Sports Field Management Association - International Affiliate Benefits for WCTA Members

via SFMA

After years of looking at one another over the fence, the Western Canada Turfgrass (WCTA) Association and the US based, Sports Field Management Association (SFMA), have officially joined forces with the WCTA being recognized as SFMA's most recent 'International Affiliate Organization' (IAO).

The main benefit to WCTA members of IAO affiliation is being able to access SFMA's education, professional development, and resources at the same rate available to SFMA members. 

Below is how WCTA members could benefit:
  •  Education & professional development: WCTA members would have access to SFMA education, training opportunities and other professional resources at the SFMA member rate.*
  •  Conference opportunities: WCTA members can receive the SFMA member rate for SFMA National conference registration. We will provide you with a discount code to allow them to register at the SFMA member rate.
  •  CSFM program: Members interested in pursuing the Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) designation can access the CSFM program at the SFMA member cost, if they qualify for the program.
  •  Industry resources and information: Educational materials, information and other resources available to WCTA members at the member rate.

*For the Turfgrass Management 101 course, SFMA will offer WCTA members 50% off the regular non-member rate, so $30 instead of $60. (see registration instructions below)

In addition, not for the general WCTA member, but for one person, designated by the WCTA, SFMA can provide a complimentary annual membership. 

WCTA President Nathan Wade stated, "We are very excited that the WCTA has been recognized as a SFMA International Affiliate and encourage our members to take full advantage of all its benefits," adding, "Fostering partnerships with complementary associations where mutually advantageous is a high priority amongst our Strategic Planning goals."

The annual responsibilities of an International Affiliate Organization (IAO) are below:
a. to provide to SFMA the requested ongoing documentation
    1. annual list of board members, providing changes as appropriate
    2. contact information for the complimentary membership designee annually
    3. proof of good standing as a business entity annually
b. respond to requests from SFMA regarding organizational members who are eligible for SFMA discounts
c. to promote SFMA benefits to its participants
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To receive the discount, WCTA members can use the discount code TGMGMT101_IAO when registering.  How to register:
1. Log in to the SFMA Portal or create an account if they don't already have one.
2. Navigate to View Courses under the Educational Offerings tab.
3. Select Turfgrass Management 101 and proceed through the registration process.
4. On the Order Details page, click the Apply Coupon Code button.
5. Enter TGMGMT101_IAO in the coupon code box and click the checkmark to apply the code.
6. The amount due should change from $60 to $30.
7. Once they confirm the discounted rate is correct, they will enter their payment information and complete the checkout process.