Institute of Groundsmanship
The Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) is the leading membership organisation representing professionals and volunteers involved in sports turf management. Created over 80 years ago by groundsmen to support groundsmen, we continue to be the passionate voice for our members who share our vision for quality sports turf surfaces. The IOG promotes, supports and celebrates groundsmanship. We take the best of our history and tradition and mix it with innovative and influential approaches to support you in your professional development. We enable your skills and abilities to thrive – for the benefit of every player who enjoys playing on the surfaces you prepare. “The Groundsman of today has to be a scientist, an engineer, business savvy, media friendly and have a detailed knowledge of agronomy.” Geoff Webb, CEO, Institute of Groundsmanship
The art of groundsmanship is constantly progressing. The role of the groundsman is continually changing. The IOG supports its members through the changing seasons, whatever stage of your career or life. This is our promise to you. We provide a range of benefits and services giving our professional and volunteer members the opportunities to enhance their skills, expand their experience and enjoy achieving their goals. We work in partnership with National Governing Bodies, Charities and Government to promote and support the creation of quality surfaces. We deliver market leading training, consultancy and advice. We organise SALTEX, Europe’s biggest, annual event for the grounds management sector. We created and oversee the annual Industry Awards which promote professionalism and achievement at all levels. We support the Young IOG Board to raise the profile of groundsmanship in younger generations. We produce The Groundsman magazine, providing a voice for the industry. We advocate for the rights of groundsmen with an annual salary survey, safe use advice, job description and career development. And much much more.
Membership
Membership of the IOG is varied into three sectors: Individual, Associate, and Corporate. The IOG currently has over 2,000 paying individual members; membership entitles them to a monthly magazine subscription, a technical reference library, free legal advice, support through local branches, access to the IOG Continuous Professional Development programme, discounts off high street stores, and IOG training courses.