FA Guidance During Current Heatwave
As the recent heatwave continues to affect football pitches across the country, Bury Rangers is encouraging all players, parents, coaches and volunteers to familiarise themselves with the latest guidance issued by The Football Association regarding the use of natural grass pitches in dry weather conditions.
The FA has confirmed that there is no blanket suspension of football on dry grass pitches. Instead, clubs should assess each pitch individually, with player safety remaining the top priority. While many pitches may appear brown or dry, this does not automatically make them unsafe or unplayable.
When considering whether training sessions or matches can take place, clubs are advised to pay close attention to factors such as: • Surface hardness • Cracks or uneven areas of ground • High-wear zones such as goalmouths and centre circles • Any conditions that may increase the risk of injury to players
At Bury Rangers, we are committed to ensuring that all football activities take place in a safe environment. We will continue to monitor pitch conditions closely and work with local providers and officials to make informed decisions regarding training and fixtures. Commenting on the new guidance, Chris Geldart, Football Development | Facilities & Investments at Hertfordshire FA, said: "With many pitches across Hertfordshire currently feeling the effects of prolonged dry weather, we would strongly encourage clubs to review the new guidance and take advantage of the support available through the Football Foundation, the Grounds Management Association and Hertfordshire FA."
The prolonged dry weather has created challenges for clubs and grounds teams throughout the county. Maintaining healthy playing surfaces is essential not only for current use but also to protect pitches from unnecessary damage that could affect the season ahead.
To support clubs during this period, Hertfordshire FA has partnered with the Grounds Management Association (GMA) to host a free Regional Grounds Management Workshop. The practical session will provide valuable advice and hands-on learning for volunteers, grounds staff, club officials and facilities managers looking to improve and maintain their playing surfaces. Workshop Details 📅 14 September 2026 🕕 6:00pm to 8:30pm 📍 St Albans City FC, AL1 4PL 💷 Free of charge
Bury Rangers would like to thank Hertfordshire FA, The FA and the Football Foundation for providing clear guidance and ongoing support to grassroots football clubs during these challenging conditions.
We will continue to keep our members informed of any developments and ask everyone to remain understanding should pitch inspections or weather conditions lead to changes in training schedules or fixtures.