Ground Gradings

Welcome to The FA’s Ground-Grading Guidance and Criteria document. This document aims to provide a complete overview of ground grading and facility development for grounds in – or aspiring to operate at – Steps 1 to 6 of the Men’s National League System.

This replaces the various individual grading documents published in previous seasons, providing a one-stop-shop for clubs. As well as the previous criteria (which is largely unchanged) there is now practical guidance for new builds as well as advisory guidance to enhance the matchday and user experiences at your grounds.

This document is published by the FA

The FA Ground-Grading criteria is broken down as follows:

Step 1 - Grade 1 - National League (1 Division)

Step 2 - Grade 2 - National League North and South (2 Divisions)

Step 3 - Grade 3 - Premier Divisions of the Southern, Isthmian and Northern Premier Leagues (4 Divisions)

Step 4 - Grade 4 - Division 1’s of the Southern, Isthmian and Northern Premier Leagues (8 Divisions)

Step 5 - Grade 5 - Step 5 Leagues (16 Divisions)

Step 6 - Grade 6 - Step 6 Leagues (17 Divisions)

Promotion to Step 6 - Grade 7 RFL Clubs require this grade by 31 March in the season before the Club is applying for promotion to Step 6

Download FA Ground gradings