Football - Pitch Set up

Setting pitch up for season

Aim:

To ensure that playing surfaces conform to criteria set out by the FA.

Method

• Check Pitch Orientation

• Check Pitch Dimensions

• Check Condition of posts, nets & flags.

• Check General condition of pitch.

• Check Condition of line marker.

• Check Availability of line marking compound.

• Check the presence and viability of basic equipment.

• Mark out pitch.

Timing

Pre-season

 Effects of incorrect procedure

• Loss of play due to incorrect markings

• Loss of revenue

• Delay to start of match to allow remedial action.

• Match postponed by officials.

• Player injury

• Poor playability

• Reputational damage to club and volunteer groundsman 

Equipment

• Visual assessment

• Measuring tape & pegs.

• Line marker.

Practical Tips

• Check on any changes to the pitch dimensions set out by the FA or local league.

• Recommended pitch orientation is between 285^o and 20^o.

• Check the SE list for basic equipment requirements for clubs.

• For marking pitch, check with groundsman and assist where possible.

• Check the basic principles of line marking shown in Module GM 7.

 References

• URL – FA pitch information.

• Images of pre-season pitches.