Pitches

Pitch Inspections

The referee's decision is final as to whether or not the game is called off. This is assuming that the groundsman has not closed the venue.

When deciding whether or not to play you must not call a game off just because of what is forecast. You must make your decision on the state of the field of play (FOP) as you inspect it and the weather conditions at that time.

Safety is your main concern when inspecting the pitch you should consider the following factors:

• What is the age of your players?
• How hard is any rain, hail or snow falling?
• Is there free standing water or wet mud on the FOP which would stop a rolling ball dead?
• Is the one small wet area in a critical and well used area of the field of play (or is it a small patch in the corner of the FOP)?
• Is the FOP rutted, which could be potential trip hazard or cause ankles to twist?
• How frozen is the surface? How much grass is on the frozen surface? If any, is the frozen surface sharp with small ruts?
• Will the surface take a stud? This may depend on the size and weight of the players.
• Is the sun thawing the FOP? Perhaps it will safer if you wait a short while, e.g. 20-30 mins (be aware of any games which may be booked on the same FOP later).

There are more and more factors which could cause you to postpone a game. The main concern is the safety of the players - it is your call as the appointed referee. Do not be swayed by pressure from managers, coaches or players.

Pitch Fitness

If asked to inspect a pitch for fitness in order to prevent a team from travelling then please do so. For public pitch conditions, you can call the numbers below, or contact the home team. Please remember that it is the referee's own responsibility to ensure a match is off.

Area and Day	Contact	Phone No.	Time
Portsmouth and Havant Saturday	Peter Denford	02392 756546	After 10am
Portsmouth Sunday	David Palmer	02392 359436	After 9.30am
Portsmouth Sunday	Brian Mill	02392 250518	After 9.30am
Gosport Borough	Nick Taplin	02392 524738	After 9.15am
Havant Sunday	Terry Venn	07923 539827	After 9.30am

Postponed and Abandoned Matches

If a referee travels to a ground having not been notified of cancellation then they will be entitled to half match fee plus expenses. In Havant League and Cup games, full match fee plus expenses may be claimed. Should a referee decide that a match cannot be played due to the state of the ground, light or weather conditions, they can claim half match fee plus expenses.

If a referee travels to a Gosport & Fareham League or Cup game which has been cancelled due to a problem with players, then they can claim full match fee plus expenses; if due to weather, then half match fee plus expenses. In the Portsmouth Saturday League and Cup, should a game be adandoned at or before half time, full match fee plus expenses may be claimed.