How to conduct a pitch inspection
How to conduct a pitch inspection
It is vital from the referees view point that when asked to undertake a pitch inspection, you do so professionally and remembering the overriding factor of player safety.
It is vital from the referees view point that when asked to undertake a pitch inspection, you do so professionally and remembering the overriding factor of player safety.
Always think - is the playing surface safe to play on?
Always think - is the playing surface safe to play on?
Ensure that you arrive early so that you have enough time to carry out the inspection, in the case where the ground is far away, communicate with the club to see if there is a qualified referee closer who can conduct the inspection.
Ensure that you arrive early so that you have enough time to carry out the inspection, in the case where the ground is far away, communicate with the club to see if there is a qualified referee closer who can conduct the inspection.
A match can be called off due to playing conditions for many reasons but the most common are:
Ice • Standing water • Fog
A match can be called off due to playing conditions for many reasons but the most common are:
Ice • Standing water • Fog
Before making a decision the following should be considered:
Before making a decision the following should be considered:
Is the playing surface is dangerous?
Could the weather conditions take a turn for the worst?
Views of the home team/groundsman in terms of their knowledge of draining in the case of standing water.
The existing condition of the surface with the future weather in mind.
Is the playing surface is dangerous?
Could the weather conditions take a turn for the worst?
Views of the home team/groundsman in terms of their knowledge of draining in the case of standing water.
The existing condition of the surface with the future weather in mind.
When conducting the pitch inspection it should be done so in your warm up kit with boots, this will allow you to judge the hardness of the ground. You should take a ball out with you so that you can determine if the surface will impact the ball in regards to direction and movement.
When conducting the pitch inspection it should be done so in your warm up kit with boots, this will allow you to judge the hardness of the ground. You should take a ball out with you so that you can determine if the surface will impact the ball in regards to direction and movement.
Unplayable surfaces are unfortunately part of the game so therefore you need to ensure you are professional in your inspection of the surfaces. Remember, player safety should be at the forefront of your mind and it is vital that you as referee know that the final decision is yours.
Unplayable surfaces are unfortunately part of the game so therefore you need to ensure you are professional in your inspection of the surfaces. Remember, player safety should be at the forefront of your mind and it is vital that you as referee know that the final decision is yours.
