Ground Grading

REGULATIONS OF THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNTY LEAGUE MINIMUM GROUND GRADING CRITERIA FOR ENTRY TO THE LEAGUE GRADING CATEGORY - H

Step 7 - Membership Requirements

1.1 Security of Tenure

Where a club does not own the freehold of their ground then evidence of adequate security of tenure must be provided.

1.2 Ground Share

Ground sharing would be at the discretion of each league within the National League System, taking into account local circumstances. Where ground sharing is permitted the club must have sole control over and use of facilities on match days.

Ground sharing must not be allowed in order for a club to gain promotion to this league.

1.3 Shared Facilities

Where a Club share their facilities with a Cricket Club or other organisation which prevents exclusive use for football they must submit a written application to the league, dealing with the situation for HOME football matches in August and September & May.

There is no stated ground capacity at this level.

1.4 Boundary of Ground

There is no requirement for a ground to be enclosed in any way at this level

1.5 Club House

There should be a clubhouse facility either on or adjacent to the ground, which should be open on match days to provide refreshments to spectators.

Where there is a clubhouse facility, a telephone must be provided.

1.6 Car Parking

There should be adequate car parking facilities on or adjacent to the ground.

1.7 Pitch Perimeter Barrier

There must be a permanent fixed barrier of sound construction height of the barrier is 1.1 metres.

The barrier, if other than solid wall type of construction may be in-filled. Advertising boards may be acceptable as a means of infill.

There must be a minimum of 1.83 metres, ideally 2 metres between the touchline, goal line and the pitch perimeter barrier.

1.8 Pitch Standards

The playing surface will be grass, unless otherwise authorised by the respective league Management Committee, and must be of a high standard. It must be level and free from surface depressions and excessive undulations.

The maximum slope allowable shall not exceed an even gradient of vertical to horizontal 1 : 41 in any direction.

The playing surface must be maintained to the highest possible standards.

Artificial playing surfaces are not currently permitted in competitions under the control of The Football Association.

Set out below is the view of the International FA Board and FIFA with regard to artificial surfaces:

"The Board recognised the advances in artificial surface technology and the major benefits of using artificial surfaces in areas of climatic problems. It also recognised that artificial surfaces allowed multiple and extended use of facilities in urban environments. The Board mandated FIFA to create clear procedures for the use of artificial surfaces, to unify the quality system and apply it worldwide, taking into consideration the best resources and knowledge available."

The matter is therefore under review.

1.9 Playing Area

The playing area is to be in accordance with the requirements of the Laws of the Game. The playing area must measure between 100-110 metres (110-120 yards) by 64-75 metres (70-80 yards). The size of the pitch must be checked prior to the commencement of the season. No Artificial Pitches are allowed.

Goal posts and goal net supports should be of professional manufacture and conform to the current safety requirements and to the requirements of the Laws of the Game.

Reference should be made to the Goalpost Safety Information booklet published by The Football Association

1.10 Technical Area

Covered Trainer's Boxes must be provided for both teams on match days to accommodate at least 6 persons. They must be clearly marked 'HOME' and 'AWAY' set at least 3 metres apart and should be situated equidistant from the half-way line.

Technical Areas as defined within the laws of the game must be marked out.

1.11 Secure Walkway

Clubs are to provide for safe passage for players and match officials from the dressing rooms to the field of play, which should be adequately stewarded.

1.12 Floodlighting

Floodlighting is not compulsory at this level however, where it is provided it must be to an average lux reading of 120. No single reading can be less than one quarter of the highest reading so as to ensure an even spread of light.

Reading shall be on a grid of 88 markings (8 across, 11 down) evenly spaced with the outside readings falling on the pitch boundary line. The average of all the readings is taken to be the average illumination level in lux of the floodlighting installation.

The lux values must be tested every two years in accordance with current guidelines by an approved independent contractor. When new or improved installations are being planned, an average lux. reading of 180 should be provided.

1.13 Public Address System

A public address system, whilst being desirable, is not compulsory at this level.

1.14 Entrances

There is no requirement for fixed entry points at this level. Where a turnstile is installed, it must be fully operational and of the controlled revolving type.

1.15 Exits

Where fixed exit points are provided, there must be sufficient to ensure the safe evacuation of the ground if necessary.

All exists must be clearly sign posted.

1.16 Emergency Lighting

There must be an emergency lighting system in all spectator seated and standing areas.

1.17 Adjoining Pitches

Where deemed that they are likely to interfere with the playing of a match, ball games will not be played on adjoining pitches whilst league or cup matches are in progress. An adjoining pitch is deemed to be where there is no natural barrier between pitches. There has to be a distance of 64 metres from either the touch-line or goal-line of the playing area.

1.18 Emergency Access

Access for emergency services must be provided

2.1 Seated Accommodation

Seated accommodation is not compulsory at this level however, where there is a main stand it must be constructed of timber/steel/brick/concrete or any combination of these materials. Open timber stepped stands are not permissible.

Where seating is provided, there should be a minimum of 50 seats. Whilst individual seats are preferred, existing bench seating may be permitted. In each case, all seats are to be clearly numbered.

Separate seating for directors/committee and guests is not compulsory at this level.

Standing spectators are not allowed in a seated spectator stand where they can obstruct views

2.2 Covered Standing Accommodation

Covered accommodation constructed of timber/steel/brick/concrete or any combination of these materials should be provided for a minimum of 100 spectators including those accommodated in a seated area where provided.

Hard standing to a minimum width of 1 metre must be provided on at least one side of the ground.

Not compulsory at the moment, but may be in the future.

2.3 Toilets

The following minimum toilet facilities must be provided:

2 Ladies WC's

1 Gents WC

2 Urinals or equivalent

In addition, there must be at least one hand basin in each Ladies and Gents toilet area, and warm air hand driers and/or paper towels together with a supply of toilet paper must be provided.

All toilet areas to be maintained to a high level of cleanliness.

2.4 Refreshment Facilities

Refreshment facilities for spectators shall be made available on match days and may be of a temporary or mobile type.

A club in default will be liable to a fine of £10.

2.5 Disabled Facilities

The club must be able to accommodate disabled spectators in accordance with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

Reference should be made to the Information/Data Sheets by both The Football Association and the Football Foundation.

All dressing rooms must be secure, heated, well ventilated and free from damp

3.1 Players

Separate dressing rooms must be provided for both teams. Existing dressing rooms dimensions will be in order, provided that they are of a minimum of 12 square metres. However, clubs wishing to progress should be aware of the need to increase to a minimum of 18 square metres.

Each dressing room must have the following:

A shower area comprising of at least 4 showerheads

At least 1 WC and 1 wash hand basin.

All must have hot and cold running water

Ideally, there shall be a treatment table in each dressing room unless there is a separate medical room.

3.2 Match Officials

Separate dressing rooms must be provided for match officials, the minimum size of which shall be 4 square metres excluding shower and toilet areas.

Each match officials dressing room must have the following:

At least 1 shower

At least 1 WC and 1 wash hand basin

Provision should be made for separate changing accommodation for both male and female match officials. When new changing rooms are being planned or existing changing rooms refurbished an area of 6 square metres and facilities for mixed gender match officials should be provided

There must be an audible warning device located in the match official's dressing room, which is linked to the player's dressing rooms.

All dressing room areas to be maintained to a high level of cleanliness and secure on match days.

There must be a treatment table located in each of the team dressing rooms unless there is a separate medical room

There must be a suitable qualified person (minimum F.A. Save a Life) in attendance to assist with spectator problems unless the St John Ambulance Brigade, Red Cross Society or a comparable voluntary agency are in attendance. The person may be a club physiotherapist

All clubs must provide first aid equipment at their ground including a stretcher, the location of which shall be clearly marked by notices placed in each team dressing rooms and the match official's room.

5.1 The home club is responsible for publishing a full match programme acceptable to the Management Committee for each of its competition matches played on a Saturday. An A4 printed double-sided sheet will not be considered sufficient to comply with this rule. A £20 fine will be imposed for none compliance.

5.2 The visiting club must send in writing to the home club details of the proposed team they plan to field together with their club history and up to date pen pictures of their current players registered with the Competition at least 5 days before the scheduled date of the match between the two clubs.

5.3 Clubs will be responsible for all comments in their match day programme in respect of the Competition, or other member clubs, not withstanding any disclaimers to the contrary. No part of a clubs programme issued for a match in any competition shall, in the opinion of the Management Committee bring the Competition into disrepute.

5.4 First Aid facilities, equipment and a stretcher must be available and a suitably qualified person must be available to administer First Aid.

5.5 A telephone must be easily available for emergency use.

5.6 Access to the ground in an emergency must be provided.

5.7 Adequate Public Liability Insurance must be provided.

Members of the FA National League System
Affiliated to Gloucestershire Football Association Limited