Scottish Women's Premier League 2019

[Ray Patterson]

What are ground criteria for SWPL 1 and 2 - Might explain why United are playing at DISC and not the GA Arena

[lau03143]

From the SWPL website LINK:

Quote

2. The Ground a. Registered Ground Clubs shall have a designated home ground for the duration of each season for all matches unless unforeseen circumstances occur. As per competition rules (Rule 10c), in this scenario clubs must seek permission from the League Administrator to use another venue. The alternative ground should be outlined at the start of the season and should be compliant with SWPL 2 standards, and provided to the League Administrator in advance of the season kicking off. As per above, all clubs must submit a formal request to the League Administrator in the event of them requiring to use their named alternative ground. No clubs shall be permitted to use their alternative ground for more than 4 SWPL fixtures per season, unless due to exceptional circumstances. b. The Field of Play The field shall be in compliance with the Laws of the Game. c. Natural Grass Surfaces Any natural grass surface may be subject to tests, at intervals to be decided by the SWF, to ensure compliance to performance standards determined by the SWF or others approved by the SWF. The field shall be in good condition and playable throughout the playing season. d. Artificial Surfaces Standard to be approved by the SWF upon written application from the club. e. Health & Safety Regulations The ground must comply with prevailing Health and Safety regulations, and, where applicable, have relevant certification issued by the local authority when required. f. Access Both clubs must have access to the match pitch (half pitch each) for a minimum of 30 minutes before kick-off. In the event that this is not feasible, the home club must advise their opponent in advance of the fixture of the specific warm up arrangements in place (dimensions of area, surface, access time & distance from match pitch) as part of their confirmation of details communication in the week prior to the match.

3. Facilities a. Teams The following rooms and facilities, of an equivalent level for both teams, are a minimum requirement: i. 1 dressing room for each club (home and visiting team) with facilities to safely secure valuables and/or lock the dressing room. ii. Seating facilities for at least 16 persons. iii. Shower facility. iv. 1 fully functioning toilet. v. Physio table. b. Match Officials The following rooms and facilities are a minimum requirement: i. The match official’s dressing room must be separate from the team dressing rooms but close by and has facility to safely secure valuables. ii. If both male and female officials are appointed, the home team must advise the officials in advance of the fixture of the changing arrangements in place to allow the officials to manage this accordingly on the day. iii. Seating facilities for 3 persons. iv. Access to a shower. v. 1 toilet for the sole use of the match officials either in or next to the dressing room itself. c. Technical Areas Clubs shall provide a covered seating area for up to 7 people and space to accommodate a total of 13 next to the field, large enough for the technical team and substitutes. The technical area should extend 1m on either side of the designated seated area and extend forward up to a distance of 1m from the touch line. d. Spectators Clubs shall provide the following: 1. Facility to collect payment from spectators where a spectator fee is charged. 2. Facility/ability to count spectator numbers and provide match attendances. 3. Facilities where spectators can get refreshments Tea/coffee etc. 4. PA system to ensure spectators know who is playing/scorers/ match officials etc. This can be a temporary or permanent system as long as it is audible for all officials and spectators. 5. Match Programmes produced (a digital version will suffice if appropriate). e. Level of Cover for Spectators The minimum level of cover available for both home and away spectators is 199 seated covered places. Furthermore, the ground will have a capacity calculated by a competent person in accordance with the Green Guide* (Health and Safety).

The SWPL2 criteria for the ground:

Quote

3. Facilities a. Teams The following rooms and facilities, of an equivalent level for both teams, are a minimum requirement:  1 dressing room for each club (home and visiting team) with facilities to safely secure valuables and/or lock the dressing room.  Seating facilities for at least 16 persons.  Shower facility.  1 fully functioning toilet.  Physio table. b. Match Officials The following rooms and facilities are a minimum requirement: i. The match official’s dressing room must be separate from the team dressing rooms but close by and has facility to safely secure valuables. If both male and female officials are appointed, the home team must advise the officials in advance of the fixture of the changing arrangements in place to allow the officials to manage this accordingly on the day iii. Seating facilities for 3 persons iv. Access to a shower v. 1 toilet for the sole use of the match officials either in or next to the dressing room itself c. Technical Areas Clubs shall provide a clearly marked technical area for up to 13 people next to the field, large enough for the technical team and substitutes. d. Spectators Clubs shall produce a match programme for spectators at home matches – these can be digital versions if appropriate e. Level of Cover for Spectators Clubs shall have an appropriate area for spectators to watch the match. A permanent or temporary adequate perimeter pitch protection system shall surround the playing area separating it from spectators and employed as directed by the match officials on the day. This shall be of sound construction and free from any sharp edges. Pitch Perimeter Barrier: refers to barrier or rail that separates spectators from playing area

It looks like Motherwell had followed the rules for their secondary pitch which met the criteria of the SWPL2, it looks like whoever set the criteria didn't think of the consequences.

[Ray Patterson]

4 hours ago, lau03143 said:

From the SWPL website LINK:

The SWPL2 criteria for the ground:

It looks like Motherwell had followed the rules for their secondary pitch which met the criteria of the SWPL2, it looks like whoever set the criteria didn't think of the consequences.

I mean SWPL2 criteria is literally a public park plus a rope round it.

It's a real step backwards for the womans game imho

[HibeeJibee]

So after dressingrooms require enclosed ground, dugouts, 199 seats, PA and refreshment in tier 1... and a rope in tier 2 (but can use in tier 1 up to 4 exceptions)?

Toilets? Disabled access?

You'd think in tier 1 an equivalent of club licensing (as applies in HL/LL) without exception... and in tier 2 at least an enclosed ground etc. (as applies in EOSL/SOSL/etc.)... could be desired.