Module 8:

8.5 Module summary & recall

8.5.1 Module summary

1   With the knowledge gained from the other 7 modules in this course, you have been able to apply that knowledge to create realistic schedules of work for a football pitch.

We have identified the importance of planning pitch usage, especially in relation to the desired and achievable pitch quality grade.

Being open and transparent with users, by explaining how usage (such as games played), maintenance inputs, along with playing quality and pitch performance are all interconnected, will help to better manage expectations of all concerned.

Varying the pitch quality as the season progresses through effective management and managed degradation can be an approach that was demonstrated that might help in getting more games played on a pitch. Explaining the benefits and limitations of this approach can help users make better informed choices in meeting their requirements and expectations.

A detailed example of planning a maintenance activity was described. This involved estimating the typical grass growth rate each month and then determining the mowing requirements, in cuts per month, to stay within the desired performance standard for grass height between games.

A similar, more considered and scientific type of approach can be applied to all maintenance activities in helping to determine how they might influence pitch performance and the cost-effectiveness of the activity at a particular time of year.

2   Examples of four quarterly maintenance schedules (for Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter) were shown.

An interactive schedule for each of these four periods was been included where you were able to readily amend and change the inputs. The aim of this was to engage you in the process of creating realistic schedules that are directly related to your pitch and which applies knowledge gained from the course into immediate practical aid.

We finished off this module with an example of a full 12-month schedule, along with estimated times for each activity. This was to demonstrate how the planning schedules can be developed further, which is another steppingstone towards the creation of a comprehensive work programme.

Now that you have completed this eighth and final module of the course on Football Pitch Grounds Management you might want to see how much effective learning has taken place and what your memory recall is for the entire course. We have included a range of self-assessments for you to gauge your memory recall of the entire course in Module 9; but only if you wish to challenge yourself further.

Before you do go, we’ve included 10 multiple-choice questions to help wrap up this Module and your final learning journey of the course. Good luck.