Unit of competency details

AHCTRF305A

Renovate sports turf

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Identify turf renovation needs

1.1 Turf surfaces are inspected and visually evaluated to determine their condition

1.2 Soil tests are undertaken to determine their need for amelioration

1.3 Compaction, visual, physical and chemical tests are performed

1.4 Water quality tests are undertaken where appropriate to determine its effect on turf growth and development

2 Select appropriate renovation techniques

2.1 A range of renovation techniques and practices are considered based on past practices and existing condition of turf

2.2 Renovation records are referred to for information about previous practices and timing

2.3 Turf renovation techniques are selected according to the condition of the turf and the intended outcome of the program

2.4 The timing of the renovation program is determined according to the requirements of the turf species, requirements of the practice and the needs of players and use of the turf facility

2.5 An on-going turf maintenance program is prepared

3 Organise staff and resources for turf renovation project

3.1 The turf renovation program is recorded and programmed into greenkeeping program of works

3.2 Machinery and equipment for the renovation program are determined and checked for availability and working condition

3.3 Consumable requirements are calculated and ordered

3.4 Contractors and machinery are contacted and hired, if necessary, according to the requirements of the program

4 Review renovation outcomes and complete associated record keeping

4.1 Soil testing and water quality test results are recorded for future reference

4.2 Direct costs of consumables and contractors are recorded for future reference

4.3 Indirect costs of staff involvement are recorded for future reference

4.4 Renovation practices and outcomes are recorded for future reference

Required skills include:

Ability to: 

• research industry turf renovation practices
• undertake a site assessment
• interpret existing soil conditions
• evaluate existing turf conditions
• interpret site water quality data
• recognise turf renovation requirements based on turf type and usage
• estimate and calculate quantities of materials and costs of renovation program resources
• read and interpret renovation product labels
• plan and schedule project works
• communicate in writing and verbally.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of: 

• requirements of the turf’s intended use
• soil physical and chemical properties for imported and existing soils
• schedule and intensity
• specialist turf renovation principles and practices
• field measurement techniques such as infiltration rate, organic fines, hardness, traction, surface smoothness and turf sward height
• enterprise and industry standards for turf surface appearance and quality
• comparative environmental implications of renovation activities, turf and soil treatments and waste disposal procedures
• planting, care and renovation scheduling requirements of turf grass species and cultivars.
• turf nutrition and plant growth regulators
• impact of climatic conditions on turf recovery.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

• development of renovation documentation
• development of program specifications
• development of a schedule and a plan of the scope of works
• ordering and arranging purchase and delivery of goods and services
• identifying and incorporating sub-contracted works into the turf renovation plan
• preparation of an on-going turf maintenance program.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some workplaces may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

Method of assessment

This Unit should be assessed together with core Units and other Units of Competency relevant to the function or work role.

Guidance information for assessment

To ensure consistency of performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.

The range statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Renovation consumables may include:

• soil additives
• fertilisers
• wetting agents.

Turf renovation

Projects applying to:

• race tracks
• bowling greens
• golf course fairways, aprons and greens
• lawn courts
• sports playing fields
• areas that are turfed for amenity purposes.