Football Grounds Maintenance

Surface Debris

Surface debris assessment is an important part of PQS (Performance Quality Standards) because debris affects safety, performance, aesthetics, and maintenance. PQS inspections ensure the surface is clean, safe, and free from materials that could interfere with play.

✅ Visual Inspection

A thorough walk-over inspection of the entire pitch is carried out.

👥 What assessors look for

• Organic debris

  • Leaves, twigs, grass clippings, thatch on the surface

• Inorganic debris

  • Litter (plastic, paper, bottles), stones, glass

• Hazardous materials

  • Metal objects, sharp items, animal waste

• Foreign materials that affect play

  • Excess topdressing, displaced infill (on 3G surfaces), soil clumps

The pitch is typically viewed from:

• Ground level

• Elevated angles (if possible)

• Multiple directions for contrast

📝  Assessment criteria

• Depending on the standard of sport the pitch should be free of or have minimal visible debris

• Any hazardous debris results in a fail if not addressed

• Organic debris should not form layers that impede ball roll, mowing, or drainage