The Complete Guide to FA Ground Grading for Clubs
FA ground grading decides whether your club can compete at its current step and whether it can be promoted to the next one. The criteria cover far more than fencing — floodlights, hard standing, dugouts, seating, turnstiles and more — but the perimeter barrier is one of the most common reasons clubs are delayed or fail. This guide explains the whole system: how grading works, what is assessed, the key deadlines, and exactly where fencing fits in.
Ground grading is the FA's system of facility standards for the National League System (Steps 1–6) plus the Step 7 feeder level. Each step has a grade (A–H) with defined requirements. Assessments for the NLS are administered through the Premier League Stadium Fund's StadiumPower system. Clubs must meet their current grade and demonstrate they can meet the grade above before promotion. The 31 March deadline each season is critical.
How Ground Grading Works
The National League System is the pyramid of non-league football below the EFL, running from Step 1 (the National League) down to Step 6, with Step 7 as the feeder level. Each step maps to a ground grading category from A (Step 1) through to H (Step 7), and each category sets out the minimum facilities a ground must provide.
Grading is not a one-off. Clubs are assessed against their current grade, and — crucially — must show they can meet the grade above by a set deadline if they are to be eligible for promotion. Our full ground grading reference page sets out the criteria step by step.
For most steps, a club hoping for promotion must meet the higher grade's requirements by 31 March in the relevant season. Facility work — including fencing — takes time to plan, fund and install. Leaving it until you are top of the table is the single most common way clubs miss out.
What Gets Assessed
Ground grading covers the whole facility. The main categories are:
- Pitch and perimeter — pitch dimensions, the run-off/setback distance, and a compliant pitch perimeter barrier.
- Floodlighting — minimum average lux levels, increasing with each step.
- Spectator facilities — covered and seated accommodation, hard standing, terracing.
- Player and official facilities — dressing rooms, officials' room, medical provision.
- Safety and access — turnstiles, segregation capability at higher steps, signage.
- Technical areas — dugouts of compliant size and separation.
Where Fencing Fits In
The perimeter barrier requirement tightens as you climb the pyramid. The two figures that catch clubs out most often are the setback distance and the infill requirement.
Steps 1–4 (Grades A–D)
Infilled barrier mandatory
A permanent infilled barrier at 1.1m that prevents the ball passing through or under it. Setback is a minimum of 2,250mm at Step 1 (ideally 2,750mm) and 1,830mm at Steps 2–4. Hi-vis plastic fencing is explicitly not accepted as infill. Double mesh satisfies this by design.
Double mesh requiredSteps 5–6 (Grades E–F)
Permanent fixed barrier
A permanent fixed barrier is required, with a minimum 1,830mm setback. Infill is strongly advised, especially for clubs with promotion ambitions where it becomes mandatory.
Infill strongly advisedStep 7 (Grades G–H)
Post and rope minimum
Post and rope is the absolute minimum at Grade H; advertising boards are accepted as infill. A permanent 1.1m barrier is expected ideally and is the sensible choice for any club intending to climb.
Permanent barrier advisedFunding Your Grading Work
Facility upgrades for grading are expensive, but rarely paid for in full by the club. Where a perimeter barrier is needed specifically for NLS ground grading, funding is routed through the Premier League Stadium Fund. For general site fencing, Football Foundation fencing grants of up to 75% (max £25,000) apply. Either way, you will need a specification and schedule of works — which we provide as standard.
A Practical Timeline
- Summer/autumn: review the grade above and identify gaps. Get a fencing quote and specification.
- Autumn/winter: submit your grant application with the spec and schedule of works.
- Winter: schedule installation while the ground is accessible and before the spring deadline.
- By 31 March: work complete and ready for the grading assessment.
Get Grading-Ready Fencing
We supply FA-compliant Pro Pitch perimeter fencing for every step, with the specification documents and schedule of works your grant application and grading assessment require. Supply only or fully installed nationwide.
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