing surface.
What's included
10 videos4 readings1 assignment
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10 videos•Total 40 minutes
The History of Sports is Turf•6 minutes
Soldier Field Introduction•2 minutes
Jets Field Introduction•4 minutes
Getting into the Sports Turf Business•3 minutes
1.1 | Athletic Field Drainage •6 minutes
1.2 | Soil •6 minutes
1.2a | Natural Soil Fields•3 minutes
1.2b | Modified Soil Fields •3 minutes
1.3a | Jets Field: Turf Species and Varieties•3 minutes
1.3b | Other Field Designs•2 minutes
4 readings•Total 42 minutes
Course Introduction•5 minutes
Instructor Profile•5 minutes
Module 1 | Introduction•2 minutes
1.2c | Construction of Sand-based, Natural Grass Athletic Fields•30 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Module 1 | Quiz•30 minutes
MODULE 2 | Athletic Field Maintenance
1 hour to complete
Module details
The right tools and techniques are essential for effective athletic field maintenance. Regular maintenance is vital for the safety and longevity of the field and for the enjoyment of the players who use it. This module will discuss critical aspects of athletic field maintenance, including mowing, fertilizing, aerating, and irrigating. An athletic field can provide a safe and enjoyable playing surface for years with proper care.
What's included
6 videos3 readings1 assignment
Show info about module content
6 videos•Total 26 minutes
2.1a | Mowing •3 minutes
2.1b | Irrigation•4 minutes
2.1c | Fertility •6 minutes
2.1e | Pest Management •6 minutes
2.2a | Soldier Field: Use and Maintenance •4 minutes
2.2b | Jets Field: Challenges and Responsibilities •3 minutes
3 readings•Total 19 minutes
Module 2 | Introduction•5 minutes
2.1d | Cultivation•6 minutes
2.2c | 7 Habits of Poor Sports Turf Managers•8 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Module 2 | Quiz•30 minutes
MODULE 3 | Traffic and Compaction on Athletic Fields
1 hour to complete
Module details
Maintaining athletic fields can be a challenge, especially when it comes to traffic and compaction. Traffic refers to the movement of people and equipment over the field, while compaction refers to the compression of soil caused by this traffic. Both can harm the health and longevity of the field, leading to reduced playability and increased risk of injury. In this module, we will explore the causes and effects of traffic and compaction on athletic fields and strategies for preventing and mitigating these issues. Whether you are a coach, groundskeeper, or concerned community member, this module will provide valuable insights into how to keep your athletic fields in top condition for years to come.
3.1a | Soldier Field: Crew and Challenges •3 minutes
3.1b | Jets Field: Player Safety •3 minutes
3.2 | Managing Traffic and Compaction •7 minutes
3.2b | Soldier Field: Sod and Topdressing•2 minutes
3.2c | Soldier Field: Technology and Machines •2 minutes
3.2d | Jets Field: Traffic •2 minutes
2 readings•Total 12 minutes
Module 3 | Introduction•5 minutes
3.2a | Breaking Up is Hard to Do: Why it's Important to Decompact Your Fields•7 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Module 3 | Quiz •30 minutes
MODULE 4 | Artificial Turf Fields
1 hour to complete
Module details
Artificial turf fields have become increasingly popular due to their durability and low maintenance requirements. Constructed of synthetic fibers that mimic the look and feel of natural grass, these fields make an attractive option for sports teams and recreational facilities. In addition to being more resistant to wear and tear than natural grass, artificial turf can be used regardless of weather conditions. However, some concerns about these fields' safety and environmental impact exist.
What's included
5 videos3 readings1 assignment
Show info about module content
5 videos•Total 22 minutes
4.1 | History and Evolution of Artificial Turf •7 minutes
4.2 | Artificial Turf Maintenance •3 minutes
4.3a | Injury Concerns on Artificial Turf •7 minutes
4.3c | Player Preference •2 minutes
4.4 | Artificial Turf vs. Natural Turf Costs •4 minutes
3 readings•Total 23 minutes
Module 4 | Introduction•5 minutes
4.2a | Synthetic Turf Best Management Practices•12 minutes
4.3b | Why The NFL's approach to Field Surfaces is Uneven•6 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Module 4 | Quiz•30 minutes
Additional Resources & Final Assessment
2 hours to complete
Module details
Explore additional resources, use the information you learned throughout the course to analyze a case study, and complete the final assessment.
What's included
1 video5 readings2 assignments
Show info about module content
1 video•Total 6 minutes
Case Study: "Something's Rotten in this Field"•6 minutes
5 readings•Total 70 minutes
Supplementary Readings & Resources•10 minutes
Sports Turf Management Slides (PDF)•10 minutes
Case Study: Part 1•10 minutes
Case Study: How Water Moves Through Soil•30 minutes
Congratulations!•10 minutes
2 assignments•Total 70 minutes
Case Study: Diagnosis•10 minutes
Final Assessment•60 minutes
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