Performance Quality Standards (PQS) provide a practical, consistent way to measure the quality of natural turf sports surfaces. For grassroots groundskeepers—many of whom work with limited resources and volunteer time—PQS offer a simple framework to understand what “good” looks like and how to achieve safe, playable, and reliable pitches throughout the season.

What Are Performance Quality Standards?

PQS are measurable benchmarks used to assess the condition and performance of sports turf. They focus on how the pitch plays, looks, and feels, rather than on how much work or money goes into maintaining it. These standards help groundskeepers track progress, identify problems early, and plan maintenance more effectively.

How Often Should PQS be Carried Out?

Initially PQS can be undertaken to benchmark the quality of a surface and put a line in the sand to provide a definitive pitch quality at a given point in time. Following this how regularly these tests are carried out will be determined by the standard of sport played, the quality required and time and resources available to complete the tests and compile the data. In elite sport pitch testing might be daily, in a grassroots setting assessment at the start, middle and end of a season may be considered adequate.

Where Should I Assess?

Where on a pitch and how many tests are carried out will depend on the points covered above, however as a minimum you may want to concentrate on the high traffic areas of the playing surface, inspecting no less than 3 areas of the playing surface. 

Why PQS Matters?

Player Safety

Pitches that meet PQS have consistent footing, good traction, and minimal hazards such as holes, ruts, or excessive compaction. Meeting these standards reduces injury risk and supports enjoyable participation for all ages.

Better Playing Experience

A surface that passes PQS typically has appropriate grass coverage, smoothness, and firmness. This results in predictable ball behaviour and playability—key aspects of a positive playing experience.

Smarter Use of Resources

PQS help groundskeepers make informed decisions about where to focus their time and budget. By measuring key indicators, it becomes easier to prioritise tasks such as aeration, mowing, or drainage improvements.

Clear Communication with Decision Makers

Using PQS gives groundskeepers a consistent language to explain pitch conditions and justify maintenance needs. This supports funding applications, internal investment and helps committees/boards understand the value of essential pitch maintenance.

What PQS Typically Measures

Although specific standards vary by sport, PQS is categorised in the following ways :

Structural Quality

• Grass height
• Ground cover
• Grass species
• Weed coverage
• Pests and Diseases
• Organic matter (Thatch)
• Root depth
• Depth of growing medium (top soil depth)
• Surface evenness and levels
• Soil compaction

May also include for more advanced assessments;

• Soil moisture levels
• Soil texture
• Drainage performance/infiltration rates

Presentational Quality

• Surface Debris
• Quality of line markings
• Turf uniformity

May also include for more advanced assessments; 

• Visual turf colour
• Mowing quality

Playing Quality

• Surface traction/grip
• Ball roll/speed
• Ball bounce
• Surface firmness

You can find a template example of PQS parameters for rugby league by following this link https://www.thegma.org.uk/grounds-management-framework/performance-quality-standards/rugby-league/

These measurements give a balanced picture of how well the pitch can perform and withstand regular against the desired standard.

You can find more information on carrying out these tests within our assessing pitch quality section. The equipment needed can be found in our PQS equipment section.