Clubs at Step 1 to 4 of the NLS are inspected every three years on a rolling basis, save for those that are promoted during this period who will require further inspections to attain the necessary grade for the higher Step Level.
The process in which Clubs are informed of such an inspection is as follows:
- The FA liaises with the relevant League operating at Step 1 to 4
- A list of Clubs to be inspected is drawn-up and agreed
- Each League will circulate a list of Clubs to be inspected at the start of each season, along with a Grading Questionnaire and the relevant Criteria Document
- Clubs will be asked to return a completed Grading Questionnaire by a given date
- The Grading Officer/Director for each League will make contact with the Clubs to establish a date for an inspection
- If after the initial inspection some items remain outstanding, either another inspection will be arranged or, for minor items, photographic or video evidence of the works having been carried out may be accepted
- The Grading Officer/Director and an Independent Grading Officer will make a recommendation to award the grade (or not) to The FA
- The Alliance Leagues Committee will look to ratify the proposed course of action
- A decision will be announced to Clubs via an emailed letter - Note: letters tend to be produced in batches throughout the season