Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare sports turf surfaces for play.
It applies to individuals who work under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy with some accountability for their own work. They undertake defined activities and work in a structured context.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare the site to be mown | 1.1 Locate services affecting the turf surface using site plans 1.2 Identify permanent obstacles and work health and safety hazards, assess risks and implement controls 1.3 Remove and replace obstacles before and after mowing 1.4 Report abnormal conditions or changes in the appearance of the site |
2. Prepare equipment for mowing | 2.1 Select appropriate tools, equipment and machinery 2.2 Calibrate the mower and adjust to height according to the manufacturer's guidelines 2.3 Complete pre-operational checks of tools, equipment and machinery 2.4 Select, use and maintain suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) 2.5 Erect suitable safety warning notices during work periods |
3. Mow playing surface | 3.1 Assess grass appearance and report changes in appearance 3.2 Match the mower to any implement attached to it 3.3 Maintain continuous oversight of mowing activities |
4. Undertake final preparation of playing surface | 4.1 Select appropriate line marking tools 4.2 Measure lengths and angles to locate markers and match play equipment 4.3 Complete marking out for to the intended playing surface use 4.4 Place markers and play equipment where necessary 4.5 Record or report work outcomes |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
determine the condition of the existing surface with advice from senior greenkeepers for subsequent routine preparations, treatments and turf cultural practices
prepare a turf surface or sports playing field according to the rules of the game
use turf surface preparation machinery and equipment safely according to manufacturer’s specifications to achieve the desired playing surface outcome
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices of turf preparation for play
competition playing requirements affecting preparation of the turf surface
effect of adverse outdoor climatic conditions
effective and safe use of tools and machinery
high performance uses of turf surfaces
irrigation and drainage system design and operational techniques
potential public nature of turf renovation work sites
purpose of turf surface preparation in maintaining turf presentation
various requirements of turf species and their cultural requirements
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Turf (TRF)