What is a Pitch Score?
A Pitch Score is a weighted index from 0 to 100 that combines surface hardness, traction, grass coverage and floodlighting into one defensible number. 80+ is elite, 65-79 is good, 50-64 is marginal, below 50 requires intervention.
Is Pitch Score the same company as Surface Performance?
Yes. Pitch Score is the natural turf testing division of Surface Performance Ltd — a UKAS-accredited testing laboratory. Our invoice and legal correspondence come from Surface Performance Ltd.
How long have you been testing pitches?
Surface Performance Ltd has operated since 2014. The Pitch Score methodology in its current form was finalised in 2022 after consultation with our FA, FIFA, World Rugby and ECB accreditation assessors.
Do you work outside the UK?
Predominantly UK and Ireland. We occasionally undertake assignments elsewhere in Europe for private clients or FIFA Quality Programme assessments. Our technicians are available UK-wide with no regional surcharges.
Standards & Accreditations
Standards & Accreditations
What does UKAS ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation actually mean?
UKAS is the UK Accreditation Service — the government-appointed body for accrediting testing laboratories. ISO/IEC 17025 is the international standard that specifies the requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of testing labs. Our accreditation is audited annually.
Is a Pitch Score test admissible in court?
Yes. UKAS ISO/IEC 17025 is the accreditation standard that makes testing reports admissible as evidence in UK civil courts, and we routinely produce reports used in professional player injury claims and insurance disputes.
Are you approved by the FA?
Yes. We're an FA-approved Performance Quality Standard (PQS) testing provider. Our reports are formatted for direct submission to the FA Licence & Registration Department.
What's the difference between FIFA Quality and FIFA Quality Pro?
FIFA Quality applies to training surfaces and community-level elite venues. FIFA Quality Pro applies to top-level match venues. The technical thresholds are tighter for Pro. We're accredited for both.
Testing & Methodology
Testing & Methodology
How long does a typical pitch survey take?
A single football pitch takes 2-3 hours on site for a full survey including hardness, traction and coverage. Rugby pitches take slightly longer due to discrete-zone testing. Lux surveys add 60-90 minutes per pitch.
Can you test multiple pitches in one visit?
Yes, and most professional clients do. A typical multi-pitch day covers 3-4 pitches for football/rugby venues or up to 6 pitches for a council estate with similar layouts.
Do we need to close the pitch during testing?
The tested pitch needs to be clear of activity during the measurement window. Adjacent pitches can continue normal use. Testing can be scheduled around fixtures, training and maintenance.
Can you test in all weather?
Some measurements (particularly Gmax) are moisture-sensitive and require dry-ish conditions. Extreme rain, frost or waterlogged surfaces invalidate certain readings. We reschedule at no extra cost if weather is unsuitable.
Do you work evenings and weekends?
Standard testing is delivered Monday-Friday 07:00-18:00. Lux testing requires evening/after-dark attendance and is routine. Weekend emergency testing is available by arrangement.
Quotes, Costs & Delivery
Quotes, Costs & Delivery
How much does a Pitch Score assessment cost?
Every engagement is priced on site and scope. We provide a fixed written quote within two working hours of an enquiry, and separate rates are available for multi-pitch portfolio contracts, annual programmes and tournament delivery.
How fast can you attend site?
Standard lead time is 5-10 working days. Urgent post-incident or compliance work we aim to attend inside 48 hours. For annual portfolio contracts we pre-schedule attendance windows.
When do we receive the report?
Within 5 working days of the site visit. Preliminary numerical summaries can be issued inside 24 hours for urgent cases.
Do you accept purchase orders and handle framework agreements?
Yes. We hold framework positions with several local authorities and professional sports estates, and we accept standard PO and invoicing processes for public-sector clients.