New Groundsperson Where to Start is a printable check list and blog notes for a new to role volunteer Groundsperon or Greenkeeper, the checklist was put together with the input of the TurfCareBlog community over on our facebook pages
Health and Safety- Checklist Notes
Your own safety is paramount, where are there are hazards and risks for you?
-Health and Safety of volunteers- https://resources.thegma.org.uk/does-health-safety-apply-me
Do you need help in gauging this or and need help accessing and starting of machinery, see links below for pitch advisors or speak to someone who is familiar with the machines.
Facilities -Check list Notes
What fuel types are the machinery, E5 or E10 or diesel in the machines?
My tip is take a look at the manufactures manuals to find out, some machines have it on the fuel tank, if in doubt speak to the mechanic who last serviced the machines.
If competition and confident, start-up of machines are in safe, working order. Your safety trumps your clubs needs, you can get hurt doing this role, as this blog details –https://turfcareblog.com/5-steps-to-staying-safe-as-a-groundsman/
Take an inventory of grass seed, fertiliser and chemicals and speak to a supplier in such things who should be FACTS and BASIS certificated to advise on what you can and can not use safely. Many products require you to have a licence to use- I will propose if you have no one to advise, speak to Colliers Turf Care or Pitchcare.com or TurfCareShop.com all would be happy and able to assist you.
Do you have the basic tools and equipment to do the job, there are funding options for machinery and projects available. link to tools and equipment-https://turfcareblog.com/tools-and-equipment-for-cricket-groundsman/
Become familiar with the ground, on the lowest part of the ground is there an outlet from a possible drainage system?
Want to see a aerial view of your ground, it may also show up any drainage lines your site may have- take a look at google maps.
Your square/pitch should be made up of the cricket loam/ topdressing you apply, at least the top of it. It would also be useful to find out what the naturally/native soils is , this will give you a indication of your soil characterises – https://www.landis.org.uk/soilscapes/index.cfm if your site is also called something like Pond Lane you can be pretty sure it may sit wet:
Want a quick rough idea of how big your pitch or outfield is and don’t have time initially to measure out, in the meantime download a area measurement app.
Print off
Print off and if you need to return to this blog for details on checklist, simply just scan the QR code with your device camera.
Connecting Checklist Notes
Who is your local or regional pitch advisor, get in touch if needed and they will help you assess the state of the pitch and where you go from there –https://www.thegma.org.uk/services/pitch-advisory-service/
Also see if your local sports foundation as they may have their own support networks
Connect up locally to other groundspersons/greenkeepers in your area who will be a font of knowledge- They could easily be found by local means or just pop in or maybe on the off chance, they could be part of one of TurfCareBlog Facebook groups, below.
Join Here- The Cricket Groundsperson or Groundsperson UK, groups on facebook, which are a font of knowledge shared by thousands of other groundsperson across the UK.
Training Checklist Notes
What are your training needs, are you competent in the setting up and use of fine turf machinery, do you know where to start. -Get in touch with your local FA or Cricket Board can pass on details of local pitch advisors.
Do you know where to do basic online or face to face training locally, see attached links.
Training link-https://www.thegma.org.uk/learning/courses/ , Pitch Advisors networks-https://www.thegma.org.uk/services/pitch-advisory-service/
Also don’t forget our resources here at TurfCareBlog.com such as our Help Hub, with How to Guides and lots of free resources – https://turfcareblog.com/ .
Careers Support
You maybe reading this as a volunteer groundsperson or greenkeeper, just looking to support your club. If your not and looking to do it full time, visit the careers support links page on the clickable banner below.
Brian Sandalls
PS- If your genuinely a new groundspeson/greenkeeper, contact me below and l send you a free eBook.
Struggling with any of the above, send me a message and l try and steer you in the right direction-
