It’s a tough marketplace out there. Isn’t it time you took things to the next level to stay competitive? ASBA’s voluntary builder certification programs — in tennis, track and fields —allow members to demonstrate a high level of expertise in construction of specific athletic facilities. The programs were developed by the ASBA to help raise professional standards and improve the practice of sports facility construction, but at the same time, they work well as a marketing tool for individuals and their companies at the bidding table. Those who are considering applying for, and taking the exam for one of the programs, can do so at the upcoming Technical Meeting, to be held Dec. 4-7 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Programs include:

• Certified Tennis Court Builder (CTCB)

• Certified Track Builder (CTB)

• Certified Field Builder (CFB), as well as its two subspecialties:

• Certified Field Builder-Natural (CFB-N)

• Certified Field Builder-Synthetic (CFB-S)

These days, say certified builders, it doesn’t pay NOT to pursue every advantage available. Todd Grimes, CTB of Atlas Track & Tennis (Tualatin, Oregon) says that being certified “adds instant credibility when we’re competing against other bidders.”

“I definitely feel that being certified is an asset to by business,” says John Schedler, CTB, CFB, also of Atlas. “When customers see the acronym or initials on my card and ask the question, there is an immediate look of relief, trust or maybe even confidence in their choice of contractor.”

There is a growing awareness of the Certified Builder program in the marketplace, and more bid documents are mandating that the chosen company have a Certified Builder on staff. (In 2008, the Association scored a major legal victory, when in a decision by the Attorney General of Massachusetts, the AG upheld the right of a school district to require that the bidder for a track project employ an ASBA Certified Track Builder).

According to Steve Wright, CTCB of Trans Texas Tennis, LTD in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the Certified Tennis Court Builder designation has gained him admittance to bid on projects, and has facilitated a vast network of contacts.

“Because of the CTCB rating, we receive calls from owners, architects, and engineers asking for help and solutions during the design phase of projects which allows us to provide input on design issues prior to bid,” notes Wright. “This can help prevent costly mistakes in design and construction, and makes for better projects for all concerned.”

Information on the application process, as well as the study materials, handbooks and qualifications, are listed on ASBA’s website. Use the top toolbar and select “Certification,” then use the pulldown menu and click on the type of certification desired. Applications (in .pdf format) can be downloaded, along with policies, fee information, procedures and more.

Applicants are required to show a specific amount of construction experience in order to be eligible and to successfully complete a comprehensive examination that covers all aspects of construction and maintenance of each particular facility.

The exam may be the part of the program that gives some individuals pause, but according to Andy Hord, CTB of Precision Sports Surfaces, Inc. in Charlottesville, Virginia, “It is a fair assessment of one’s ability to connect experience with the written literature.”

The designation itself is useful in many ways. According to Fred Kolkmann, CTCB of Fred Kolkmann Tennis & Sport Surfaces, LLC (Grafton, Wisconsin), “I have had clients say that they had chosen me over someone because of the knowledge and background that I have, and I think the certified builders program puts a stamp of approval on that.”

The certification is renewable every three years; builders may gain renewal points by speaking at industry meetings, writing for approved technical publications, participating in research, in ASBA projects or on committees, or other activities as approved by the ASBA Certification Committee.

“Absolutely, I would recommend the certification to others," says Lee Narozanick, CFB of American Athletic Courts, Inc. (Vincentown, New Jersey), “Having the certification has been an asset.”

Lance Rosenberger, CFB at Medallion Athletic Products in Mooresville, North Carolina, takes his comments one step further, noting that he recommends the program “for both certification and use of it as a requirement for specifications.”

Note: The next exam will be given at the ASBA Technical Meeting in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, Dec. 4-7. Information about test times is available online at the ASBA site or in the brochure for the meeting, available now. It will also be given at the Winter Meeting, to be held Feb. 10-15, 2011 at the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort in Nassau, Bahamas. The Certified Field Builder exams will be given at the Sports Turf Manufacturers Association’s Annual Conference in Austin in January, as part of ASBA’s special partnership with STMA. Those testing in Austin must purchase a one-day conference and education package with STMA, at a minimum. (In addition, appointments to take any of the certification exams can be made directly with ASBA staff).

To obtain information on the certification program, go to the ASBA website of www.sportsbuilders.org, then click on “Certification” on the top tool bar. From the drop-down menu, select the correct option (Certified Tennis Court Builder, Certified Track Builder or Certified Field Builder). Additional information can be gained by calling 866-501-ASBA, e-mailing info@sportsbuilders.org.