Guidance Notes
This is where you can download all the latest documents relating to facility development.
We have many queries regarding the correct pitch sizes so here are the figures. These guidance notes were recently approved by The FA Council and are included in The FA Handbook for season 2004/5
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The FA with Sport England and turf consultants to work towards a construction standard for new and refurbished pitches. Further details and a downloadable document is now available. 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.
The FA has produced these guidelines and performance standards for the design and construction of Artificial Grass Pitches.
The specifications define the minimum standards considered acceptable by The FA for the procurement and construction of Artificial Grass Pitches. The FA employs Regional facilities Managers around the counties to assist applicants with the technical development of their projects, and applicants are recommended to discuss proposals with them. More>>
This guide has been prepared to aid facility designers and operators providing facilities for the various forms of small sided football. They detail the sizes of pitches, the types of surfaces that are commonly used and the facility infra-structure required to ensure the pitch provides a satisfactory playing environment. Click here to download>>
Designs for changing room layouts to give maxiumum efficiency and address child protection issues are currently being reviewed. These will be available to view by the end of the year and will be available to download here.