If a late decision on the fitness of the ground is needed once teams have turned up on the day of the match, it is the responsibility of the team captains to decide on whether the pitch is fit for play. If they disagree then the match day referee should be asked to decide on the fitness of the pitch.
The referee should make it clear to the two captains as to what his decision is. It is for the Clubs to decide as to whether the match proceeds once a decision has been given. If he has decided the pitch is not fit he must not referee the match.
The Referee must before giving a decision thoroughly inspect the playing enclosure and give his decision solely on the basis of his opinion as to its fitness for the match. Once he has clearly communicated the decision he should not engage in any debate on it or why he has made the decision he has.
Once a match has started the referee is the sole judge of fact and law as to whether the pitch is fit for the game to continue. Regardless of the number of minutes played he should abandon a match if he believes it is appropriate so to do.
A late cancellation is one 3hrs or less before kick off and is such the responsibility of the team captains. If they disagree then the referee decides on the state of the pitch. It is up to the teams whether then they play or not.
National Leagues 1/2/3 can ask for an early pitch inspection, one outside the 3hrs to kick off limit.(panel referee, panel touch judge, or group level 5 referee). This could be the day before with due regard being taken of the 24 hrs weather forecast (commonsense when teams are travelling long distances)
Dave Broadwell
Acting Referee Manager
020 8777 4570 / 07802 435745
24.02.05