CGSA GETAC Amalgamation

In January 1, 2005 the Golf Equipment Technicians Association of Canada (GETAC) amalgamated with the Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA).  A letter and CGSA application form were distributed to all GETAC members.  Completion of this form was necessary to ensure that member benefits could be made available. 

At the March 2005 CGSA Board of Director’s meeting, the first CGSA “Golf Equipment Technicians Advisory Committee” was established.  The Committee is Chaired by Robert Burrows, Master Superintendent, Rosedale Golf Club and includes Larry Murray, Tim Holt, Eddie Konrad, Dennis Jeanneau, Clinton Smith and Ian Martinusen as members.  Additional volunteers may still be added.  Ken Cousineau, Executive Director of the CGSA serves as staff liaison to the Committee.  The Committee has met once and established its priorities for the next 18 months as follows:

• CGSA website – incorporation of some components that were specific to the needs of the equipment technician;
• Apprentice programs – including everything from program design and promotion to high school programs to introduce the profession; to job fair presentations, salary comparisons and opportunity identification to encourage more participation in the various programs;
• Continuing education, and;
• Name of the profession and the role of the equipment technician within the golf course management team.

It also identified a number of training topics that it would like to see offered over the next two years at conference programs and through seminars.  These included:

• Oil Chemistry
• Dealing with Tires and Brakes
• The Diagnosis of Metal Fatigue and Failure
• Maintenance and Repair of Pumps and Pump Stations
• Diagnosing Electrical Problems
• Shop Safety
• Shop Design and Layout
• Fleet Management
• Parts Ordering and Inventory
• Grinding
• Time Management and Scheduling
• Waste Management and Recycling in the Shop
• Basic Agronomy – A Primer for Equipment Technicians

Next steps in the implementation of the agreement include adding an equipment technicians’ page to the CGSA website, finalizing the education programs for technicians at both the OGSA and the CGSA 2006 conferences and setting some specific objectives and timelines relative to the promotion of apprenticeship programs.

All superintendents and their equipment technicians are encouraged to become involved in this component of the CGSA.  The role of the equipment technician is vital to the efficient and effective management of the golf course.  Our efforts to involve a greater number of technicians in the CGSA and to use our resources to provide additional programs and services for equipment technicians will benefit golf course management across Canada.  For more information concerning membership or to obtain an application form click here or call Lori Micucci at 905-602-8873 est. 226. If you have suggestions on how this website can better serve you email Jacqui Atkin.