Whilst the process at Steps 5 & 6 does not currently have independence like with those at Steps 1 to 4, the principles of the Ground Grading process remain the same:
Clubs at Steps 5 & 6 of the NLS should be 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 should be informed of such an inspection is as follows:
- A list of Clubs that are due to be inspected is drawn-up by each Step 5 & 6 League
- 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 to the League 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 will make a recommendation to award the grade (or not) to The FA
- The Leagues Committee will look to ratify the proposed course of action
- A decision will be announced by the Leagues to Clubs via an emailed letter