Ground Standards Requirements
The following policy sets out the expected standard of grounds and facilities within the Essex Alliance League.
Clubs in Regional NLS Feeder League divisions must play on grounds that comply with both the FA and league minimum grading requirements. Clubs seeking promotion to a Regional Feeder League division must meet the minimum guidelines before being considered for promotion.
Any club relegated for not maintaining the minimum grading guideline will not be eligible for promotion again until it has attained the required standards.
| ALL DIVISIONS | SENIOR DIVISION | |
|---|---|---|
| FACILITIES |
Grounds must be located within or adjacent to the boroughs of Havering, Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge, Newham, Waltham Forest, Hackney, Epping Forest, Harlow or Thurrock. Free car parking facilities must be made available close to or within the ground. A suitable, clean, changing space must be made available for teams to use before and after a match with access to toilet and hand washing facilities. |
In Regional NLS Feeder League divisions, there shall be separate, secure, lockable changing rooms for each team, having a minimum floor area of 12 square metres (excluding shower and toilet areas). There should be at least 3 working showerheads for each team, located either within or adjacent to the dressing room. Shared showers with other teams are not acceptable. Adequate toilet and hand washing facilities must be available for exclusive use by the players. These must not be accessible nor shared with the general public. Separate toilets must be made available for spectators and the general public. A qualified football first aider must be in attendance at all games in readiness for dealing with on and off-pitch situations. Both clubs must carry a properly equipped first aid kit. |
| PITCH |
The playing surface must be of an acceptable standard, free from excessive surface depressions and undulations and marked in accordance with the Laws of the Game. The size of the playing area must confirm to the requirements of the Laws of the Game which state: Where an artificial pitch is being used, this must be listed on the Football Foundation’s pitch register and approved for use. |
It should be noted that the recommended playing area for Regional Feeder League divisions is 100 metres x 64 metres, this being the minimum size required for achieving FA ground grade 7, the entry point for senior football. In Regional NLS Feeder League divisions, pitches shall be fully enclosed on all sides accessible to spectators, either by a permanent barrier or rope. There must be a viewing area offering spectators an unobstructed view of the pitch. Viewing through a cage, mesh or fence is not acceptable. Spectators must remain behind said barrier at all times. Technical areas must be marked out for all Regional Feeder League fixtures with only two occupants at any time, in accordance with the Laws of the Game. All other participants must remain in the dugout or behind the pitch barrier. |
| MATCH OFFICIALS | A suitable, clean, changing space must be made available for match officials to use before and after a match with access to toilet and hand washing facilities. | In Regional Feeder League divisions, the match officials’ dressing room should be separate, secure, lockable and of a minimum size of 4 square metres with seating for up to three people. Separate toilet, hand washing and shower facilities must be available for match officials, separate of provision for the teams and general public. Provision must also be available for both male and female match officials. |