The JCT 600 Bradford League's system for checking the standard of its clubs pitches has won acclaim.

The ECB, who provided the league with £8,000 of funding this year to develop its scheme, was so impressed it is to use it as the template for all league's for measuring the quality of pitches.

Thanks to the ECB funding it was possible for all 25 clubs to receive a detailed pitch report from and ECB pitch inspector.

These inspections revealed that all 25 clubs were rated above the 50 per cent national PQS standard. And the reports indicated the areas in which clubs can work to further improve their squares.

The results of the inspections have provided valuable data which the league's PQS co-ordinator Rodney Heyhoe has been able to compare to the markings which are given by captains and umpires after every game.

Heyhoe said: "We are delighted that the ECB are so impressed with our scheme and our clubs should be delighted with the fact that all their squares were rated above the national PQS standard.

"We should give praise to our captains and umpires for marking pitches each week. Their input is invaluable, as is the hard work of all the groundsmen around the league.

"The key now is for each club to look at their report and act on its findings so that we can continue to rise the quality of the pitches we play on and hence drive up the standing of the league."

In the coming weeks clubs will receive a short survey from Heyhoe which will seek to ascertain club's views on their ground's rating and determine what actions they are taking based on the ECB pitch report.

Last year there was criticism from some clubs at the way the league published the details of its pitch marking. This year they have been emailed to clubs and explained to club representatives at the November league meeting. Now they are being published here on the website.

The first graph shows the comparison between the ECB pitch ratings and the umpires markings for each ground.

The second is a graph detailing separately the captains' and umpires' pitch and outfield markings.

The third is an alphabetical listing detailing in figures the numerical rating fro each of the 25 clubs.

Heyhoe added: "These are not league tables and should not be interpreted as such. These are documents which simply illustrate the data we have about our pitches and we hope it is helpful to clubs as we continue to strive to improve standards."

Heyhoe revealed to the November League meeting that the Facilities Marking scheme will be revived in 2010. He said: "The Management Board has agreed to the formation of a small working party. They will be looking at what things need to be rated and how the marking will be done.

"We also want input from clubs. If any club has views about the things we should be assessing and marking I would love them to get in touch."