Grounds Management Framework

The Grounds Management Framework (GMF) sets the industry benchmark for maintaining top-quality natural turf sports surfaces. This comprehensive framework is regularly updated with performance standards and expert insights. It's your go-to resource for achieving excellence in grounds management.

Whether you want to assess the quality of a playing surface, identify the skills and knowledge required for top-notch maintenance, or plan your career progression, the GMF has you covered. It brings together essential elements such as benchmarking, skills development, and resource management into one easy-to-use guide that helps you make the most of your resources and budget.

Discover the five levels of the GMF and access the tools you need to enhance your skills, expand your knowledge, and achieve the highest standards in sports turf management. Start by taking our GMF self-assessment to determine where you stand and what steps to take next.

 

Know your GMF level

It's crucial to know which level of the Grounds Management Framework (GMF) you are at. This knowledge helps you understand the condition of your playing surface as well as your current skills and knowledge. More importantly, it guides you on how to advance to the next level in order to achieve the best possible playing surface.

Haven't figured out your GMF level yet? Take our GMF self-assessment.

TAKE THE GMF SELF-ASSESSMENT

  • Elite
  • High
  • Advanced
  • Good
  • Basic

Found 5 GMF levels

Basic

SummaryA playing surface that is safe for recreational sport and meets the minimum playing needs and expectations of community players nationwide.
Appropriate for
  • Football - Grassroots and Women’s Regional Leagues
  • Cricket - Casual cricket and friendlies
  • Rugby Union - League Levels 9-12
  • Rugby League - Regional Leagues
Find out more

Good

SummaryA playing surface that is good quality and safe for recreational sport. It meets the playing needs and expectations of community players nationwide.
Appropriate for
  • Football - Grassroots and Women’s Regional Leagues
  • Cricket - Local and County Leagues
  • Rugby Union - League Levels 7-9 (with full Mini & Junior teams)
  • Rugby League - National Conference Leagues
Find out more

Advanced

SummaryA playing surface that is high quality and meets the needs of top-level recreational sport. It meets the playing needs and expectations of both community and semi-professional players nationwide.
Appropriate for
  • Football - Step 3 to 6 and Women’s Super League, Championship, & National League
  • Cricket - Feeder Leagues to Premier Leagues
  • Rugby Union - League Levels 3-6
  • Rugby League - National League 1
Find out more

High

SummaryThe playing surface is of a very high quality that meets the needs of professional and semi-professional sport in the UK.
Appropriate for
  • Football - National League and Women’s Super League & Championship
  • Cricket - National Counties and Premier Leagues
  • Rugby Union - Championship
  • Rugby League - Championship
Find out more

Elite

SummaryA playing surface that is of outstanding quality and meets the standards of play for elite sport in the UK. It meets the playing needs and expectations of professional athletes.
Appropriate for
  • Football - International, Premier League, & Championship and Women’s Super League & International
  • Cricket - International and First-Class Counties
  • Rugby Union - International and Premiership
  • Rugby League - International and Super League
Find out more

Professional development

Summary

Continue your professional development with our comprehensive Training & Learning programmes. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, volunteer or just starting out in the industry, our courses and qualifications are designed to enhance your skills and knowledge. From hands-on workshops to online modules, we offer a variety of learning opportunities tailored to meet the needs of the industry.

Find out more

Grounds Management Framework

PERFORMANCE QUALITY STANDARDS

See sport-specific playing surface standards:

  • Cricket
  • Football
  • Rugby League
  • Rugby Union

Find out more

SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE MATRIX

See what’s expected at each GMF level for:

  • Personal Skills
  • Operations, outsourcing, and construction
  • Machinery, materials, and maintenance
  • Assessments and Health & Safety

Find out more

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP

Our partners

About GMA

We are the Grounds Management Association (GMA) - the UK’s leading membership body dedicated to supporting grounds staff.

A not-for-profit organisation, we champion the volunteers, professionals, and businesses that make sport possible.

 

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