Specification

A detailed description of a product or service, which might be as follows: 1. A performance specification which defines the expected outcome to be achieved in relation to performance standards criteria, which in grounds management would primarily be playing quality standards, although typically a full range of other PQS criteria would also be included. 2. A functional specification which describes the purpose of the product or service and describes the different activities needed to provide the required function (but not the detailed procedure needed to achieve it). Typically, this would

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  Spill Kit

A range of items which are kept together to help clean up a spillage, which might include chemical, pesticide, oil, petrol, or general non-hazardous liquid spillages, in an effective and efficient way, reducing the likelihood or extent of any pollution of soil, water or air occurring. A spill kit will typically contain some type of absorbent material, such as cat litter, clay absorbent granules, absorbent cushions, pads and/or socks bags, and containers to temporarily hold the contaminated material until it can be disposed of in a lawful manner, along with PPE, such as eye / face protection, f

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  Sports Pitch

A surface which has been marked out in accordance with the laws of the game and which provides a safe and suitable surface on which players can enjoy a game as well as demonstrate their skill.

  Sports Turf Maintenance Category

With such a wide range of maintenance variables which can be practiced to achieve a desirable playing surface, it can seem an almost endless task in trying to categorise these variables in a way that captures the general outcomes and returns from inputs: The following is one approach: • Baseline Maintenance, • Core Maintenance, • Enhanced Maintenance, • Enhanced++ Maintenance.

  Spring Bedding Plants

These are typically planted around October time, following the removal of any summer bedding plants, and might include a selection from a range of plants and bulbs including Anemone, Crocus, Cyclamen, Daffodil (Narcissus), Daisy (Bellis perennis), Forget-me-nots (Myosotis sylvatica), Grape Hyacinth (Muscari), Hyacinth (H. orientalis), Polyanthus, Primula, Pansy, Tulip (Tulipa), Viola and Wallflower (Erysimum cheiri). Typically, a bedding display will contain a mixture of bulb plants and leafy plants, at the time of planting. The density of planting will vary depending on the species and cov

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  Stability

1. Plant Breeders have rights of protection over plant varieties they develop with stability being described as, 'A variety is considered sufficiently stable when there is no evidence to indicate that it lacks uniformity or fails to conform to the essential characteristics of its description'. 2. Surface Stability, which is the ability of a ground or sports pitch to maintain a stable, non-moving surface. A stable surface is one which provides good traction to players, helping to improve the playing quality of a surface.

  Stakeholder

An individual, group of individuals or organisation with an interest in the activities of an organisation, especially where they can affect or be affected by the activities. A stakeholder is often a member (person or organisation) that supports the principles and purpose of a group to which they belong. A stakeholder will also often be able to influence, to a varying extent, the decisions of an organisation and can also be involved in the delivery, monitoring and assessment of organisational activities. Stakeholders can be categorised as either primary stakeholders or secondary stakeholders

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  Stakeholder Feedback

The receipt of views, opinions and comments from stakeholders which can influence the success of a business. Failing to gather and act on stakeholder feedback will negatively impact on the ability of a business to succeed in the medium to long term. Stakeholders who feel an organisation is listening to them are more likely to continue support the organisation, which is essential where customers are concerned.

  Steering Committee

A group of stakeholders who provide advice and guidance to a department or organisation, helping to identify actions and priorities in achieving organisational goals. A steering committee may also be created for specific tasks, such as the construction of a sportsground or for the organising of an event. A golf course greens committee can be considered a steering committee.

  Stock

Material that is stored and available for use, for example, bags of fertiliser or grass seed, or top-dressing. Most grounds will have some stock available at the start of the growing season, although as the season progresses a lot of the stock will be used up, although there will usually be a small quantity available of most materials to address any unforeseen circumstances which may arise, for example, vandalism of a turfgrass surface which needs immediate repairs, or excessive wear from usage that needs attention.