ESBFL – Reviewing and raising standards for and by Member Clubs

We are proud of the status of the Essex & Suffolk Border Football League, and we are looking to continue to raise our professional and efficient approach, with this in mind we are working with the FA on our development plans going forward.

One of our priorities over the coming year will be to review the facilities and ground arrangements for all Member Clubs to ensure we continue to meet the stringent requirements laid down by the FA.

This will start in the near future and all Member Clubs will be visited at least once in the next year as if we do not maintain the standards required, our NLS Feeder League Status will be at risk.

There are different requirements for Division One and below to those of the Premier Division. The Grounds Grading requirements can be found in the current season’s League Handbook starting on Page 135.

Below are the minimum facilities we expect ALL Member Clubs to have before they join the league.

The general requirements were relaxed during “COVID” but we must ensure that our standards have been brought back up.

Where Member Clubs (below the Premier Division) are making improvements and have the Management Committee’s permission, we have granted exceptional exemption for a limited period of time only. Member Clubs in these circumstances will be reinspected at the agreed time.

(1) The Club must provide dressing rooms on the ground and these shall be a reasonable distance from the playing pitch.

(2) There must be separate showers and dressing rooms for each team also for the Match Official(s). The Match Officials dressing room shall be large enough to accommodate three Match Officials. A separate Changing Room shall be provided for a female Match Official.

(3) Teas or refreshments must be offered / provided at half time for players and Match Official(s).

(4) Toilet facilities, both male and female, must be available on the ground.

The minimum dimensions of the playing area shall be 90 metres x 45 metres (100 yards x 50 yards)

The Ground & Amenities Standards Officer, Brian Martin and his assistant Richard Degville will contact you and arrange for the visit. They will advise any improvements which need to be made and recommend a timescale for this, if necessary, they will recheck later in the year.

In addition, Paul Harvey, Authentication Officer, will attend matches throughout the season to check on match-day requirements. These visits will not be pre-arranged, and Member Clubs will not be given notice.

Please also note that the SGM noted in the handbook for 18 May 2023 will NOT take place.