The top tier of English non-league football a couple of weeks ago approved the use of 3G pitches in the National League.

At an EGM hosted at AFC Telford’s New Bucks Head ground, the league’s clubs voted in favour of amending Rule 24 - which includes the requirements on playing surfaces, reported the Non-League Paper.

Before this amendment 3G pitches had been approved for use below Step 1 in the pyramid, with Maidstone United reportedly benefiting after moving into the Gallagher Stadium, which has a 3G playing surface.

One can see why non-league clubs are keen on the move to artificial approval. Increasing numbers are wanting to switch to artificial hoping that this will mean fewer postponements and financial benefits in making their stadium a viable prospect for hiring out. Money is such an absolutely key factor in the very existence of non-league clubs, maybe some also think that an artificial surface will also cost them less in the long run in terms of maintenance?

The approval will now have to be ratified by the Football Association and will only include certain grades of 3G pitch.

Justifying the ruling the National League issued a statement saying, "Amongst a raft of company related business, member clubs voted on a special resolution to amend Rule 24 which would incorporate a whole range of conditions and requirements in respect of playing surfaces, both grass and artificial.

“Members gave their consent to the submission of Rule 24 to the Football Association seeking formal approval of all elements contained therein.

“The purpose of seeking the consent of the member clubs on Rule 24 is to enable the amendment sought to be introduced in time for the 2016/17 season, thus allowing continuity for clubs already in membership and those seeking entry from Step3. (Isthmian, Northern and Southern Leagues) at the end of this current season.

“If all the elements around playing surfaces are approved, importantly it will permit the use of artificial surfaces to be included at Step 1 (National) in addition to those already permitted at Step2 (North and South).

“These amendments to rule will also clarify the standards acceptable for artificial surfaces, especially as terminology will change this year to only allow FIFA QUALITY PRO surfaces for playing of fixtures at Steps 1 & 2. Such name change will nevertheless be in line with the previously set criteria of FIFA 2 Star category definition.”

Further explaining the decision, The Non-League Daily quoted The National's League's CEO, Michael Tattersall as saying, "Managers, players and fans all wish to see football played on the best surfaces, whether grass or artificial; and where either are permitted they rightly be of the highest quality possible. Rule 24 opens up those choices and will permit both across all our divisions."

Understandable words, although the whole thing seems slightly badly timed at the moment with the amount of talk in the media surrounding the confusion about potential health risks posed by rubber crumb infill. Google 'artificial pitch cancer fears' and just see the amount of articles recently written on the subject.

If I can recommend one to read to though, it would be this piece by IOG CEO Geoff Webb entitled 3G rubber crumb - an inconvenient truth? It's great to see the IOG getting involved in the debate and Geoff's piece is balanced and gives an excellent overview of the current situation.

As Geoff says, the industry's number one priority must be the safety of the end-user.