Recognising turfcare professionals' exceptional talents

Every time I watch a sporting event on the television I always, always look at the turf.

I know exactly how much work and effort that has gone into its maintenance, preparation and presentation before hand.

I can also appreciate that it's a science and a skill and it takes many years of experience and education to land a job at a top venue.

Most sportsman take the playing surface for granted and I wonder how many have ever taken the trouble to pop along to the groundstaff's yard and compliment them on their work?

I wrote to Peter Allis a few years back, complimented him on the BBC's commentary teams coverage of the British Open and other golf tournaments and urged - I even wrote about it here - the BBC to spend a little time explaining what a greenkeeping team does before a major event to present a perfect venue.

I personally think it would make compelling viewing and I also reckon there would be enough material to do documentary - Peter responded and said he had no jurisdiction over the format and passed in on to the producer.

I know that Ken brown does a little piece, perhaps explaining how the speed of a green is measured, but the topic of course management is never covered in depth.

Forget the big venues for a moment though and have a think about all of the greenkeeping and groundstaff of all of the smaller sports pitches and playing surfaces around the country - dedicated professionals out in all weathers and often in their own time doing an often thankless task.

The Institute of Groundsmanship have published a news item about the Musselburgh Windsor groundsman, John Buckley, and his dedication to the job over the last twenty seven years.

John was presented with the John Murray Shield by Musselburgh Windsor Football Club - an annual award considered the highest honour from the organisation.

On the IOG website - Mark Saggers spoke to Darren Gough about the challenges facing groundsman - listen to the interview on his TalkSPORT radio show.

Saggers also talks about the IOG awards which were held at the Emirates Stadium earlier in October.