Groundskeeper Courses
The Grounds Management Association (GMA) have a wide range of specialised cricket ground maintenance courses to support the development of Groundskeepers.Level 1 Cricket Grounds Maintenance (Online)
The Grounds Management Association (GMA) have a range of training courses that are suitable for both the professional and grass roots volunteer. The new online Level 1 modules cover a range of sports and allow you to gain an awareness and general understanding of the tasks involved in maintaining playing surfaces.
What is involved in this online course?
It is all online.
This online option will suit those volunteers that do not have time to travel and attend a course. You will learn about that tasks involved in maintaining a playing surface in a cost-effective way.
How much does it cost?
£46.00 (inc. VAT)
What does the course content cover?
The course takes around 4-5 hours to complete although you do have a window of 28 days to complete it.
There are 3 modules to this training course. All are designed to either give you a new understanding or build on your experiences so far.
Requirements of the groundsperson and pitch
- Pitch and player requirements
- Introduction to Performance Quality Standards
- Maintenance activities
Maintenance activities (Equipment and Machinery)
- Types of equipment and machinery
- Equipment and machinery settings
- Safe use of equipment and machinery
- Safe use and storage (Materials)
- Storage and safe disposal
- Types of material
- Application and effects of incorrect use
Each module has an informal self-assessment test, plus there is a formal end of course multiple choice assessment test, which is also online.
After you have completed these 3 modules, we will also suggest other topics of progression should you wish to continue to learn.
Please note that to ensure timely completion of this course access will only be available for 28 days from the point of booking. However, there are many useful documents within the online course that you can save / print for you to refer back to.
What do you get?
You will receive a certificate of completion which can compliment your own CPD activity.
Level 1 Cricket Pitches: In Season
Optimise pitch playability with a one day course
What is involved within this course?
The key subjects – definition, assessment and preparation, to mowing, scarification and verticutting, plus more – are studied through a progressive one-day GMA Learning course. With delivery from an industry expert experience an educational hands-on training day featuring an informative presentation, plus turf care theory and practical working demonstrations. On completion of this opening step you will be aware of what is involved in preparing and maintaining a surface that allows maximum playability for the season. In addition you will also receive a Certificate of Attendance. (Food and drink are provided).
What does the course content cover?
Some of the key subjects:
- Early spring maintenance
- Mowing, scarification and brushing
- Irrigation, rolling and fertiliser application
- Preparation of the square and match pitch
Why should I participate in this course?
Ideal for the volunteer, new employee or just as a refresher for established employees, this learning route will support and develop those involved in maintaining or managing a cricket surface. Develop your skills and knowledge with the latest best practices, and explore the requirements in preparing a cricket surface ready for the playing season. Plus, how to maintain a cricket pitch during the playing season.
What can I do after this course?
To further build on the GMA route, undertake Level 1 Cricket Pitches: Autumn Renovation and Winter Maintenance course or enhance your learning by taking your next step with our Level 2 Cricket Pitches: Applied Turf Culture. An additional option, with further study, is to undertake the Level 2 GMA Technical Certificate in Turf Surface Maintenance – to possibly provide an initial formal qualification in turf maintenance. This qualification is ideal for those who wish to further develop their understanding of technical aspects of turf maintenance. No practical work is involved with this qualification.
What is the cost of the course?
Non-members pay: £385.00 (inc. VAT)
GMA members pay: £205.00 (inc. VAT)
Level 1 Cricket Pitches: Renovation
Optimise next season’s playability with a one day course
What is involved within this course?
The key subjects – end of season work, assessment, mowing, scarification and brushing, plus more – are studied through a progressive one-day GMA Learning course. With delivery from an industry expert, experience an educational hands-on training day featuring an informative presentation, plus turf care theory and practical working demonstrations. On completion of this course you will possess the knowledge you need in order to renovate a cricket surface and therefore create a suitable foundation for the following spring’s preparation, and the winter’s maintenance work. You’ll also receive a Certificate of Attendance. (Food and drink are provided).
What does the course content cover?
Some of the key subjects:
- Winter maintenance
- Mowing, scarification and brushing
- Fertiliser application
- Pitch repair and renovation
- Turf problems; weeds, pests and diseases
Why should I participate in this course?
Ideal for the volunteer, new employee or just as a refresher for established employees, this learning route will support and develop those involved in maintaining or managing a cricket surface. Develop your skills and knowledge with the latest best practices, and explore the requirements that contribute to the end of season work to prepare a cricket surface ready for the following playing season.
What can I do after this course?
To further build on the GMA route, undertake Level 1 Cricket Pitches: Spring Preparation and Summer Maintenance course or enhance your learning by taking your next step with our Level 2 Cricket Pitches: Applied Turf Culture. An additional option, with further study, is to undertake the Level 2 GMA Technical Certificate in Turf Surface Maintenance – to possibly provide an initial formal qualification in turf maintenance. This qualification is ideal for those who wish to further develop their understanding of technical aspects of turf maintenance. No practical work is involved with this qualification.
What is the cost of the course?
Non-members pay: £385.00 (inc. VAT)
GMA members pay: £205.00 (inc. VAT)
Level 2 Cricket Pitches: Applied Turf Culture
Explore some of the theory involved in maintaining cricket surfaces
What is involved within this course?
The key subjects – maintenance practices, soils, fertilisers and nutrients, to plant growth, general controls and new developments, plus more – are studied through a progressive one-day GMA Learning course. With delivery from an industry expert, experience an educational training day featuring an informative presentation and explore some of the theory involved in maintaining a cricket surface. In addition, you will also receive a Certificate of Attendance. (Food and drink are provided).
What does the course content cover?
Some of the key subjects:
- Performance Quality Standards
- Safe working practices
- Soils, pH and top-dressings
- Turfgrass identification
- Fertilisers and nutrients
Why should I participate in this course?
Ideal for experienced volunteers, employee professional development or just as a refresher for established employees, this learning route will support and develop craftsperson skills for those who maintain or manage a cricket surface. On completion of this second step you will be aware of the requirements in surface renovation. Keep your skills and knowledge up to date with the latest best practices, and explore the requirements you need to meet in order to increase your surface’s longevity.
What can I do after this course?
To further build on the GMA route, enhance your learning by taking your next step with our Level 3 Cricket Pitches: Advanced Turf Culture. An additional option, with further study, is to undertake the Level 2 GMA Technical Certificate in Turf Surface Maintenance – to possibly provide an initial formal qualification in turf maintenance. This qualification may also be beneficial for people who have completed other courses at Level 2 who wish to further develop their understanding of the technical aspects of turf maintenance. No practical work is involved with this qualification.
What is the cost of the course?
Non-members pay: £415.00 (inc. VAT)
GMA members pay: £225.00 (inc. VAT)
Level 3 Cricket Pitches: Advanced Turf Culture
Explore aspects of turf culture which are applied in managing cricket pitches
What is involved within this course?
The key management subjects – soils, drainage and irrigation, to grasses, nutrient levels and IPM, plus more – are studied through a progressive one-day GMA Learning course. With delivery from an industry expert experience an educational training day featuring an informative presentation and explore aspects of turf culture which are applied in managing cricket pitches. On completion of this final training step you will be able to successfully manage pitch playability. In addition, you will also receive a Certificate of Attendance. (Food and drink are provided).
What does the course content cover?
Some of the key subjects:
- Soils: choosing cricket square and outfield materials
- Drainage: impact on playability
- Grasses – choosing seeds and cultivars
- Managing nutrient levels for optimum playing surfaces
- Managing surfaces with Performance Quality Standards
Why should I participate in this course?
Ideal for experienced volunteers, employees and line managers, or just as a refresher for established employees, this learning route will support and develop skills needed to manage a cricket surface. Explore, develop and reinforce applied technical skills and knowledge, with the latest, best practices, and lead your team to success.
What can I do after this course?
To further build on the GMA route, undertake the Level 3 GMA Technical Diploma in Turf Surface Management – or Level 3 GMA Supervisory Management – providing formal qualifications in different aspects of turf management. These qualifications may be beneficial for people who have completed other courses at Level 3 who wish to further develop their understanding of the technical aspects of turf management or leadership and management skills. No practical work is involved with these qualifications.
What is the cost of the course?
Non-members pay: £450.00 (inc. VAT)
GMA members pay: £245.00 (inc. VAT)
Eric Woodmason / Gloucestershire Grounds Association
Gloucestershire born and bred, Eric was educated at Marling School, Stroud and Keble College, Oxford. Joined Frocester CC in 1976 and holds a number of positions at the club, including secretary, groundsman and lead youth coach. Played in the Frocester X1 at Lords in 1993.
Following 30 years in the Gloucestershire Constabulary and 17 years as a National Panel RFU referee, with several appearances in the Premiership and European Cup, Eric was offered a full-time role with the GCB in 2008. Has been a Level 3 coach and County Coach since 2003 and is now a Coach Development Tutor, a County Pitch Advisor and, last season, qualified as an umpire, standing in the GCL.
Has 2 children: Richard, who, following 4 years at Trent Bridge, has a grounds business in Gloucestershire, and Claire, who works at The Ritz. Loves the South of France and it’s red wine, particularly those of St Chinian, where he has visited every village in the appellation, and is a regular visitor to Sri Lanka.
