BASIS Classroom launches first lesson for amenity sector

Sustainable Turf Disease Management is the first learning module to be offered in the BASIS Classroom for those involved in the amenity sector.

BASIS Classroom, launched in 2021, enables members of the BASIS Professional Register to gain continuing professional development (CPD) points via online training. Over the past 11 months, it has proved a success. Over 17,000 courses have been taken and more than 35,000 CPD points awarded. Now, the first course for those in the amenity sector is available, with more to come.

This first course has been developed in conjunction with SGL which provides advice and products on sports turf around the world. The course provides an opportunity for amenity advisers to gain additional knowledge, focussed on sustainable turf disease management.

SGL agronomist Irene Vroegop said: "In this course delegates will learn what conditions need to be met for a disease outbreak to occur and what can be done to eliminate such conditions. Disease outbreaks can be minimised by choosing a high-quality seed that is adapted to the site conditions and intended turf use, breaking the disease cycle of pathogens present or by altering the environmental conditions with maintenance practices. We will go into disease diagnosis, why a correct diagnosis is so important and what supporting tools are available.

"A high and equal pitch quality is desired by all professional and amateur athletes and will improve the performance of the athletes. Knowledge on the prerequisites of disease outbreaks will help groundsmen and greenkeepers to maintain sustainable, high-quality and climate proof pitches with successful pesticide-free management."

There is a short assessment at the end of the course and completion will earn members 2 CPD points.

Professionalism within the amenity sector is continually improving as people engaged in the industry are trained, qualified and improving skills through CPD. BASIS is committed to offering development opportunities to support amenity professionals. All BASIS Amenity Register members will have access to this course through the BASIS Classroom with login details provided by e-mail.