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The leading Organisation
The IOG is the leading organisation
representing groundsmen and other professionals involved in greenkeeping,
horticulture, turfculture and amenity management. Our members represent
all facets of the industry from practising users through to suppliers
and consultants.
The IOG was founded in 1934 by W H Bowles BEM, Head Groundsman
at Eton College. The first eleven founder members formed the National
Association of Groundsmen which became the Institute of Groundsmanship
in 1969.
The original purpose was defined as being to improve:
1. the status of groundsmen
2. the standard of groundsmanship.
These objectives remain firm, and direct the activities of the Institute
to this day.
Full Individual, Affiliate and Corporate membership is available, each
category receiving a range of benefits appropriate to its specific interests. Please visit the Membership Information section of this website for further details.
The first IOG exhibition was organised in 1938 and was the forerunner
of today's IOG SALTEX - Sports, Amenities and Landscaping Trade Exhibition.
IOG SALTEX is held annually at Windsor Racecourse during the first
week in September, and attracts international patronage.
'The GROUNDSMAN', the Institute's own journal introduced in 1947, circulates
to the amenity and sports industries, education and training establishments,
local authorities and IOG members, serving an essential need for communication
and education.
The Institute's examination system was introduced in 1953. The various
schemes now cater for hundreds of students each year, from initial induction
training to managerial level, with full DfEE and industrial recognition
of our range of qualifications. An annual programme of short courses is
organised, based on maintenance and management of sports and amenity surfaces,
and incorporating the latest in the science and technology of turfculture.
The major part of the Institute's income is directed towards the provision
of education and training facilities. For full details of IOG courses
and the training and education options available to grounds staff, please
visit the Training & Careers section.
The IOG Consultancy Service was introduced in 1990 and now advises organisations worldwide on the
development and management of sports and amenity facilities.
Today the Institute continues to evolve, bringing together the industries
and organisations that depend so much on the expertise of groundsmen and
related professionals.
Our vision, as explained in more detail in our 6year strategy document, 'Challenging Perceptions', is as follows:
To promote quality surfaces and quality services and establish the IOG as 'the' leading professional organisation for grounds management, recognised by the National Governing Bodies of Sport and the public, private and voluntary sectors for its industry knowledge and technical expertise.
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