More than 50 budding cricket pitch curators were in attendance at the famed Adelaide Oval on Monday September 1 to learn from some of the most respected turf managers in the industry. 

The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association, in partnership with Turf Management SA, conducted the ASTMA Accredited Cricket Pitch Curators Program (level 1), a Cricket Australia-endorsed practical training program for anyone passionate about cricket pitch preparation or seeking to enhance their turf management skills.

In what was a great day for all involved, the attendees were treated to the guidance and expertise from some of the world’s best curators including ASTMA board member and Adelaide Oval head curator Damian Hough, as well as Todd Heinrich and Ben Emery. South Australian Cricket Association head groundsman Trent Kelly was the other guest presenter to share his knowledge and provide valuable hands-on experience.

Kelly and his team were responsible for delivering the Karen Rolton Oval pitch for last year’s Sheffield Shield final, which was won by South Australia. 

The well represented group spent the first session watching a presentation and talking about pitch preparation and renovation practices. 

The group spent the rest of the day out on the Adelaide Oval number two ground where pitches were prepared and renovations undertaken.

The Curator Program consists of 4 levels of accreditation, with structured development to build from an introductory foundation level for new, inexperienced or volunteer curators - through to in-depth training on advanced aspects of turf management and preparation of pitches for curators at venues hosting national and international fixtures. 

The accreditation courses are a combination of skill and knowledge development, comprising elements of face to face learning, virtual learning modules, and online assessments to ensure skill, knowledge and competency is attained through each level of accreditation.  

To find out more about the program click this link: Accredited Cricket Pitch Curators Program

Story by Nick Creely/ Pictures courtesy of the TMSA