Fencing, Access and Barrier Requirements for Football Ground Gradings

For clubs in or aiming to operate at Steps 1 to 6 (1 being the highest) of the Men’s FA National League System, there are certain facility developments they must achieve, which we’ll discuss in this blog post. The guidance specifies items like floodlights, the number of press seats available, and the number of turnstiles. Here, we will focus on perimeter fencing, parking barriers, turnstiles, and pitch perimeter barriers. The full guidance handbook is available on the FA website.

Clubs considering any developments of their grounds should focus on complying with the requirements of the current grade for the Step or Tier they play at. When planning any developments, it is important to look not only to the immediate tier available for promotion into but also to look to where you want the club to be in the future. For example, if you are planning an expansion of covered seating to add an extra 100 seats, see if you can add another 100 or 200 to advance further up the steps. Any developments should be discussed with the relevant League Officer and Football Foundation Technical Project Managers.

Football Ground Perimeter Fencing

All grounds at grades 1-6 must be enclosed by a permanent boundary of a minimum height of 1.7m measured from outside the ground. Additionally, grades 1-4 require a boundary that prevents people from viewing the game from outside the ground. To satisfy these requirements, many clubs consider fencing options such as palisade fencing or mesh fencing with privacy fabric. However, while these types of fencing are often promoted as suitable for sports grounds, they may not always provide the most secure, durable, or aesthetically pleasing solutions.

Challenges with Palisade Fencing

Palisade fencing, while widely used, has limitations. The design, with its vertical steel pales, may look robust, but it can be easily compromised. Over time, the rivets or bolts holding the pales together can loosen, or they can be deliberately removed to gain access, reducing its overall effectiveness. Additionally, the sharp edges and spikes at the top, although intended to deter climbing, can pose safety hazards. Palisade fencing also does not provide the privacy required for higher grade clubs, so it is not a good option for clubs wanting to advance into these tiers in the future. In addition, its industrial appearance fails to create a welcoming environment, undermining recent efforts by lower league football clubs to improve their image and brand. This lack of appeal can also influence whether children are eager to attend youth football sessions at the ground, potentially driving families towards other clubs and resulting in financial losses for the club.

Challenges with Mesh Fencing with Privacy Fabric

Mesh fencing with privacy fabric, though affordable and quick to install, can degrade rapidly in outdoor conditions. The fabric often tears or becomes discoloured due to weather exposure, making it less visually appealing and requiring frequent replacement.  Moreover, the fabrics used are often inadequate for blocking visibility into the ground, as they can be easily tampered with or removed. This not only means that the fence may fail to meet the previously mentioned requirements but also poses a significant issue during closed matches. These could include professional teams playing friendlies or school district trials, where maintaining privacy is essential, and parents may be restricted from viewing. Furthermore, the club may need to repeatedly spend time and effort reattaching the fabric to the mesh fence to repair it, adding to the inconvenience.

Recommended Fencing Alternatives

For clubs aiming for higher ground grading compliance and long-term solutions, we recommend EuroGuard^® Combi, Jakoustic^® acoustic barriers, and Barbican® fencing as superior alternatives. 

EuroGuard^® Combi is an excellent alternative to mesh fencing with fabric, as it combines the strength of welded steel mesh with the durability and privacy of timber slats. This anti-climb design meets grade 1-4 standards, providing a secure boundary while preventing unauthorised viewing of matches. Its dual-purpose functionality of privacy and security makes it ideal for grounds in residential areas, as it does not compromise aesthetics. 

Barbican^® fencing, constructed from strong tubular steel, offers unmatched strength and rigidity. Its anti-climb profiles make it extremely difficult to breach, and its durable finish ensures it withstands the harshest weather conditions. It is a popular choice for high-security environments, making it perfect for football grounds that need to comply with grade 1 requirements for security. It does not provide privacy, so it is not suitable for grounds which have pitches right next to the perimeter. 

Jakoustic^® acoustic barriers are another popular choice for football grounds. Presenting a strong anti-climb barrier due to their solid timber construction, they provide complete privacy, ample security, with the added benefits of noise reduction and good aesthetics. 

All options are highly customisable in terms of height and additional security features, such as toppings, and are designed to provide a professional appearance. Fencing and gates can be architecturally powder-coated in the club’s colours, enhancing the overall appearance of the ground while reinforcing the club’s brand identity and reputation.

Pitch Perimeter Barriers

Pitch perimeter barriers are essential to provide a safe and controlled environment for players, officials, and spectators. For grades 1-6, the FA requires that grounds have permanent pitch barriers made from solid materials such as steel, with no gap that the ball may pass through. These barriers must be designed to ensure spectators remain at a safe distance from the playing area while also creating a clear demarcation between the pitch and spectator zones. 

The ideal pitch perimeter barrier should be robust, weather-resistant, and designed to minimise injury risks. Fencing systems with durable coatings are a popular choice as they are long-lasting and require minimal maintenance.

Parking Barriers, Access Control and Pedestrian Guard Railing

Although there are no strict requirements for parking barriers under the FA ground grading system, installing them can significantly enhance the functionality and security of required parking areas. Parking barriers can help define designated areas for match-day attendees, reduce congestion, and deter unauthorised vehicles from accessing club property. Options like manual rising arm barriers or automatic bollards provide reliable and flexible control over vehicle access, ensuring smoother operations on match days, creating a positive first impression for fans, sponsors, and visiting teams.

Additionally, effective segmentation of pedestrians and traffic, using measures such as metal pedestrian guard rails is essential, particularly after matches when large crowds of supporters are exiting the ground.

Ball Stop Netting

While there are no strict guidelines, these barriers serve as essential boundaries. They prevent balls from leaving designated playing areas, ensuring the safety of spectators. Additionally, ball stop netting help stop balls from leaving the grounds and landing in neighbouring gardens, which can strain relationships with neighbours and lead to costs from lost footballs.

Turnstiles

Turnstiles are a critical component for controlling access to football grounds. For grades 1-4, the FA mandates that turnstiles must be in place at all spectator entrances. These are essential for managing crowd flow, ensuring ticket compliance, and enhancing security. 

When selecting turnstiles, clubs should consider options that combine durability with functionality. Full-height turnstiles are ideal for high-security environments, as they prevent unauthorised access and are resistant to tampering. Waist-height turnstiles, often used alongside ticket scanning systems, can provide a faster throughput for larger crowds. Additionally, ensuring turnstiles are compliant with accessibility standards, such as by providing separate wheelchair access gates, is essential for inclusivity.

By prioritising long-term solutions and considering future growth, clubs can ensure their grounds meet FA requirements while creating a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for fans, players, and staff alike. If you're planning any developments, it's always worth consulting experienced contractors who specialise in football ground infrastructure to ensure the best possible outcomes.

For more information about fencing and access control for football training grounds, check out our related blog post.