Pitch Inspections:
Pitch Inspections During periods of inclement weather it is important to remind referees of the requirements in relation to pitch inspections.
Who is Responsible for Pitch Inspections?
• It is the responsibility of the match referee to decide whether or not it is safe to start the game.
• The only exception to this is for those grounds which come under the control of local Councils who can declare that games will not go ahead. Usually this decision is made on a Thursday or Friday.
• If a club is concerned about the state of the pitch they can contact the match referee and ask them to carry out an early pitch inspection. This is a good practice, especially if the visiting team has a long way to travel or will incur costs for transport, e.g. coach hire.
• If the appointed referee is unable to make an early inspection or lives some distance from the ground then another referee can carry out the inspection on their behalf. In these circumstances it is important that the referee carrying out the inspection discusses the situation with the match referee prior to making a final decision.
• At no time should the referee be influenced by either of the teams’ opinions on whether or not the game should go ahead.
Conducting the Inspection
• When conducting the pitch inspection the paramount consideration is the players’ safety.
• If there is snow on the ground and the pitch markings cannot be seen then the game cannot go ahead. If, however, the pitch markings can be seen it is possible to play on the snow but bear in mind player safety and ask the questions, “Will it be safe or hard underneath the snow? Will the game become farcical?”
• If there is a light covering of snow or any doubt, it is suggested you put some boots on and take a ball onto the Field of Play. If you feel uncomfortable running on the surface or the ball will not run true this should indicate to you that the game should not be played. Please bear in mind your main responsibility is the safety of the players.
• If there is frost then a good indicator is if the surface does not yield to studded boots it is dangerous and the game should not go ahead irrespective of how small the surface area affected.
• If the sun is out and the temperature is rising then consider delaying the start for thirty minutes but take into consideration what the light conditions will be like at the end of the game. Also ask yourself the question.
“Will conditions improve or get worse?”
• A pitch with hard deep frosted ruts or divots caused by a previous game is less likely to become playable than a pitch with only a“crusty” surface frost.
• If the pitch is waterlogged then the “drop ball” test is always a good indicator, i.e. if the ball does not bounce when it hits the surface then the game may become unsafe or farcical. Always take into account the size of area affected and the location, e.g. a pool of water near the corner flag is less of a problem than in the penalty area.
• When you have made the decision let the teams know as early as possible.
• Finally, do not rush your decision but remember safety is of paramount importance and if in doubt err on the side of caution and do not play the game.
Who is Responsible for Pitch Inspections?
• It is the responsibility of the match referee to decide whether or not it is safe to start the game.
• The only exception to this is for those grounds which come under the control of local Councils who can declare that games will not go ahead. Usually this decision is made on a Thursday or Friday.
• If a club is concerned about the state of the pitch they can contact the match referee and ask them to carry out an early pitch inspection. This is a good practice, especially if the visiting team has a long way to travel or will incur costs for transport, e.g. coach hire.
• If the appointed referee is unable to make an early inspection or lives some distance from the ground then another referee can carry out the inspection on their behalf. In these circumstances it is important that the referee carrying out the inspection discusses the situation with the match referee prior to making a final decision.
• At no time should the referee be influenced by either of the teams’ opinions on whether or not the game should go ahead.
Conducting the Inspection
• When conducting the pitch inspection the paramount consideration is the players’ safety.
• If there is snow on the ground and the pitch markings cannot be seen then the game cannot go ahead. If, however, the pitch markings can be seen it is possible to play on the snow but bear in mind player safety and ask the questions, “Will it be safe or hard underneath the snow? Will the game become farcical?”
• If there is a light covering of snow or any doubt, it is suggested you put some boots on and take a ball onto the Field of Play. If you feel uncomfortable running on the surface or the ball will not run true this should indicate to you that the game should not be played. Please bear in mind your main responsibility is the safety of the players.
• If there is frost then a good indicator is if the surface does not yield to studded boots it is dangerous and the game should not go ahead irrespective of how small the surface area affected.
• If the sun is out and the temperature is rising then consider delaying the start for thirty minutes but take into consideration what the light conditions will be like at the end of the game. Also ask yourself the question.
“Will conditions improve or get worse?”
• A pitch with hard deep frosted ruts or divots caused by a previous game is less likely to become playable than a pitch with only a“crusty” surface frost.
• If the pitch is waterlogged then the “drop ball” test is always a good indicator, i.e. if the ball does not bounce when it hits the surface then the game may become unsafe or farcical. Always take into account the size of area affected and the location, e.g. a pool of water near the corner flag is less of a problem than in the penalty area.
• When you have made the decision let the teams know as early as possible.
• Finally, do not rush your decision but remember safety is of paramount importance and if in doubt err on the side of caution and do not play the game.