More than ‘just a groundsman’ - Fighting for respect in turfcare
It is clear that the ongoing battle for turfcare recognition is still prominent. We spoke to Martin Knight from Gloucester Rugby Club about the challenges turfcare professionals face when it comes to recognition and appreciation.
Social media blew up recently when India coach Gautam Gambhir was involved in a finger-wagging spat with Surrey Head Groundsman Lee Fortis on the final day at The Oval and said he was ‘just a groundsman’.
Lee is one of the most experienced individuals within the turfcare industry, with a vast amount of knowledge – which should also come with equal amount of respect. Education about the turfcare industry is still very much needed within the wider sporting world. Martin Knight from Gloucester Rugby shares his thoughts...
How often do you feel your work in turfcare is appreciated?
Honestly, like many others in this profession, I just focus on getting the job done to the best of my ability. Occasionally, someone will offer a kind word or a compliment, and that’s always nice to hear, but it’s far from frequent. Turfcare is not a glamorous role and it tends to be overlooked. Most people don’t notice the effort that goes into maintaining a high-quality pitch - unless something goes wrong! It’s one of those jobs where you’re expected to be invisible when everything is going well, but the moment there’s a patch of mud or the surface is too soft, the criticism rolls in. We do what we do because we care about the sport and the athletes, not because we expect praise every day.
What type of recognition motivates you the most?
Personally, I’m not driven by recognition. I take pride in delivering a quality playing surface, because that’s what I’m here to do. If someone notices the effort and says “well done”, that’s a bonus. What means more is knowing that players can perform at their best and safely because of the work we’ve done. That’s the real motivation. Of course, it’s always appreciated when others recognise the physical effort and long hours involved, but it’s not what gets me out of bed in the morning.
Do you feel that recognition for the turfcare industry is given fairly across all roles and responsibilities?
No, not really. I believe there’s a widespread lack of understanding about what goes into turf management. From junior groundskeepers to head groundsmen and women, everyone puts in incredible hours, often in poor weather, to make sure everything is ready for game day. Yet, the recognition is sparse, and the expectations are often unrealistic. The work is highly specialised and conditions are demanding, but we don’t get the same respect or visibility that other departments in sports clubs do.
Can you recall a time when you felt particularly appreciated in your role?
Winning an IOG (Institute of Groundsmanship) award two years in a row was a proud moment; not just for me, but for the whole club. It was a rare occasion where our behind-the-scenes efforts were acknowledged on a national level. Those awards validated the countless hours and dedication we put in, often outside the public eye. It gave us all a sense of pride and reminded us that there are people out there who understand and appreciate the craft.
Do you believe that recognition from other turfcare professionals is as important as recognition from your own club and fans?
In some ways, I think recognition from fellow professionals actually carries more weight. They understand the technical challenges, the unpredictability of weather and the pressure to deliver week after week. Fans and even club officials often don’t see that side. So, when someone from within the industry acknowledges your work, it feels more meaningful because it comes from a place of true understanding and respect.
How can the world of sport improve in seeing the efforts of turfcare professionals like yourself?
Education is key. There needs to be a broader understanding of what turfcare professionals actually do. It’s not just cutting grass. It’s science, planning, analysis and physical graft all rolled into one. It would be fantastic if broadcasters, commentators and club management took more time to highlight that. Also, the issue of pay can’t be ignored; better wages would reflect the skill and commitment involved in this job and encourage more young people to see it as a viable career.
Do you think recognition plays a role in improving job satisfaction and retention in turfcare?
To a degree, yes. Recognition can definitely help boost morale and remind people that their efforts aren’t going unnoticed. But I wouldn’t say it’s the main factor keeping people in the industry. Most of us stay because we love the job, despite the challenges. Recognition can help improve the atmosphere and team spirit, but if the other aspects like wages, conditions and resources aren’t in place, recognition alone won’t stop people from leaving.
Have you ever felt that your hard work in turfcare went unnoticed? How did that impact your motivation or performance?
Absolutely. It’s happened more than once. When that happens, it can be frustrating, especially after you’ve put in extra hours or gone above and beyond to prepare the surface in tough conditions. But you learn to take it on the chin. Turfcare professionals develop a thick skin and we know not to expect constant praise. The key is to focus on the pride you take in your own work; just keep your head down and keep going.
With the recent comments at Surrey CC in mind, have you ever had bad feedback about your job and how have you managed this?
Yes, I’ve been on the receiving end of some harsh criticism. In one case, someone blamed the condition of the pitch on me, but it was actually due to the weather; something completely outside of my control. Rather than react emotionally, I tried to explain the situation calmly and provide a bit of education.
In this job, nature is often your biggest adversary. You can prepare all you want, but when the weather turns against you, there’s not much you can do. It’s important that people understand that turfcare isn’t an exact science, it’s a constant adaptation.