New Step 7 F.A. Proposals
THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
STEP 7 PROPOSALS
1. Introduction
Following the series of Regional Meetings held earlier this year and the subsequent responses following the issue of the Step 7 Questionnaire, the Step 7 Review headed by Ray Kiddell OBE submitted to the Leagues Committee their proposal for the restructure of the lower levels of the National League System. This proposal was considered by the Leagues Committee when they met recently and the recommendations from the Step 7 Review Group were fully endorsed and the Committee agreed that the proposals should be developed further with a view to implementation for the commencement of Season 2010/2011.
A total of 42 Questionnaires were distributed with three leagues failing to respond.
There was an overwhelming majority in favour of a Restructure at the lower levels of the National League System.
There was an even split on the terminology to be used for the revised leagues and with regard to the preferred number of clubs the majority of leagues feel that, for whatever structure there should be 16 clubs per division.
When looking at ground grading, again there was an overwhelming majority in favour of some form of grading structure and there was a majority in favour of some form of % being applied at the various Steps.
2. The Proposal
The proposal will be in two stages. Stage 1 covers leagues currently operating in the National Leagues System and the details are set out below. Stage 2 will concentrate on competitions currently operating outside the National League System and details of this will follow in the New Year.
The Review Group have made recommendations based upon; Membership, Ground Grading, Funding, Reserve Team Football and Promotion to Step 6. A revised Ground Grading Criteria for Step 7 membership was also proposed and agreed by the Leagues Committee.
2.1 Membership
Step 7 will remain as the lower level of the National League System and will sub-divided as follows:
Step 7
Step 7A
Step 7B
With regard to the membership within each level, the following will apply:
Step 7 – Minimum of 16 clubs
Step 7A – Minimum of 14 Clubs
Step 7B – Minimum of 12 Clubs
2.2 Ground Grading
A new Ground Grading Category will be applied to relate to the Membership criteria for Step 7 leagues. This is attached at Appendix A. In order for a league to qualify to be placed at each level the following minimum % of clubs MUST comply fully with the new Grade I.
Step 7 – Minimum 75% achieving Grade I
Step 7A – Minimum 50% achieving Grade I
Step 7B – Minimum 25% achieving Grade I
2.3 Funding
That the following funding will apply, subject to League Finance Committee agreement:
Step 7 – Admin Grant of £3,000 + additional funding based upon Development Plan
Step 7A – Admin Grant of £3,000 + additional funding based upon Development Plan
Step 7B – Admin Grant of £2,500 – no additional funding
2.4 Reserve Team Football
At Step 7 there will be a maximum of 25% of member clubs as classified as reserve sides of teams playing at a higher level in the National League System.
There will be no restrictions with regard to the number of reserve teams playing in leagues classified as Step 7A or Step 7B.
2.5 Leagues Currently Outside the National League System
New leagues seeking Membership of the National Leagues System will be placed at a level within Step 7 commensurate with their membership and grading levels as outlined in Para’s 2.1 and 2.2 above.
2.6 Promotion to Step 6
Clubs seeking promotion to Step 6 must finish in a promotion position within their league that is; either in 1st position or 2nd position should the club finishing in 1st position not qualify for promotion or wish to be promoted.
In addition, clubs must achieve Ground Grading Category H by 31st March in the year prior to promotion and be capable of achieving Category G by 31st March in the year following promotion.
3. The Way Forward
The following Timetable will now be implemented:
December 2009 – Current Step 7 leagues to be notified of final proposal
December 2009 – Self Assessment Grading document to be sent to current Step 7 leagues
January 11 – Step 7 Review Group to meet – assess returns from “non NLS” leagues
End of January 2010 – Self Assessment Grading document sent to other leagues
End of February 2010 – All Self Assessment Forms to be returned
End of March 2010 – Step 7 Review Group to review grading information and formulate new Step 7 structure
13 May 2010 – Leagues Committee agree Step 7 structure for season 2010/2011
Mike Appleby
Leagues & Clubs Manager
Appendix A
GRADING CATEGORY – I
Step 7 – Membership Requirements
1. GROUND
1.1 Security of Tenure
Where a club does not own the freehold of their ground then evidence of adequate security of tenure must be provided.
1.2 Ground Share
Ground sharing would be at the discretion of each league within the National League System, taking into account local circumstances. Where ground sharing is permitted the club must have sole control over and use of facilities on match days.
Ground sharing must not be allowed in order for a club to gain promotion.
1.3 Capacity
There is no stated ground capacity.
1.4 Boundary of Ground
There is no requirement for a ground to be enclosed in any way.
1.5 Clubhouse
A clubhouse facility, whilst being desirable, is not compulsory.
If a clubhouse facility exits either on or adjacent to the ground, this should be open on match days to provide refreshments to spectators.
1.6 Car Parking
There should be adequate car parking facilities on or adjacent to the ground.
1.7 Pitch Perimeter Barrier
As a minimum, there must be a barrier surrounding the pitch on all four sides unless otherwise determined by the league. .
The barrier, if other than solid wall type of construction may be infilled. Advertising boards may be acceptable as a means of infill.
Ideally, there should be a minimum of 1.83 metres, ideally 2 metres between the touchline, goal line and the pitch perimeter barrier.
1.8 Pitch Standards
The playing surface will be grass, unless otherwise authorised by the respective League Rules and must be of an acceptable standard. It must be free from surface depressions and excessive undulations.
The maximum slope allowable shall not exceed an even gradient of vertical to horizontal 1 : 41 in any direction.
1.9 Playing Area
The playing area is to be in accordance with the requirements of the Laws of the Game. The recommended minimum dimensions shall be 100m (110 yds) x 64 m (70 yds)
Goal posts and goal net supports should be of professional manufacture and conform to the current safety requirements and to the requirements of the Laws of the Game.
Reference should be made to the Goalpost Safety Information booklet published by The Football Association.
1.10 Technical Area
Portable trainers’ boxes are permitted and must be securely fixed when in use.
There is a requirement for a Technical Area to be marked out in accordance with the Laws of the Game where practical.
1.11 Secure Walkway
A secure walkway is not a requirement.
1.12 Floodlighting
Floodlighting is not compulsory at this Grade.
However, where it is provided it must be to an average lux reading of 120. No single reading can be less than one quarter of the highest reading so as to ensure an even spread of light.
Reading shall be on a grid of 88 markings (8 across, 11 down) evenly spaced with the outside readings falling on the pitch boundary line. The average of all the readings is taken to be the average illumination level in lux of the floodlighting installation.
The lux values must be tested every two years in accordance with current guidelines by an approved independent contractor.
When new or improved installations are being planned, an average lux. reading of 180 should be provided.
1.13 Public Address System
A public address system is not compulsory.
1.14 Entrances
There is no requirement for fixed entry points.
However, where a turnstile is installed, it must be fully operational and of the controlled revolving type.
1.15 Exits
Where fixed exit points are provided, there must be sufficient to ensure the safe evacuation of the ground if necessary.
All exits must be clearly signposted.
1.16 Emergency Access
Access for emergency services should be provided.
2. SPECTATOR FACILITIES
2.1 Seated Accommodation
Seated accommodation is not a requirement.
2.2 Covered Standing Accommodation
Covered accommodation is not compulsory.
Hard standing is not compulsory.
However, where it is provided it must be a minimum width of 1 metre, measured from the spectator side of the pitch perimeter barrier where provided. .
2.3 Toilets
Provision should be made for adequate toilet facilities.
2.4 Refreshment Facilities
Refreshment facilities for spectators are not compulsory.
3. DRESSING ROOM FACILITIES
All dressing rooms must be secure and suitable for purpose.
3.1 Players
Separate dressing rooms must be provided for both teams. Existing dressing rooms dimensions will be in order, provided that they are of a minimum of 12 square metres, excluding shower and toilet areas. However, clubs wishing to progress should be aware of the need to increase to a minimum of 18 square metres.
Where clubs are planning to build new changing rooms, these must be planned to be a minimum size of 18 square metres, excluding shower and toilet areas.
Each dressing room should have the following:
A shower area comprising of at least 4 working showerheads
Adequate toilet facilities for players
Hot and cold running water
3.2 Match Officials
Separate dressing rooms must be provided for match officials, the minimum size of which shall be
4 square metres excluding shower and toilet areas.
Each match official’s dressing room should ideally have the following:
At least 1 shower
Adequate toilet facilities which do not necessarily need to be situated in the dressing room
Provision should be made for changing accommodation for both male and female match officials.
When new changing rooms are being planned or existing changing rooms refurbished an area of 6 square metres and facilities for mixed gender match officials should be provided
All dressing room areas to be maintained to a high level of cleanliness and secure on match days.
4. MEDICAL
There must be a suitable qualified person (minimum F.A. Save a Life) in attendance.
All clubs must provide first aid equipment at their ground.