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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Carry out preliminary planning activities for turf establishment
  2. Determine requirements of turf establishment works
  3. Prepare and document the turf establishment plan and specifications

Evidence Required

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole

Competence in planning the establishment of sports turf playing surfaces requires evidence that a person can assess site factors select suitable plant species determine resources and equipment for constructing soil profiles planting and maintenance and prepare plans specifications quotations and associated documents

The skills and knowledge required to plan turf establishment works must be transferable to a different work environment For example this could include different turf species playing surfaces and enterprise procedures and policies

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below

the principles and practices of establishing and maintaining a range of sports turf playing surfaces in relation to client needs and the standards required for the intended use of the surface

construction procedures plant selection and cultural practices for sports turf playing surfaces

legislation and regulations relating to sports turf sites and turf establishment works

site evaluation techniques including analysis of the condition of soils plants and the site for turf establishment activities

growth habits and cultural requirements of specific turf plant species and cultivars under a range of soil and environmental conditions

maintenance requirements and practices for specific turf plant species and cultivars prior to and after initial establishment

surveying principles and techniques

the role of project briefs and client consultation processes in planning turf establishment works

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria

To achieve the performance criteria appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required These include the ability to

communicate and negotiate orally and in writing with the client staff managers suppliers contractors and consultants

research and evaluate information

record all relevant information

calculate the cost and spatial and logistical requirements of components of the turf establishment works

document plans specifications and turf establishment work procedures and write reports for staff managers clients and contractors

comply with legislative requirements

What processes should be applied to this competency standard

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions Some of these are covered by the key competencies although others may be added The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where not required perform the process perform and administer the process and perform administer and design the process

How can communication of ideas and information be applied

Results of the analysis of the site and selection of plants and hardscape components should be communicated with the client orally and in writing There is likely to be negotiation between the developer of the turf establishment plan and the client to achieve objectives

How can information be collected analysed and organised

Some information will need to be researched andor obtained from test results Information addressing the specific requirements of the turf establishment works should be analysed and outcomes discussed with the client and other members of the work team Information should be organised and presented as a site plan documented plans quotation written work procedures and timeline chart and schedules for turf establishment activities

How are activities planned and organised

The planning process should proceed in an orderly and efficient manner Timely and appropriate information needs to be available for decisionmaking The plan for turf establishment works should reflect the activities required to implement the works

How can team work be applied

Planning the establishment of sports turf playing surfaces may involve working with other members of a team to achieve the desired outcomes

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

Mathematical concepts will be required to measure quantities distances depth and calculate areas resources costs ratios scales planting and application rates

How can problemsolving skills be applied

Problems relating to the requirements of the client nature of the turf establishment site availability of resources and equipment costs and environmental issues may arise during planning of the turf establishment works

How can the use of technology be applied

Technology will be required to record store and communicate ideas and information It will also be used to research relevant information obtain and analyse data from site evaluation tests and to produce the turf establishment plan

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package All users of these competency standards must have access to the Assessment Guidelines Further advice may also be sought from the relevant sector booklet

Range Statement

Range of Variables

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in particular training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available

Who may be referred to as a client?

Clients may include the enterprise's management or a private individual, company, community group, government agency, or a combination of these entities.

What preferences and requirements may clients have?

These may include the purpose or intended use of the sports turf playing surface, preferred turf plant species and cultivars, plant characteristics, growth habits and cultural requirements, maintenance services for the turf playing surface, budget limitations, and timelines for implementation of the turf establishment works.

What sports turf playing surfaces may apply to this standard?

Sports turf playing surfaces may include golf course surfaces, bowling greens, cricket pitches, tennis courts, other high performance surfaces and multi-purpose sports grounds.

What biophysical factors of the site may you need to assess?

Biophysical factors may include rainfall, humidity, wind, sunlight intensity, mean temperatures, season length, soil types, structure and profiles, nutrient toxicities and deficiencies, the aspect of the site, slope, natural and artificial watercourses, other water supplies and quality, outcrops and existing plant species.

What services on the site may need to be located?

Services may include water supply, gas, power (electricity), telecommunications, irrigation, stormwater and drainage.

What site modifications may influence the turf establishment plan?

Modifications may include human intervention such as the placement or removal of buildings, structures, features, plants and landscaping attributes, and natural events such as wildfire, flooding and drought.

What resources may be used for research?

Resources may include team members, senior managers, industry consultants, own knowledge, specific industry, technical and research literature, supplier specifications, catalogues, local historical performance data and industry best practice guidelines.

What legal attributes of the site may influence the turf establishment plan?

These may include conservation of the historical, cultural or heritage values of the site and particular features, the nature of ownership, covenants and easements.

What local by-laws and restrictions may affect the turf establishment plan?

These may include prohibited plant species, restricted plant species, land-use restrictions, legal processes, and requirements for site development and work activities.

What environmental implications may be associated with the planned turf establishment works?

Improved weed control, drainage, irrigation and soil structure resulting from turf establishment works may benefit the surrounding environment through minimisation of weed distribution, water logging, water and applied chemical run-off, and more effective water application and use by targeted plant areas.

Detrimental impacts may include nuisance level noise and emissions associated with large-scale earthworks, hardscape installation and planting activities that may be required components of the turf establishment works.

What turf establishment procedures may apply to this standard?

Turf establishment procedures involving softscape features of the sports turf playing surface may include construction of soil profiles, soil treatments, preparation of soil surfaces for planting, planting methods, management of juvenile turf and the assessment of readiness of the turf for use.

Turf establishment procedures involving hardscape features of the sports turf playing surface may include installation of irrigation and/or drainage systems, the protection of plants by fencing, and controlling pedestrian and vehicular traffic through the erection of signs and barriers.

What resources may be required for the turf establishment works?

Physical resources may include soil and plant testing consumables, rootzone, irrigation and drainage materials, soil additives such as gypsum, lime or zeolite, artificial fibre, organic matter, mineral fertiliser, turf grids, lock sand and fibre turf, fencing materials, weed, pest and disease control materials, irrigation and drainage system components, and excavation and construction materials.

Human resources may include paid labour, contractors, suppliers and consultants.

What tools, equipment and machinery may be required for the turf establishment works?

Tools, equipment and machinery may include soil testing equipment, surveying equipment, hand tools, trailed, 3-point linkage and motorised machinery for excavation, soil treatment, planting, and turf maintenance operations.

What OHS hazards may be identified as part of the plan for the establishment of sports turf playing surfaces?

Hazards may include disturbance or interruption of services, solar radiation, dust, noise, soil-, air- and water-borne micro-organisms, chemicals and hazardous substances, sharp hand tools and equipment, manual handling, moving vehicles, machinery and machinery parts, slippery and uneven surfaces, and flying and falling objects.

What controls may be introduced to minimise the risk of OHS hazards?

Controls should be introduced according to enterprise OHS policies and procedures, and may include identifying hazards; assessing and reporting risks; cleaning, maintaining and storing tools, equipment and machinery; appropriate use of personal protective equipment including sun protection; safe operation of tools, equipment and machinery; safe handling, use and storage of chemicals and hazardous substances; correct manual handling; appropriate use of safety equipment such as signage and protective barriers; basic first aid available on site; personal hygiene, and reporting problems to managers.

What specifications for staged implementation may apply to this standard?

These may include gradual establishment of turf surfaces in a sporting complex, planting during different times, and provision of access for future works.

What may be included in a quotation at this standard?

The quotation when estimating the cost of the turf establishment works may include a bill of quantities, and costs of labour, equipment and machinery, and professional and sub-contracted services.

The bill of quantities may include unit costs, sub-contractor estimates, quantity calculations, brief specification of materials, contingency items, prime cost items, and development and/or consolidation works.

For more information on contexts, environmental implications and variables for training and assessment, refer to the Sector Booklet.