The FA, together with the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) and Sport England, have completed a construction standard for new and refurbished natural grass pitches. Please click on the relevant heading below for more information.
It is appreciated that natural grass pitches have a limited carrying capacity, i.e. number of matches that can be staged a week. The standard should be applied taking into account localised soil conditions, climatic conditions and the ability to stage any volume of matches.
Additional notes around maintenance and white lining markings are also included in this section.
Performance Quality Standard (PQS)
Natural Grass Construction Upgrade Performance Quality Standard
Maintenance of winter pitches
The demand and expectation for good quality grass pitches is ever growing. The annual maintenance of winter pitches is not only important in improving the quality and quantity of football played at a site, but is also important in reducing injuries to players.
The following Guidelines are set out not only to assist Grounds staff in their maintenance programmes but to illustrate to managers, coaches and club secretaries the need for good preparation and maintenance of their pitches by competent grounds staff.
White line markings
There are a wide range of marking compounds, paints and machines available on the market which make the marking of white lines a safe practice and are in accordance with present regulations. However, in the past, some compounds have been used which, although they may reduce labour and material costs while keeping lines visible for a greater length of time, have unfortunately led to injury and subsequent court action.
These Guidelines have been drawn up with the Institute of Groundsmanship to clarify what substances can be used in line with current regulations and what machines are available to apply them.