Football Grounds Maintenance

Assessment of Line Markings and Pitch Dimensions

✅ Pitch Dimensions

Assessors measure the playing area to ensure it meets the governing body’s rules (e.g., FA, World Rugby, ECB).

📝 What is checked

• Length and width of the playing area
  Measured using tape measures, measuring wheels or laser measuring devices.

• Run-offs / safety zones
  The buffer area beyond the boundary lines must meet minimum safety requirements.

• Symmetry and straightness
  Ensure marking are straight, parallel, and square.

• Correct location of fixed points
  Examples:

  • Centre circle radius

  • Penalty area and goal area dimensions

  • Corner arc

📝 Assessment criteria

• Dimensions must fall within allowed tolerances (normally specified in the sport’s laws, e.g., FIFA/FA Handbook).

• Boundaries must be accurate and consistent across the pitch.

✅ Line Markings

PQS evaluates both the quality and accuracy of line markings.

📝  What is assessed

• Accuracy
  Lines must be positioned precisely according to the sport’s rules.

• Width of lines
  Typically 100mm (4 inches) for football.

• Straightness and curvature

  • Straight lines checked with string-lines or laser/GPS guidance.

  • Circles/arcs checked using measuring tapes.

• Visibility and clarity

  • Lines must be bright, uniform, and continuous.

• Contrast with playing surface
  Markings must be distinctly visible from normal viewing distance.

🎯 Materials and application

• Paint must be non-toxic, suitable for turf, and applied using an approved line-marking machine.