If that were true, then how is it refs are calling off games during the day, or after some matches have already been played?Originally Posted by Hunter403
In general though...
It's really frustrating they are all so overly protective of the grounds these days...they are dirt and grass, what's the worse that can happen to them...we're not holding a demolition derby on them for goodness sake
Council can give the go ahead but the ref will have the final say. Things can change between an early morning call by a council officer and the match start time.
I agree that we are at times a bit to protective, but I can see the clubs perspective (wanting to maintain the surface) and the ref's (player safety).
On or off, not everyone will be happy.
Relegation can?t come quick enough for lakes
Referee?s won?t ever call it off purely based on ground preservation, that?s on the clubs I believe.
Referee?s only factor in player safety when deciding to abandon or call off a match due the wet weather
From recent experiences, referees will only call the game off after it?s started if it?s dangerous to play, we had this with our PYL Girls a couple of weeks ago, game was called at half time. Coaches and / or Club person can query the referees, respectfully of course, but ultimate decision will be made by the referee.
NNSWF have a policy that they forward to all clubs as a reminder when it looks like we?re getting significant weather. Basically, we the Clubs can call off youth and reserve grade games if we believe it is too wet / dangerous to play. We send photos in, they must have meta data still so you can?t reuse old photos, as supporting evidence. NNSWF reserve the rights to make the decision about First Grade fixtures, and will push to leave the decision as late as possible to give the grounds time to drain.
Council, as the owners of the grounds, push all the liability back on the clubs, at least this is what is happening in Newcastle. If you play / train and destroy the pitch, it?s your responsibility to remediate?this generally means they come and fix it and you receive a bill for the work.
Given the pressure on grounds for training and playing, and the distinct lack of alternate options, each Club will make their own decision as to whether games go ahead or not. Lots of factors to consider, how many upcoming home games are there, senior versus youth matches, JDL home games, etc.
It?s not an easy decision to postpone matches.
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