Ground Grading

• A:
  The ground must give an overall appearance and impression of being a football ground suitable for the highest Division of The National League System. The ground must have the potential of being upgraded to meet the criteria for membership of The Football League.
  It must be possible for spectators to view the match, either standing or seated, for the full length of at least three sides of the playing area, provided that the capacity requirements detailed under 1.3 are met. Where one side is designated as spectator free, measures must be in place to ensure there is no unauthorised access.
  If there are any extraneous objects, or buildings within the boundary of the ground or the ground has an irregular configuration of seating, standing and covered areas that do not conform to the recognised standard design of a football stadium, the club may not be awarded a category “A” Grading.
• B - G:
  The ground must give an overall appearance and impression of being a football ground suitable for the National League System.
  It must be possible for spectators to view the match, either standing or seated, for the full length of at least 3 sides of the playing area. Where one side is designated as spectator-free, measures must be in place to ensure there is no unauthorised access.
  
• A - G:
  The location of the ground, in so far as its relation to the conurbation whose name the club bears, or is traditionally associated with, must meet with the approval of The Football Association and the Board of Directors of The Football Conference.
  The club must disclose plans and the details of any proposed future move to a new stadium to The Football Association and the Board of Directors of The Football Conference. The placement of any club that is the result of the merger of two or more clubs will be dealt with on its merits.

• A:
  The club must either:
  • (a) own the freehold of the ground, or
  • (b) have a leasehold interest in the ground for a minimum of ten years, or
  • (c) possess an agreement for the use of the ground which is acceptable to The Football Association.
• B - E:
  The club must either:
  • (a) own the freehold of the ground, or
  • (b) have a lease of the ground for the remainder of the season during which an inspection for grading is carried out and for the following season, or
  • (c) possess an agreement for the use of the ground which is acceptable to The Football Association.
• A-G:
  If the club applying for the grading is in a ground share, that share must be on a ground which complies with the above requirements and the ground share agreement itself must be for a term which is acceptable to The Football Association in the circumstances of the particular ground share.
• F-G:
  Where a club does not own the freehold of their ground, evidence of adequate security of tenure must be provided.
• A:
  In addition, the club must disclose:
  • (a) Whether any Director or material shareholder of the club or any connected person or company has a financial interest in the ground.
  • (b) Whether the club’s occupation of the ground is subject to any third party option.
  • (c) If any applicable planning consent are subject to restrictions, and
  • (d) Whether the ground is charged by way of security.
  • (e) Any break clauses in the lease exercisable either by landlord or tenant.
• A:
  The club must provide copies of any documents so disclosed and The Football Association and The Football Conference reserve the right to call for further information.

• A:
  • (a) Ground sharing is permitted, but not in order to gain promotion or to avoid relegation. A ground sharing agreement should ideally have been in place for at least one full season prior to the grading inspection. (Consideration will be given, by the Football Conference Board, if the home ground of any club becomes untenable due to fire, flood or any other valid cause.)
  • (b) The Football Conference Board must approve any existing ground share agreement.
  • (c) The Football Conference Board will not generally approve any ground sharing arrangement where the club plays its matches outside the conurbation, as defined by the Football Conference Board, from which the club takes its name or with which it is traditionally otherwise associated
  • (d) Where there is a ground share between two football clubs, priority of fixtures must be given to the club playing at the highest level within the National League System. Any proposed ground share agreement with a Football League club would be considered on its merits.
  • (e) Where a ground share is in place with another sport e.g. Athletics, Cricket, Rugby Union, Rugby League etc, the football club must have priority of fixtures and full use of all the facilities on match days.
  • (f) No application for a ground share agreement will be accepted during the first three years of a club being elected into membership of the Football Conference, unless the conditions of paragraph 1.2 i) apply
  • (g) Any ground share application by a member club that does not fall within the conditions of paragraph 2 i) must be for a minimum of ten years with no option to amend the terms during the first three years of a ground share approved by the Football Conference Board.
  • (h) No application will be accepted from a club applying for membership of the Football Conference who is in a ground share arrangement as a sub-tenant or second user or similar arrangements where the club is not the leaseholder, own the freehold, or license agreement holder or main tenant.
  • (i) Short term ground sharing agreements will only be accepted if a club is moving to a new ground or their existing ground is being re-built or refurbished or deemed unusable due to fire, flood or other causes. The club must provide the Football Conference Board with confirmation that any new work proposed has full planning permission, that construction contracts with start and finish dates have been awarded subject to ground sharing approval and that the fundingis in place.
  • For avoidance of doubt, the term “short term” refers to a period of not more than 12 months unless otherwise approved by the Football Conference Board.
• B - G:
  Ground sharing is permitted, but not in order to gain promotion or to avoid relegation. A ground sharing agreement should ideally have been in place for at least one full season prior to the grading inspection.
  Where there is a ground share between two football clubs, priority of fixtures will be given to the club playing at the higher level within the National League System unless otherwise approved by the respective leagues.
  Where a ground share is in place with another sport e.g. Athletics, Cricket, Rugby Union, Rugby League etc, the club must have full use of all facilities on match days.

• A-E
  The Stadium must have a minimum operational capacity of X calculated by a competent person in accordance with the guidance given in the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds (Green Guide).
• A-D
  There must also be potential to increase the capacity to Y in the future.
• Values of X and Y:
  • A: X = 4,000, Y = 5,000
  • B: X = 3,000, Y = 4,000
  • C: X = 2,000, Y = 3,000
  • D: X = 1,500, Y = 2,000
  • E: X = 1,000
• A:
  Final planning permission together with a business strategy plan with realistic timescales must be available to achieve the 5,000 capacity.
  The club must have the ability to segregate home and visiting supporters. Any segregated area must have exclusive entrances, exits, ladies and gentlemens toilet facilities and catering facilities. The latter may be of the mobile type.
• F-G
  There is no minimum safe capacity at this level but a club should be mindful that the minimum requirement for Grade E is 1000.

• A
  The ground must be enclosed with an external boundary wall of sound construction, secure on all sides of the ground and sufficient to deter would be climbers.
• B-E
  The ground must be enclosed by a permanent boundary, which will prevent individuals from viewing the game from outside the ground.
• A-E
  The boundary should be of sound construction of pre cast concrete, brick, breeze block or metal cladding with steel or concrete posts and be of a minimum height of 1.83 metres as measured from outside the ground.
  Whilst lapped timber, latch panel wood fences and wire mesh fences with wooden posts might be acceptable, hedges, shrubs and/or trees will not be accepted.
  Where one side of the ground is formed of private land/property, the fixed boundary of that private land / property may be acceptable as the boundary of the ground.
• F-G
  The ground must be enclosed by a permanent boundary, which will prevent spectators from viewing the game from outside the ground. As a general rule, the minimum height, when measured from outside the ground, should be 1.83 metres.
  In certain circumstances one side of the ground, which adjoins private land/property, may be exempt from the need for a permanent boundary.

• A-G
  There must be a clubhouse facility either on or adjacent to the ground and which should be open on match days to provide refreshments to spectators.

• A
  Parking facilities must be provided for directors, with a minimum number of 4 places for visiting directors. There must be safe parking arrangements for the visiting team's coach. Parking facilities must also be provided for the match officials. Car parking within the boundary of the ground on match days may not be acceptable.
• B-G
  There should be adequate car parking facilities at or adjacent to the ground.

• B-G
  There must be a permanent fixed barrier of sound construction (e.g. concrete and steel) and free from all sharp edges surrounding the pitch on all sides which may be occupied by spectators. Ideally the height should not exceed 1.1 metres nor be less than 0.9 metre.
  The barrier, if other than solid wall type of construction, must be infilled. Advertising boards may be acceptable as a means of infill.
• A
  There should ideally be 2.75 metres, but no less than 2.25 metres between the touchline, goal line and the pitch perimeter barrier.
• B-G
  There must be a minimum of 1.83 metres between the touchline, goal line and the pitch perimeter barrier. (N.B.: For Grade A, a minimum of 2.25 metres is required)
• A-G
  Immediately in front of an area of seated accommodation the boundary of the playing area may be indicated by means other than a permanent fixed barrier, provided that the Club is able to provide assurances that no spectator will be allowed to stand in this area to watch the match.
  Where there is a walkway in front of a standing terrace which is itself fronted by a crush barrier that has been subject to an annual risk assessment and, if necessary, tested, an alternative to a fixed barrier (e.g. A-frames) may be used, provided no spectators are allowed to stand in this area to watch the match. The Club must implement a safety management system to ensure this and also to protect the integrity of the playing area.
• A-G
  From the Appendix: It is important to distinguish between a pitch perimeter barrier/rail which exists to separate spectators from the playing area and a crush barrier which has been constructed and tested in accordance with the requirements of the Green Guide. Where the structure cannot be designated as a crush barrier, e.g. its height exceeds 1.1m, the maximum depth of standing behind it is limited to 1.5metres and this must be borne in mind in any capacity calculations.
  It is recognised that the above may not be an issue for normal attendances but, when a larger crowd is anticipated, the Club should be mindful of the associated management issues and, if necessary, take professional advice. Whatever system is employed, a club should be mindful of its responsibility tensure spectator safety and minimise the possibility of unauthorised incursions on the playing area.
  Whatever system is employed, a club should be mindful of its responsibility to ensure spectator safety and minimise the possibility of unauthorised incursions on to the playing area.

• A-G
  The playing surface will be grass, unless authorised by the respective Board of Directors or 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.
  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.

• A-G
  The playing area to be a minimum of 100 metres x 64 metres and should conform to the requirements of the Laws of the Game.
  Goalposts 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.
• A
  The Club must be responsible for the up keep of the playing area. The details of any other person/company/organisation responsible for the up keep of the playing area, on behalf of the club, must be disclosed to The Football Association and The Football Conference Board.
• A-G
  From the Appendix: Reference should be made to the Goalpost Safety information published by The Football Association and, in particular, it should be noted that the use of metal cup hooks will be prohibited from season 2007/08 when they may constitute a reason for a match to be postponed.

• A-G
  Two covered trainers’ boxes clearly marked “Home” and “Away or Visitors” must be provided [A: unless adequate provision is made in a seated stand]. They should be an equal distance either side of the halfway line, a minimum of 3 metres apart. Each box must be able to accommodate [A-B: 11] [C-G: 8] persons under cover on fixed seats or benches. Where bench seating is provided, a minimum 0.5m must be allowed for each person (so 8 persons require a minimum of 4 metres.).
  Portable trainers’ boxes are permitted and must be securely fixed when in use.
  The Technical Area, as defined within the Laws of the Game, must be marked out.

• A-G
  Clubs must provide for safe, unimpeded passage for players and match officials between the dressing rooms and the pitch. The use of protection designed products such as permanent structures or retractable tunnels to separate players and spectators is recommended.
• A-G
  From the Appendix: The design of the safe walkway will inevitably differ from ground to ground and it will rarely guarantee the safe passage of players and match officials unless supplemented by stewards. A club should implement procedures appropriate to the particular structure and be ready to respond to on the field situations which [sic] might affect spectator behaviour.

• A
  Floodlights must be provided to an average lux reading of 250. No single reading can be less than 100 lux nor less than one quarter of the highest reading so as to ensure an even spread of light.
• B
  Floodlights must be provided to an average lux reading of 180 lux. No single reading can be less than 100 lux nor less than one quarter of the highest reading so as to ensure an even spread of light.
• C-G
  Floodlights must be provided 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.
• A-G
  Readings 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. Floodlights must be retested after any significant alterations. Existing certification will be accepted provided that the test was carried out within the last two years unless work has been carried out at the ground which may have affected previous readings.
  When applying for a higher grading, the certificate should have been issued no more than six months prior to the application.
  An "approved" contractor is one which is in possession of the NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting) Approved Contractors' award, or ISO 9000/BS 5750, or is a member of the Electrical Contractors' Association.
  The contractor must, when detailing the lux values, gives confirmation in writing of the date when the illumination test equipment used was last calibrated.
• B-G
  When new or improved installations are being planned, an average lux reading of 180 should be provided.

• A-F
  A public address system must be provided which is clearly audible in all areas of the ground which can be occupied by spectators.
• G
  A public address system is not compulsory for this grade but clubs must be mindful that it may be necessary to convey information to spectators in the event of an emergency.

• B-E
  There should be at least X spectator entrances to control the ingress of spectators.

These must be controlled by fully operational turnstiles of the revolving type and must be suitably housed and lit. These entrances should be placed in appropriate positions around the boundary of the ground and take into account the requirements of segregation.
• Values of X:
  • A: 8
  • B: 6
  • C: 4
  • D: 3
  • E: 2
• A
  It must be possible to gain access to the spectator viewing areas from the turnstiles via a bound surface minimum width of 1 metre.
• F-G
  There should be at least 1 fully operational turnstile (which must be of the revolving type) or a pay box where a charge for entry to the ground can be taken.

• A-G
  The location and number of ground exits must be approved by a competent person and comply with the requirements of the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds. [A: Green Guide]
  All exits must be clearly signed, ideally with “running man” signs, and are to be kept clear and free from obstructions.

• A
  There must be an emergency lighting system for all spectator areas and concourses as required by the local Safety Authority or approved by a competent person.
• B-G
  From the Appendix: Whilst their installation is strongly recommended, neither working nor emergency lighting is any longer a grading requirement. Clubs are reminded that they have a responsibility to ensure the safety of spectators entering, leaving and moving about the ground and, if a ground is used in non-daylight hours, adequate artificial lighting should be provided. Further, consideration must be given by a club to its procedures in the event of a power failure.

• A-G
  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.

• A-G
  Access must be provided for emergency services and maintained free from obstruction.

2. SPECTATOR FACILITIES

• A-G
  Development, in addition to hard standing, must be on more than one side of the ground.
  Covered accommodation, which should preferably be on at least 2 sides of the ground, must be of sound construction of timber/steel/brick/concrete or any combination of these materials. Existing timber stands are only acceptable subject to fire assessment.
  The minimum covered accommodation must be X, of which at least Y shall be seats located in one stand. These seats may be inclusive of Directors/Committee and press seating.
• Values of X and Y:
  • A-B: X = 500, Y = 250
  • C: X = 500, Y = 250
  • D: X = 300, Y = 150
  • E: X = 250, Y = 150
  • F: X = 100, Y = 100
  • F: X = 100, Y = 50
• A
  A minimum of FOUR risers is required to the dimensions recommended in the Green Guide. In order to meet the sight line requirements it is recommended that the first line of seating is located above pitch level. There must be an unobstructed view from the lowest level of the seated area.
• A-G continued
  All should ideally be of the tip-up type with back rests. Alternatively, other than in the Directors’ Box, the seats may be of the plastic moulded type complete with back rests or other types of seats, provided they have back rests.
  Existing bench seating may be permitted provided that it is in good repair and that individual spaces (min 500mm) are clearly marked. However, these bench seats are not included in the Y indicated above.
  All seating should afford a good view of the pitch and be clean, functional and in good condition.
• A-F
  There must be a minimum of [A-D: 24] [E-F: 16] seats provided for Directors/Committee and guests with a minimum of [A: 16] [B-F: 12] seats provided for the visiting club. These seats must be clearly marked “Home” and “Away Directors”.
• G
  Separate seating for Directors/Committee and guests is not compulsory for this grade.
• A-G
  Standing spectators are not allowed in or near a seated spectator stand where they can obstruct views.
  Areas where no spectators are permitted to stand must be clearly marked with yellow hatched markings.
  Hard standing to a minimum width of 1 metre, measured from the spectator side of the pitch perimeter barrier, must be provided on all 4 sides of the ground, unless a different configuration exists (see paragraph 1). The surface must be of a bound material.
• A-C
  Clubs must be able to demonstrate that visiting supporters can be segregated when necessary.
• A
  NOTE: Clubs may retain membership of The Football Conference Premier Division provided they have achieved a Category “A” Grading by 31st March in the year following promotion. To qualify for promotion to The Football League by winning the Championship and for the club to participate in the promotion play off matches, the ground must achieve a Category “A” Grading together with 500 seats under cover by 31st March in each season. These seats may be in two locations.

• B-E
  A minimum of X seats must be provided with lighting and writing facilities for use by the press and other media
• Values of X:
  • A: 12
  • B: 6
  • C: 4
  • D: 2
  • E: 2
• F-G
  There is no requirement for dedicated press seating

• A-G
  Where terracing is provided, it must comply with the requirements of the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds. All terracing must be in a sound condition. Terracing that is crumbling, has grass / weeds growing through it or has broken or loose concrete will not be accepted.
• A-C
  Any level surface within the ground must be hard standing, i.e. tarmac, concrete, concrete paving or other approved materials.
• A-E
  Grass banking, areas of grass or other forms of soft spectator standing areas (e.g. ash, pebbles, gravel etc) may not be acceptable in the ground.
• A
  In any case, grass banking within the ground must not be accessible to spectators and must be well maintained.

• A-G
  Toilets must be located within the ground and must be accessible to both male and female spectators.
• A-G
  The following minimum toilet facilities must be provided in total, (A-E: excluding those located in any clubhouse.) (F-G: The provision of toilet facilities within a clubhouse will be acceptable if these are accessible and available at all times on match days.)
  • Male: [A-C: 4] [D-F: 2] urinals or equivalent and 2 WCs
  • Female: 2 WCs
• A-G continued
  In addition, wash hand basins with running water, warm air hand driers and/or paper towel dispenser with towels and waste paper bins must be provided in each toilet area.
  All toilet areas must be in working order, with operational lighting, supplied with toilet paper and maintained to a high [A: highest] level of cleanliness.
  These facilities may be of the temporary or mobile type and must be connected to the mains supply. They must be fully accessible with permanent access.
• A
  Clubs are recommended to refer to the guidelines in respect of new toilet installations as set out in the Football Stadia Advisory Design Council publication.
  The location of all toilet facilities must be suitably signed.

• A-F
  A separate room must be made available in which refreshments for Directors/Committee and guests can be served.
• A-E
  These areas must be able to accommodate a minimum of [A-D: 24] [E: 16] persons with nearby toilet facilities.
• A
  The room should ideally be located adjacent to the designated Directors/Guests seating.
• G
  Refreshments must be made available for visiting officials and guests.

• A-F
  Refreshment facilities must be provided in each segregated area of the ground. These facilities may be of a temporary or mobile type.
• G
  Refreshment facilities shall be provided at the ground. These facilities may be of a temporary or mobile type.

• A-F
  From the Appendix:A club must take account of the needs of disabled spectators and be mindful of its obligations under the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Reference may be made to the publications / data sheets issued by both The Football Association and the Football Foundation.
  No specific requirement is currently included in the grading criteria but The Football Association strongly recommends that access is provided to both a covered viewing area and toilet and refreshment facilities.

• A-F
  Separate dressing rooms must be provided for both teams within the enclosed area of the ground. The dressing rooms must be of sound construction, be of a permanent nature and must be of a minimum size of [A-B: 18] [D-F: 12] square metres, excluding shower and toilet areas.
• C-G
  However, clubs wishing to progress beyond this Grade should be aware of the need to increase to a minimum size of 18 square metres, excluding shower and toilet areas, for a B Grade. Where clubs are planning to build new dressing rooms these must be a minimum size of 18 square metres, excluding shower and toilet areas.
• A-G
  Each dressing room must have the following:
  • A shower area comprising of at least 4 showerheads. (A: Note: 6 shower heads are required to meet the Football League criteria.)
  • 1 wash hand basin
  • (All of the above must have hot and cold running water)
  • At least 1 WC
  • There must be a [A: cushioned] treatment table in each dressing room. (G: unless there is a separate medical room available for the use of both teams)

• A-G
  The size of the match officials’ dressing room must be a minimum of [A-B: 6] [A-G: 4] square metres, excluding shower and toilet areas. [B-G: When new dressing rooms are being constructed the match officials’ room should be a minimum of 6 square metres in size, excluding shower and toilet areas]. Each match officials’ dressing room must have the following:
  • At least 1 shower and 1 wash basin (both with hot and cold running water)
  • At least 1 WC
  Provision should be made for separate dressing rooms for both male and female match officials. Where new dressing rooms are being constructed or existing ones are being re-designed, separate purpose built facilities for both male and female match officials must be provided.
  There must be an audible electronic warning device (bell or buzzer) in working order located in the match officials’ dressing room and linked to the players’ dressing rooms.
• A
  Note: All drssing room areas must be maintained to a high standrard of cleanliness and to be heated, well ventialted and secure on matched days.

• A-G
  At least one stretcher for the removal of injured players from the field of play must be provided.
• A-D
  There must be a suitably equipped medical treatment room for players located in the vicinity of the players’ dressing rooms. Access to this room must not be via the home or away dressing rooms.
• A
  There must be a suitably equipped and designated First Aid Room for spectators within the boundary of the ground fitted out with services in accordance with Health & Safety requirements. The first aid room and the location of the room must be suitably sign posted.
• B
  Clubs must designate a suitable room for the treatment of spectators within the boundary of the ground.
• E-G
  From the Appendix: All clubs must provide first aid equipment, including a stretcher, for the use of players and spectators. Its location in the ground, if other than in a dedicated treatment room, should be clearly marked by notices placed in the dressing rooms for teams and match officials.
• A-G
  From the Appendix: There must be a nominated and suitably qualified person (minimum FA Emergency Aid Course) in attendance to assist with spectator problems unless the St John Ambulance Brigade, Red Cross Society or other capable agency are in attendance. The requirements of the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds are for one first aider per 1000 anticipated spectators, with a minimum of two.
  If a crowd of less than 2000 is anticipated, known and practiced arrangements should be in place to summon either a doctor or NHS ambulance alternative. For crowds of over 2000, an experienced crowd doctor should be in attendance.

• The details of the latest Football League Criteria for Admission to Membership will be distributed to all clubs in membership of The Football Conference Premier Division during the early part of each season.

• During the early part of each Season all clubs in membership of the Premier Division of The Football Conference will be sent instructions as to how to carry out a self-assessment of its facilities having regard to The Football League’s Membership Criteria. Clubs must submit, to the Football League, with a copy to the Football Conference, a completed Self-Assessment Form at any time before 31st December in the current Season and the Football League will review the information submitted and provide feedback.
• If a club wishes to be visited by The Football League in order to perform an advisory ground visit it should request such a visit in writing. The League cannot guarantee to have the resource to make such a visit but will use reasonable endeavours to perform such a visit within three months of any request. A £1,000 (plus VAT) visit fee will be payable in respect of each club visited by The Football League. If a club pays £1,000 (plus VAT) for an advisory visit, there will be no additional charge for any subsequent visit or inspection in the same Season (including that payable on promotion). The advisory ground visit does not form part of theformal application process for membership of the Football League.

• Those clubs who are in contention for promotion to The Football League at 31st March each season must seek the advice of the Football Licensing Authority for guidance in the following areas in respect of ground safety to meet The Football League criteria for admission to membership: Application for such guidance must in the first instance be to the General Manager of The Football Conference. The Football League will require before the start of the club’s first full season:
  • Confirmation of the ground capacity, with Safety Certificate.
  • Emergency Lighting system serving spectator areas etc
  • Ground Control Room
  • Turnstiles of the automatic revolving type with counting facilities and a computerised turnstile
  • monitoring system.
  • CCTV surveillance system as required by the local authority
  • The qualifications of the Club Chief Safety Officer and the club stewards