Identification should include suitable types of grass for warm-season, cool-season, and transition zones. Considerations include

use (e.g., athletic field, commercial setting, residential landscaping, golf course)
site (i.e., microclimate)
maintenance needs
disease resistance
insect resistance
thatch production
rate of establishment
germination
performance characteristics of the region
traffic tolerance
shade tolerance
environmental stress tolerance (e.g., drought, moisture, heat, cold).

Resources for selecting turfgrass varieties may include

National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP)
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards for turfgrass quality
Virginia Cooperative Extension's annual Virginia Turfgrass Variety Recommendations.

Process/Skill Questions:

What is the effect of climate on turfgrass growth?
What are the ultimate use(s) of our specific turfgrass selection?
What are the maintenance levels needed for our specific turfgrass uses?
How do we compare the texture of selected turfgrasses?
Which turfgrass type should we choose for heat or cold tolerance?
Which turfgrass type should we choose for drought and shade tolerance?
Which turfgrasses should we choose for transition zone growth and use?
How do we determine cultivar selection for specified applications in turfgrass areas?
How do amount and type of traffic determine turfgrass selection?
What can be learned from an NTEP evaluation?