PITCH INSPECTIONS
Make sure to follow the correct procedure

As the cold weather continues to set in, it's getting more and more likely that pitches will become frozen and games get called off.

Clubs are required to have the pitch inspected by an SSMFL Referee before the game can be officially postponed. As the match referee is sometimes travelling a great distance, you may find yourself getting a call to come and look at a pitch close to you. After a number of recent incidents of the correct procedure not being followed, Mick Ewen would like to remind everyone of the following:

PITCH INSPECTIONS 

It has become apparent that some officials are not doing as they should when carrying out pitch inspections on behalf of other match referees.

Therefore the following procedure will be adopted forthwith, which contrary to what you may think, does not require the brains of a rocket scientist.

When you attend a ground to carry out a pitch inspection, YOU will contact the match referee and discuss with him your findings and you will inform the club of the decision you have both come to. The club will inform you of the match referee's name.

Too many of you are not doing this for whatever reason and this practice must cease. Procedures are laid down accordingly and these must be adhered to.

If, when as the match referee you wake from your slumber and realise the weather is not particularly good, there is nothing to stop you ringing the club where you are due to referee and asking them what the current situation is, i.e. is it necessary for an inspection, etc, etc.

It would also help if all referees kept their mobiles switched on, on the day of a game. Believe it or not, it aids contact and allows the pigeons to stay in their warm coops!!

So, if you are not the match referee and are inspecting a pitch, please make sure to contact the match referee and discuss any potential decision with them before saying yes or no to the home club.

6 January 2009