Football Pitch Performance Standards (E)

17) Appearance: This standard looks at the cleanness of cut and is used to indicate how well the mower blades have been set and if the mower blades are sharp, slightly worn or worn/blunt. A clean sharp cut is to be aimed for at all times, with the cleanest cuts being achieved through the use of a cylinder mower. Where ‘impact action’ rotary blades are used making sure they are as sharp as possible will reduce the effect of blunter blades producing torn damaged grass leaves. Regular regrinding or renewal of rotary blades may be required as part of annual maintenance practices.

18) Line markings: The correct pitch layout, straight and curved lines and uniformity of the width of line must meet the requirements of the laws of the game. The lines must also be visible from a suitable distance, with this being maybe a minimum of 60m for high quality pitches and 30m for lower quality pitches. The consistency and brightness of marking material has a significant impact on the visibility of lines as well as the longevity of lines. This latter aspect is important for lower quality pitches which might not be fully overmarked for each game but may have selective overmarking carried out if games are played close together over a weekend, with marking focusing on, for example, the centre circle and penalty / goal mouth areas where wear is highest.

19) Surface debris: Ideally a pitch will be free of any surface debris, however, in practice and primarily for lower quality pitches and those located in open-access spaces, such as parks, then a small percentage of soft debris, such as leaves or paper, (being less than maybe 4% in a larger quadrat area, e.g. 3m x 3m) might be deemed acceptable. At the elite level no soft debris would be allowed. Hard debris, such as bottles, cans, medium or large stones tree branches, etc. would not be acceptable on any standard of pitch as these would be classed as a hazard and would need to be removed before play could commence.