SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Maintain turf cricket pitches and outfields 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
264181  Maintain turf cricket pitches and outfields 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Horticulture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Implement the relevant health and safety practices in the cricket field environment.
  • Apply the cultural practices for the maintenance of turf cricket pitches.
  • Apply the cultural practices for the maintenance of a cricket outfield.
  • Utilise the various cricket mowing and maintenance equipment to ensure a good quality playing surface.
  • Conduct routine preventative maintenance checks and settings on the cricket mowing and maintenance equipment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this qualification will have demonstrated competence in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 1 or equivalent.
  • Mathematical Literacy NQF Level 1 or equivalent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Apply the principles and practices of health and safety for cricket field maintenance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The personal protective clothing and equipment that should be used while working on a cricket field is identified and the function of each item is described in terms of the protection that these items provide. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The necessity to use safe lifting techniques when heavy items are moved is explained in terms of the prevention of injury. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The first line safety checks for the various turf maintenance equipment are demonstrated in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The particular hazards associated with cricket field maintenance machinery are described in terms of the possible damages and injuries that could occur. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The potential hazards that may occur when operating turf maintenance equipment that has petrol motors are described and the correct refuelling procedures are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The chemical handling and storage procedures are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The objectives of good housekeeping in a fuel storage facility are explained and the practices for the safe handling of petrol and petrol mixes in the storage environment are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe the cultural practices that are required for the maintenance of turf pitches and turf practice nets. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The reason why the turf nets should receive the same treatment as the pitch is explained with regard to the maintenance of a uniform playing and practicing environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The mowing height on a cricket pitch is explained in terms of the influence that it has in the health and vigour of the grass. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The function of "single" and "double" cuts on a cricket pitch is explained in respect of the evenness of cut and the occasions when these are required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The purpose of verticutting a turf cricket pitch is explained and the methods of performing the verticutting to obtain the required turf conditions are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The role that hollow tyning plays in the conditioning of a pitch is indicated and the various methods of performing the tyning are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The restrictions that the infiltration rate of turf pitches plays in the application of water are explained and the methods of achieving field capacity in the root zone are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The reasons why post match repairs must commence as soon as possible is explained in terms of the optimum "healing" period for the turf. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Describe the cultural practices that are required for the maintenance of a cricket outfield. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The reasons why reel mowers are used to maintain an outfield are explained in terms of the height of cut and evenness of surface that these mowers provide. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The reasons why grass clippings should be removed are explained in respect of ensuring that the clippings are not left on the surface. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The factors that effect the consistency and speed of ball travel on the outfield are explained in terms of the influences of the height of cut and thatch content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The effects of frequent mowing are described in terms of the evenness of the outfield playing surface. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The practice of verticutting an outfield is explained in respect of the role that this has in the reduction and controlling of thatch build-up. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The purpose of vertidraining an outfield is explained in terms of the benefits that the aeration has on the promotion of health and vigour in the grass. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The role of irrigation is described in respect of the maintenance and enhancement of the health and growth in the outfield. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The reasons why irrigation should not be conducted in the heat of the day and in high wind conditions are explained in terms of the negative effects that these extreme conditions have on the effectiveness of watering. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The methods of repairing damage to the outfield resulting from various events that are held on the grounds are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Operate the turf maintenance equipment to produce consistently good quality turf. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The methods of effecting single and double cuts on an outfield are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The indications that the cylinder to bottom blade require sharpening or back lapping are described in regard to the particular deteriorations in the quality of cut. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The indications that the cylinder-to-roller settings have to be adjusted are described in regard to the signs of a deterioration in the quality of cut. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The procedures for verticutting a turf pitch or practice nets, with a walk behind verticutters, are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The procedures for verticutting the outfield using a ride-on triplex mower are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The importance of not overfilling the grass boxes with clippings is explained and the procedures to ensure they are emptied and replaced between the rows are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The methods of "striping" or "chequering" the outfield are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Perform routine preventative maintenance on the pitch and outfield equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of following the preventative maintenance schedules for the various turf maintenance equipment is explained in terms of the possible consequences that may occur if these are ignored. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The necessity of regularly cleaning an engine's pre clearer and air filter is explained in regard to the function that they perform in ensuring sufficient clean air for the engine to operate efficiently. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The methods of cleaning an engine's pre clearer and air filter are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of checking a machine's hydraulic and engine oil levels before operating is explained and the correct methods of filling these are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The reasons why all maintenance machinery must be checked for fuel and oil leaks before they are brought onto the playing surfaces are explained in terms of preserving the turf quality. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The procedures for lubricating maintenance machinery are demonstrated in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The importance of mixing two-stroke fuel at the specified ratio is explained with respect to the damage that may occur if an engine operates with the incorrect fuel mix. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The importance of reporting defects/damages to the supervisor/mechanic is explained in terms of the need to ensure operator safety and to reduce possible downtime if further damage results. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The environment and storage conditions in which turf maintenance machinery should be stored after use is described in regard to the need to ensure that these are adequately protected from the elements and remain in prime condition. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against the qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education and Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education and Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education and Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described in the associated unit standards.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Embedded knowledge is reflected in the Assessment Criteria for each Specific Outcome. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    The learner is able to identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made by:
  • Observing any deviation in the quality of cut and identifying the particular settings that must be readjusted. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Conducting pre mowing inspections and preparation of the maintenance machinery. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    The learner is able to communicate effectively using Visual, Mathematical and/or Language Skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation by:
  • Reporting on the status of the maintenance machinery to the supervisor or mechanic. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    The learner is able to use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Understanding the role that the mowing height plays in the health and vigour of grass. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    The learner is able to demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation:
  • Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    The learner is able to contribute to the full personal development of themselves and the social and economic development of the society at large:
  • Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  66589   National Certificate: Horticulture  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.