groundgrading.co.uk
Everything you need to know about National Leagues
System FA & League Ground Grading
PREPARATION (Steps 1 & 2)
for your ground grading inspection.
1
Download the appropriate Grading Document from the previous page. For Step 2 you will need Grade 2, but for future proofing also download and take note of Grade 1 and the differences (mainly covered accommodation, capacity, turnstiles). For Step 2 as a new entry you will need to demonstrate a potential to increase capacity to Grade 1 minimum standard of 4,000. Hiring the services of a competent person or authority to carry out a detailed capacity calculation of your ground will be essential if you haven't already got one. An artificial surface must be FIFA 1 Star/Quality Pro (limited exceptions).
For Step 1, Grade 1 is required, but you will also need to avail yourself of the entry requirements for the Football League too (link on previous page). A 4,000 capacity is needed, but you also need to demonstrate how the ground can attain a capacity of 5,000 minimum in the future. An artificial surface cannot be used in the Football League if the club are promoted.
2
Unless you have a brand new ground you will undoubtedly have a Ground Grading questionnaire in your filing cabinet. This questionnaire is the precursor for all Grading Inspections but it seems this is being phased out ready for the new App to be phased in. In the meantime, use a copy of your previous one but don't just copy and paste it with a fresh date added. A blank questionnaire and filling it in yourself really is an excellent tool in helping to prepare thoroughly for your Ground Grading inspection.
Go for a walk around your ground with the questionnaire and fill in as much as you can to ensure it is fully up to date. With the Grading Document to hand also you will be able to quickly identify any deficiencies. Complete the questionnaire honestly and use it as an audit tool for your facilities. Make your own notes of anything you think needs to be done and this exercise is best carried out with your ground safety officer and facilities officer (if you have one). Return your up to date and completed form to your League Development Officer when/if requested.
3
Your League will contact you, if it hasn't already, to arrange the formal inspection. There should always be a minimum of 2 Inspectors for the arranged visit and a competent person from the club must be in attendance with keys for access to all parts of the ground, inside and out. Every inspection visit costs the club money, so you don't want the Inspectors having to return on another day because the keys to say, the South Stand lavatories or Medical Room cannot be found or are not available. Inspectors need to see everything and will also need to hear the PA System in use and see the scoreboard working if you have one. Access will be needed to the turnstiles, clubhouse, boardroom, dressing rooms, WC's, medical rooms etc (two needed from Grade 2 up), so when the inspection is arranged ensure that facilities are not already booked out. Inspectors will always try to work around training sessions and or day fixtures that are going on, but access to everything will always be needed. Ensure you have all documentation pertaining to your artificial surface (if you have one) as well as an up to date LUX certificate for the floodlights and a ground capacity certificate, MEAP and any other useful documentation.
4
When the inspection is booked, make sure you have plenty of time available on the day. Inspectors can often be visiting up to 3 grounds in one day, so early and late arrivals are to be expected depending on traffic conditions and any particular issues encountered at a previous ground. If you wish to walk around all the facilities with the Inspectors, that is normally fine but be prepared for Inspectors to need some privacy to discuss any issues arising. Before the inspection team leave the ground they should run through with you all the issues they have identified that need attention. Listen very carefully to this and if necessary ask them to show you exactly where in the ground they are talking about and what ideas they may have for you to solve the problem satisfactorily.
5
You should receive a written report from your League within about a week from the inspection. This will then become your definitive checklist of jobs to do. If you have not received it, chase them up. You have until March 31st in the season of your inspection to be fully compliant. This includes; doing all the work, having a second inspection and having it recommended for a Grade pass by the inspection team. For minor items, the team may suggest that photographs of the rectified issues are all that is required and not a second inspection. This though is a time limited option only.
6
Failure to comply with your Ground Grading inspection report by 31st March will result in recommendation to fail the Grade. This recommendation is then considered by The FA Technical Panel/Alliance Committee. If they are in agreement then the club will be relegated at the end of that season by at least one Step or back to a level where the facilities do comply. Appeals are allowed, but time limited.
