The FA announce new ruling on Step 6 ground grading

• Clubs that fail to meet the required grading requirements as at 31 March 2016 will retain their position at Step 6 going forward.
• Leagues with failed clubs must pass a resolution at their next and subsequent AGMs, confirming the agreement of their member clubs to accept clubs without the appropriate grading into the constitution for the ensuing season.
• When a league achieves full membership (number to be agreed), clubs that fail to meet the required grading criteria will then become subject to relegation.
• The criteria for promotion from Step 7 to Step 6 remains as at present.
• Clubs without the appropriate Step 6 grading will not be permitted to enter FA competitions.
• Clubs without the appropriate Step 6 grading will not be permitted to gain promotion to Step 5 (i.e NWCFL Premier Division).
• Clubs without the appropriate Step 6 grading will not be permitted to seek a lateral Step 6 movement to another competition.

Step 6 leagues will not be allowed to accept any additional clubs that do not meet the appropriate ground grading criteria for Step 6.